Advanced driving tests

When I'm asked about the value of advanced tests I usually reply: "It depends on what you are looking for". People have many reasons for wanting to improve their driving skills.

It might be that you are an enthusiast who wants to get the best from the vehicle you drive; you might want to have a greater feeling of security; providing a safer environment for your family could be your motivator.

If you are just looking for a certificate to hang on your wall you will be well advised to have a go at all the tests as they all provide attractive certificates. They may also entitle you to insurance discounts.

Advanced driving tests address all the skills needed for safe road driving, typically these skills will include:

• Gathering information by reading the road
  
• Sympathetic vehicle handling
  
• Using speed safely
  
• Developing advanced car control skills
  
• Enhancing hazard awareness
  
• Commentary driving techniques

Whatever your reasons for wanting to improve your skills you can get get your efforts recognised by passing an advanced driving test. Consider the information below and decide how each test might be of benefit to you.

The IAM test

The stated aim of the Institute of Advanced Motorists is to raise public awareness of road safety and of good driving methods.

The organisation runs a number of local groups to help drivers to prepare for the test. Members and associate members of the groups can have their driving observed and assessed by a special group of 'Observers'.

This is an excellent way to meet people with an interest in driving and to broaden your driving knowledge. Passing the IAM test is of little practical value in itself although you might gain a better insurance deal.

The Institute's main aim is to improve road safety standards, thus making the roads safer for everyone. Because of this they get as many people as possible up to an 'acceptable' safety standard, rather than getting an elite few up to 'very advanced' level.

Further experience of having your driving scrutinised can be gained on observed runs with local groups. These runs can be especially useful when it comes to ironing out bad habits.

Web: http://www.iam.org.uk/

The RoSPA test

The aims of the RoSPA Advanced Drivers Association driving test are much the same as the IAM. There are some local groups but the network is smaller than the IAM.

The RoSPA test is graded. The lowest grade approximates to the standard required for an 'L' pass, the highest is nearer to the standard required by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) for driving test examiners and driving instructors.

The driving style preferred by RoSPA differs slightly from that required by the DSA. In particular they tend to prefer the Roadcraft (Police Driving Manual) method of road positioning for left hand bends.

Practicing RoSPA style driving and studying 'Roadcraft' can develop your flexibility as a driver.

Web: http://www.rospa.com/drivertraining/courses/advanced_tests/car.htm

The DIAmond Advanced test

Administered by the Driving Instructor's Association of Great Britain (DIA), this test qualifies you as a DIAmond Master Driver.

The examiners are driving instructors who have received special training from the DIA.

The DIA test is structured in the same way as the DSA driving instructors driving test and is marked to a similar standard.

The DIA test is probably a good starting point for people wishing to train as driving instructors because of the similarities with the DSA test and the fact that you will be tested by an instructor who may offer valuable advice about becoming an instructor.

Web: http://www.driving.org/

The RAC Advanced Test

This is a relatively new test compared to the others.

Conducted by a qualified driving instructor, the RAC (the parent company of BSM) test includes pre-drive elements such as vehicle checks followed by a 90-minute drive covering urban, rural and motorway/dual carriageway roads and a full assessment.

Successful candidates are awarded passes at a platinum (valid for three years), gold (two years) or silver (one year) grade.

Web: http://www.bsm.co.uk/about_bsm/radc/index.html