About the Advanced Driving Test

Who can take the test?
Why take the test?
How does it work?
How long does it take?
Am I on my own?
What is the test like?
How will I ever manage that?
What are the costs?
Any extras?
Once I’ve passed?
Other Benefits
Lower Insurance?
I'm not sure if I've got the time?
What's the next step?

Who can take the test?

Anyone who has held a full British driving license for at least three months and has not been convicted of a serious traffic offence in the last three years. You must have insurance for your vehicle and your car must be fitted with seat belts.

Why take the test?

Statistics show that your chances of having an accident are cut by two-thirds once you have passed the Advanced Driving Test. Also when you handle your vehicle safely and economically there should be less resulting wear and tear, both on the driver and passengers’ nerves as well as the engine!

How to become an Advanced Driver?

After you join as an associate, you will be assigned to one of our volunteer observers. You will go out for practice drives in your own car collecting your observer from his/her home. The observer sits in your car and provides helpful, constructive comments about putting the advanced driving techniques into practice. You must arrange mutually convenient times each week with your observer and practise the techniques in between. You are also expected to study the IAM publication "How to be a better Driver - Advanced Driving" and the Latest edition of the Highway Code. In addition you will find  "Know your traffic signs" a useful addition to yor course material. When you and your observer agree you are up to test standard, you take the Advanced Test and (if successful) are recommended for membership of the Institute.

How long does it take?

Most people find they can prepare comfortably within the six months allowed by the associate joining fee. Drives last approximately 1 1/2 hours and should be weekly. You will also need to take yourself on practise drives in between observed drives. Our Group has a pass rate of over 90%

Am I on my own?

No! Come along to our monthly meetings. These are held at Wessex Water, Combe Down, Bath on the second Tuesday / Wednesday of each month commencing at 19:30 hrs, except August when we often have an outdoor activity. Visitors / guests are especially welcome. There is a nominal charge of £1 on the door and 20p towards refreshments during the break.

What is the test like?

The test lasts for 90 minutes and covers 35-40 miles on all kinds of roads from country lanes to motorways. There is opportunity to show driving skills, concentration, and handling the vehicle capably and sympathetically. The examiner holds the Police Advanced Driving Certificate and is an expert judge of a motorist’s abilities

How will I ever manage that?

If you really want to do something, you find a way! The Bath Group of Advanced Motorists aims to support and guide people who want to reach the Advanced standard for the test. Our observers are highly trained, even though they are all volunteers and give their time freely.

They will be able to help you identify any motoring bad habits and suggest what you should be doing instead! A lot of the points raised often make very good sense – it’s just that they’ve never been pointed out before.

What are the costs?

You may apply either directly to the Bath & District Group (preferred) or to IAM Head Office in London, but in both cases the price and package offered are the same. The benefit of applying directly through your local group is that you can start more quickly, and there is less paperwork.

Any extras?

Yes! At no extra charge. As an associate member you receive the Group newsletter and can participate in Group activities. At our Group Meetings there will be plenty of chance to talk and find out more about the IAM and the test.

Once I’ve passed?

Your test fee includes one year’s membership of the national IAM; our local group charges only £7.50 per annum (although you must retain your national IAM membership) and includes not only our regular magazine, meetings but also free observing toward any other class of test. If you are interested in becoming an observer for the group, we also provide a very thorough, staged training course which culminates in the Senior Observer’s test.

Other Benefits

• Advanced drivers were involved in almost 20% fewer accidents than 'ordinary' drivers
  
• Over three years, only 6% of advanced drivers recorded any licence endorsements, compared with 27% of random male and 8% of random female drivers
  
• Advanced drivers are more likely than 'ordinary' drivers to remain accident free over the three years and are less likely to be involved in injury accidents.
  
• Nearly two-thirds of advanced drivers had some professional or work related reason for taking the test
  
• It was concluded that advanced drivers are safer than 'ordinary' drivers.
  

Lower Insurance?

There are also special insurance deals available; they may not be the cheapest quote you can find, but they do have the most comprehensive cover at that price. Those under 26 for whom insurance is a lot more costly, often find that having passed the advanced test allows them a greatly reduced premium. The greatly reduced chance of having an accident in the first place also affects no claims discount in the longer term. There is a wide range of other discounts on various motoring products and services, and the national magazine, "Advanced Driving" is very enjoyable to read. There are trips abroad and a wealth of advice including up-to-date legal and technical information.

I'm not sure if I've got the time?

You’d be surprised how you can build the training into your everyday driving – the more you learn, the more enjoyable driving will be, and life should actually feel less stressful when you know you’re driving safely but still making good progress, following the system of car control. Take the first step and send off the Group application form now!

What's the next step?

You can either join the local group directly, or via IAM head office. Either way, you’ll receive the same high standard of observing, the same enthusiastic welcome and benefits of Associate Membership of the Bath Group.

Click here for details of how to join the group directly.