After passing his driving test at 17, Hugh moved on to complete the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driving Course in 2019.

Ask any young motorcyclist why they ride, and ‘a sense of freedom’ often comes up.

We’re beginning to experience darker and chillier starts to the day, and soon we’ll be driving and riding home from work in the dark

Our Masters program allows you to build on your skills as an existing Advanced Road user

American author Mark Twain said it best, "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

Aliz, who grew up in Romania, prefers two wheels to four: "I love the freedom to explore the county of Hertfordshire or take a weekend-long tour in the Alps.

Caffeine can be a controversial topic when it comes to driver safety. Many of us delight in the clarity that comes with the first coffee of the day

When you buy a new vehicle, the last thing you’ll think of is needing to replace it. You don’t want to plan for theft or a major accident, but with one extra insurance policy you can be fully covered for the worst outcomes.

Despite summer arriving late, the days are getting shorter so it’s important to adjust driving preparation and style to match the hazards that autumn can bring

Why are some cities introducing charges for vehicles to enter? To improve air quality, some local authorities are introducing charges for the most polluting vehicles to enter a designated boundary.

The August Bank Holiday weekend is approaching, and although the weather doesn’t look great it’s predicted that millions of cars will be out on the road.

Choosing a car seat for your child can be such an overwhelming and confusing topic and it can be hard to sift through and keep track of each rule in a constantly evolving world of child passenger safety.

Even the most experienced drivers could be caught out by some of the more obscure rules and regulations of The Highway Code

I am sure many of you have thought about the approaching 2030 government deadline ending the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles and wondered what life will be like post 2030?

It’s been a soggy few weeks for many in the UK but, with temperatures set to rise over the next few days, IAM RoadSmart is here to help you.

If you live and ride a motorcycle or scooter in the UK, you’ll be familiar with the term layering up

As we say goodbye to the sixth wettest July on record*, we can only hope for warmer temperatures in August.

As the nights draw in it’s a great time to take stock and make sure you have the insurance cover in place to keep your most prized assets protected – your home.

Living with a disability can have an impact on things many people take for granted, but that doesn’t have to mean losing out on the freedom of driving

It’s the start of summer holidays this week, and you may be thinking about going on holiday, having a day out, or visiting friends and family.

It could be argued that the whole of The North Coast 500 is just one big spectacular view, and who are we to argue! In this blog, we will explore the top 10 scenic views on the North Coast 500 that you won't want to miss.

Although fuel prices seem to have stabilised over the past few months, the cost-of-living crisis is still forcing us to tighten our belts

With summer in full swing, IAM RoadSmart has some useful tips on making sure your dog doesn’t suffer in hot conditions. Everyone knows dogs can die if left in a car on a hot day, but it’s not just being left in a car that can cause them to overheat.

Staying cool is essential for both enjoyment and safety, and you should never use hot weather as an excuse to scrimp on protection.

Travel is big this year: bookings are on the up, with flights set to exceed those taken in 2019. So, it’s possible you’ve got a trip or two in the diary.

Geoff Salt has been an IAM motorcycle observer for 27 years and has observed more than 150 RoadSmart members who all went on to pass their Advanced Test with IAM.

With the six-week summer break on the horizon many families will be heading to Europe for the holidays but, did you know there are some compulsory items you need to make sure you carry in the vehicle?

To celebrate Armed Forces Day, IAM RoadSmart caught up with IAM member and National Observer Andrew Wiley, a member of the armed forces for more than 30 years.

When was the last time you dusted off your copy of the Highway Code? Packed full of rules and advice to help keep road users safe, it’s essential reading for learner drivers as well as more experienced motorists.

Marcus is a retired police officer and has been an IAM RoadSmart Examiner for more than 30 years.

As temperatures rise across the UK, many of us will start to see more people opting for the two-wheeled alternative to make their journeys.

As any of you who have met me will probably know, as well as the Chief Examiner of IAM RoadSmart I identify as a kart racing petrol head (notice the distinction of no “Go”, we do get sensitive about that).

With half term on the horizon, many families will take advantage of the break and head off for a change of scenery. However, taking a long road trip with children can be a daunting prospect.

As someone who considers themselves resilient to life’s challenges, I never thought that I would be at risk of anxiety or depression, but life can throw grenades at you, and sometimes you’re just not able to cope and need a little bit of expert support.

Motorists are being urged to swat up on their driving knowledge as several new laws and rules are set to come into effect this year.

On the theme of 'anxiety', this year's Mental Health Awareness Week is from 15th – 21st May. With the help of Ben, the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, we’re looking at ways to help anyone living with anxiety.

Over the last year, I’ve had an amazing journey. I have completed my IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver course with a F1RST, which led to me becoming a National Observer.

Find peace of mind when you insure online. For a quick, comparative car insurance quote, try Cornmarket’s online service – with an exclusive Price Match for IAM RoadSmart members.

Golden Girl Gilly Miller will be celebrating 50 years as an IAM RoadSmart member later this year. Gilly is the Vice Chair and currently Acting Chair at Basingstoke Advanced Motorists (BAM).

On 9th January 2020 I was driving to work, it was no different from any journey until I was hit head on by a driver who had fallen asleep. In that split second my entire driving career would change forever.

Most drivers know that worn or defective tyres on their vehicle can result in a fine and penalty points, but they are less likely to realise that driving with bad vision is punishable with a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points and a ban. Not to mention it can also increase your risk of a crash.

Your eyes are a vital tool when it comes to road safety, and since our eyesight is only checked when we take a driving test, it is up to us to look after our vision.

Do you know what the warning lights on your car’s dashboard mean? There are several of them, and just one could strike you in the pocket.

The thought of driving abroad can, at first, seem intimidating, yet it can also be hugely rewarding. Not only is it a great way to see where you’re visiting, it’s also a fantastic experience as you can often experience wide open, virtually deserted roads that are, literally, a world away from the ones in the UK.

Over 40 Observers from the two clubs, together with two guests from the Plymouth group, all met in Tiverton, Dorset, for a successful weekend of Observer training.

Rural roads are major and minor roads outside our towns and cities, and at times they can be difficult to navigate. Many of them are narrow, with blind bends and limited safe places to pass, and have no pavement or cycle paths.

It was a shock when I retired to Cornwall aged 60 and finding out that my 45 years riding in and around London had in no way prepared me for life on two wheels in rural Cornwall.

From MOT to road tax to insurance, there’s a lot to remember when running and owning a vehicle. Waiting for the result of an MOT test can be an anxious time, so it’s best to be prepared.

With many people currently struggling with the cost of living the thought of parting with more money can be a painful one. When it comes to our cars the costs are creeping up, everything from petrol prices, road tax, and normal wear, and tear, but could new government legislation on the future of the MOT, help save us money?

This Mothering Sunday IAM RoadSmart is looking to highlight all the strong women that take on that role. Mother’s come in all shapes and sizes including step mums, grandmothers, foster mums and even aunties.

Most of us have come across aggressive drivers since we first got behind the wheel of a car or sat on a bike. People these days are in a hurry to get from A to B making the roads places often fraught with stress.

How would you know if you were fit to drive the morning after drinking alcohol? IAM RoadSmart, the leading road safety charity in the UK, is warning drivers of the dangers of driving with a hangover.

Coinciding with International Women’s Day, IAM RoadSmart is raising awareness of the importance of keeping women safe on the roads with some expert advice to minimise the anxiety some women may have when travelling.

With high fuel prices, MOT, tax, regular maintenance, and unexpected repair costs, IAM Roadsmart knows how expensive owning a car can get – and, in these uncertain times, many drivers are looking for ways to cut their motoring costs.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

Have you seen our videos covering the courses we offer? Everyone involved in the filming are IAM RoadSmart members, employees or people who have recently completed a course. Find out more.

Technology in cars is not a new thing. Assisted breaking, cruise control and mobile connectivity has been making our car journeys easier, but when does it become too much?

Neil is a retired police officer whose forces career included 16 years as a police motorcyclist, plus training other officers how to safely patrol motorways.

Stephanie has been on two wheels since she was a 16-year-old when she purchased her first bike, a Puch Maxi Moped. Struggling with the rising cost of public transport, Stephanie found the moped a cost-efficient alternative.

According to Alcohol Change, nearly 9 million people across the UK were set to participate in Dry January this year! Were you one of them?

Accidents and breakdowns are more common in the winter when road conditions are challenging and with a cold snap forecast for parts of the UK, now is the time to check your vehicle is ready for the road.

Are you planning a romantic road trip this Valentine’s Day? Or maybe a family getaway over half term? Whilst planning your route, packing your bags, and making sure your home is secured before you set off, do you make sure that you and your car are fully prepared for your long drive?

With his love of motorbikes starting at the age of 10, after his dad passed his IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider course in 2013, Niall caught the bug for all things two-wheels.

You may have seen Nigel recently in our For the Road Ahead video which focuses on the freedom that driving gives older drivers, and how a Mature Driver Review can aid this.

With the cost-of-living crisis impacting many of us, IAM RoadSmart is looking at ways motorists can keep costs down without compromising on safety. Making small changes to the way we drive or ride and look after our vehicles can add up to big savings.

Having passed my driving test when I was seventeen years old, four decades ago, it’s fair to say I am an experienced, confident driver. However, I know there is always room for improvement.

As we head into 2023, new year’s resolutions are often at the forefront of our minds. We might want to cut down on junk food, exercise more, spend more time with the family or finally kick that bad habit. But how about a new adventure?

The snow and heavy rain that many of us experienced over the last month have left behind a trail of destruction with potholes filling our roads.

As we’re in the coldest, darkest months of the year here in the UK, we thought we’d reach out to the team at RideTo to offer us their hints & tips for riding in winter and the dangers that can come along with it.

Since passing my driving test at 17 years old I would happily drive anywhere. Distance never concerned me because I felt confident in my ability.

With snow impacting many of us in the UK this week, now is a good time to remind everyone how to drive safely when the temperature drops below zero.

Listed amongst one of the must-haves this Christmas, e-scooters are flying off the shelves with thousands expected to sell before the big day.

Driving in winter can be difficult, and fog frequently makes the dark mornings and evenings more dangerous. It is important to know exactly how to adapt your driving behaviour to suit the weather conditions at the time.

While the festive period is a merry time for lots of people, for some, it can be a particularly difficult. Mental Health Motorbike (MHM) is a charity that exists to support the mental health and wellbeing of its members at all times of the year.

Christmas is a time for family, food & drink and of course presents! Most of us will be travelling at some point over the festive period, on roads that will inevitably be busier than usual.

In support of Road Safety Week, Brake’s biggest annual road safety campaign, IAM RoadSmart is helping everyone to know how they can be a safer pedestrian.

I started working for IAM RoadSmart back in August 2022 and since then, it feels like my knowledge and education surrounding driving has changed so much.

Yet again, the cost-of-living crisis is tightening its grip on UK motorists. The 2022 RAC Report has found that more than a third of drivers aged 17 to 24 are avoiding necessary vehicle repairs to save money during the financial crisis.

IAM RoadSmart surveyed 1,004 motorists on which roads they are most worried about driving on. 60% of respondents expressed concern about getting behind the wheel, in some form.

In this safe driving blog, Head of Driving and Riding Standards Richard Gladman reminds us about how to make night driving safer with some simple checks.

Okay so after I failed my mock test, I met with my Observer, Ian Souter. We had a chat about the test and what we felt I needed to work on.

The 31st of October is an exciting day of the year for many children and parents going trick-or-treating or off to Halloween parties.

On Sunday 30th October the clocks are going back - good news for those of us who will enjoy an extra hour in bed! However, it also means we’re going to be travelling to and from work in the dark a lot more.

This session would be with my IAM Observer, Ian Souter and Charlie, who is the Chief Observer for the MKAM (Milton Keynes Advanced Motorists) who I am doing my IAM course with.

The hormonal changes of the menopause can be uncomfortable, distressing and unpredictable, and with the number of people experiencing menopause expected to reach 1.1 billion people by 2025.

After my last observed ride, my IAM observer, Ian Souter, said the next session would be a mock test. Today was the next session! I’ve got to say I was a little nervous. But Ian put me at my ease fairly quickly and the weather was on my side which was a good start.

National Safe Speeds Day encourages motorists to comply with speed limits. It also encourages motorists to understand the benefits of legal and safe speeds.

I met my IAM observer, Ian Souter, for my fifth observed ride at Ashridge. We were lucky with the weather today. Although it had been raining in the morning. By the afternoon it had stopped and pretty much dried up by the time we met which was good.

As part of this year’s Tyre Safety Month campaign, motorists are being urged to consider the risks involved in inadequate safety checks on their vehicle’s tyres and the potentially fatal consequences if they need to stop in an emergency.

Reem Ahmed explains the two good reasons why she decided to brush up on her driving skills with IAM RoadSmart.

We are all aware of the cost-of-living crisis and know that, now more than ever, every saving helps. With fuel prices considered to be one of the highest personal costs in the UK, now is a great time to familiarise yourself with ways to save fuel without too much compromise. So, how can we save on our fuel consumption?

What’s the best way to tackle a steep and winding road safely? In another of our series of safe driving articles, Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart’s Head of Driving & Riding Standards, offers his expert advice.

Driving into an unfamiliar city or even town can be stressful. Here’s IAM RoadSmart’s Head of Driving & Riding Standards, Richard Gladman, with some helpful pointers as part of his Safer Driving series.

I met my IAM observer, Ian Souter, for my fourth observed ride of my Advanced Riding Course at Ashridge. It had been raining on an off all morning, although more on than off and that set the scene for the afternoon too. When I met Ian, it started peeing down so we stood under a tree to wait for it to ease.

Do you find yourself getting distracted when driving or riding? There is always activity happening around us on the roads. Distractions can occur inside or outside the vehicle, taking our focus away from the road ahead.

I met my IAM observer, Ian Souter, for my third observed ride at Woburn Triumph. Thankfully when I arrived there the sun was shining but I had ridden through a thunderstorm with some hailstones thrown in along the way so I was hoping the sun would dry me out a little!

I read an excellent report recently from the TRL Academy - Transport 2020: Addressing future mobility needs which sets out expert views on many of the challenges for society as we move towards more autonomous and connected vehicles. The report poses lots of questions – for many it will take several years before we have a definitive answer.

I met my IAM observer, Ian Souter, for my second observed ride of the Advanced Rider Course at Ashridge. The sun was shining and we were in for a beautiful afternoon. I had no nerves today and was actually looking forward to today’s session.

What are the implications of poor eyesight and driving? According to official UK government statistics, in 2020, uncorrected or defective vision was a contributory factor in 10 fatal crashes, 56 serious injury crashes and 99 slight injury crashes.

I’ve now had my first observed ride as part of my IAM RoadSmart course and I’ve got to say it was really good. I was apprehensive before I met up with my observer, Ian Souter, about what to expect.

On the 29th of January we saw eight new rules as well as 49 revisions to existing rules introduced in the Highway Code. Now 8 months on how have things developed? Have you been putting the new rules into practice?

At IAM Roadsmart, we absolutely love hearing from people who have taken part in one of our Advanced Courses. That’s why we were so excited when Biker Kaz got in touch with us to share her experience.

It would appear that I am embarking on an Advanced Rider Course. Oo er! I thought I would do a regular piece as I go along so you can see the whole process and how I am getting on.

What do you do when you need a holiday after a couple of years being stuck at home because of successive Covid-19 lockdowns? You drive to the Arctic Circle of course! That was exactly what IAM RoadSmart member Zak Southwood, and his girlfriend Darcy McGowan did at the start of this year; fulfilling Zak’s long held ambition to take the trip to the outer reaches of Europe.

When we started planning our trip to the Isle of Wight, I was more focused on making sure we had everything for the trip, forgetting that the charge on the car would be vital.

Alcohol and drugs aren’t the only things that can impair driving and riding abilities. There are many medical conditions that can make it difficult or dangerous, ranging from eye and vision problems to cognitive conditions that might affect judgement and reactions.

Riding a motorcycle is adventurous and an exhilarating experience. However, the harsh reality is that an average of 6 motorcyclists died and 115 were seriously injured per week in reported road casualties between 2015 to 2020.

IAM RoadSmart’s Head of Driving & Riding Standards Richard Gladman offers sound safety advice for driving on narrow country lanes in part three of his expert driving tips.

A recent IAM RoadSmart Twitter poll found that just under half (44.4%) of respondents said they find infotainment systems distracting, while 42.1% found other road users distracting. Distractions impair our ability to react quickly and could have serious consequences for you, the driver, other passengers - plus of course other road users and pedestrians. Here are some tips to help you avoid distractions while you’re driving.

Temperatures across the UK have soared to over 30 degrees this week, and more people are heading out on the roads to enjoy it. We may consider ourselves to be a nation of dog lovers, but it seems we’re still putting our four-legged friends at risk when it comes to travelling in warmer weather.

Who doesn’t love the idea of hopping into the car and taking to the open road to kick-off our holiday, or for a carefree, weekend trip away. However, with schools about to break-up for the summer and August bank holiday weekend just around the corner, you’re unlikely to be the only person planning at least one weekend of driving over the coming weeks, so thinking ahead is a must.

In this the second of IAM RoadSmart’s series of expert driving tips, Head of Driving & Riding Standards Richard Gladman, takes a closer look at safe motorway driving.

Richard Gladman has written the second part of his experience of owning an electric car. "Part two sees me using the EV for an Examiner Quality Assurance assessment, and luckily for me the assessment is for the examiner who lives closest to me. A couple of days without any business-use and the car, if charged to the recommended 80% at cheap overnight rates, should see me do a day’s work without charging."

Whether you’re staying in the UK, or driving to the airport, before taking your car onto the roads this summer, IAM RoadSmart’s Head of Driving & Riding Standards Richard Gladman, has a few top tips to ensuring your journey is a smooth one.

At 24 Rebecca had been driving for several years, so what did she gain from taking the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driving Course last year? Confidence, more enjoyment out of driving, improved observation skills and tools to aid concentration.

Warm, sunny weather and long days make summer an ideal time for motorcycling. But with parts of the UK already seeing temperatures of over 30 degrees, IAM RoadSmart is warning motorcyclists to be prepared before setting off on those summer rides and know how to keep your cool this summer.

A 26-year-old Sue Cole passed her driving test on her third attempt in 1986 and has enjoyed driving ever since. Since retiring, she's spent many years working at a girl’s school in Worcestershire, where she was often behind the wheel of the school minibus four or five times a week taking students to and from trips. You can read Sue's full review here.

It’s that time of year again when we say goodbye to our winter coats and start digging out our summer wardrobe –many of us might start wearing our comfy flip flops once again.

Road law continues to evolve, and this year we’re seeing some significant changes that will affect millions of Brits. Let’s look at the recent and imminent changes and how they could affect us.

Roy Craig tells us about his long-time love of cars and how being an IAM RoadSmart member has helped him to improve his driving. Read on to find out more.

This week it was announced that the number of recorded vehicle thefts in the last 12 months has reached nearly 90,0001. With the majority of police forces around the UK recording an increase in car thefts over the last year, IAM RoadSmart is on hand to give their top tips to help keep your car safe from thieves.

The name Stirling Moss is one familiar to us all – but how many know the story of one his most famous wins?

IAM RoadSmart’s 180 local groups rely on the dedication of their volunteers, and we are grateful to every one of those members around the country for giving us their time and expertise and always deeply saddened when we lose one of the IAM RoadSmart family.

Alex Beeston, Membership Secretary and Associate Co-ordinator at Thames Valley Group of Advanced Motorists, writes about his enjoyment of volunteering and how he uses his ex-profession to support and improve his volunteering role.

With many of us set to travel over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend, IAM RoadSmart are looking at some of the common confusions that drivers and riders face when travelling on UK motorways.

John Shellcross is one of IAM Roadsmart’s longstanding members. We recently had a chat with him to find out about his years behind the wheel and to understand what he thinks about modern driving and roads, and why he thinks the Advanced Driving Test is a good idea.

Filtering is the act of overtaking slow moving or stationary traffic by travelling between lanes and it’s completely legal if it is done safely. Richard Gladman, Head of Driving and Riding Standards at IAM RoadSmart, is on hand to give his expert advice to filtering safely and helping all road users to know the rules around filtering.

IAM RoadSmart’s Skills Days not only allow you to test yourself as a driver in a safe environment, but also ensure you learn some top driving tips from the pros to help you to be more confident and assured in your ability to handle different every day driving challenges.

In the second of his review of his IAM Road Smart Advanced Rider Course, Paul Oxborough, Founder of Mental Health Motorbike, talks us through his week two reflections and what he feels he’s learned as a result.

Roadworks can slow down your journey, cause major disruption and bring havoc to your day. With 6,590 traffic incidents reported on UK roads between 2016 and 2020, navigating the maze of roadworks on our highways has never been more important. IAM RoadSmart’s Head of Driving and Riding Standards, Richard Gladman, has some top tips to help make navigating them a little bit easier.

"In the last 24 hours I started my IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider Course and it’s surprising to me just how much I’ve been reflecting in that time. " Paul Oxborough, Founder of Mental Health Motorbike, has written the latest blog on what he's learnt so far on his journey to becoming an IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider.

Pollen is in abundance during springtime, and this is when flowers start to bloom resulting in pollen levels becoming high. To help you to cope better with your hay fever symptoms whilst driving and riding, IAM RoadSmart are on hand with their top tips for hitting the road with hay fever.

"This year, these last three months have been so very hard. My mum was diagnosed with cancer at the end of December and then we lost her at the end of March. This has created a ripple affect across the family..."

Richard Gladman, Head of Driving and Riding Standards at IAM RoadSmart, is writing a series of blogs to shine a light on the realities of driving an electric car.

The Easter break is nearly upon us, and many people will be setting off on that Spring getaway for a chance to unwind. But with airports reporting cancellations and lengthy delays, will you be choosing to take the car?

Welcome to the first in IAM RoadSmart’s new series of expert driving tips from Head of Driving & Riding Standards Richard Gladman. Over the coming weeks we’ll cover everything from safe motorway driving to how to navigate a single-track road, a steep incline or preparing for driving abroad. This week Richard talks us through what we need to think about before we’ve even left home.

The Highway Code was updated earlier this year to introduce a risk-based hierarchy of road users, which places more responsibility on the drivers of larger vehicles to look after more vulnerable road users. But are pet owners aware of the rule that relates to having four-legged passengers in the car?

The clocks are going forward, which means days will soon be longer than nights for the next six months and dark winter mornings spent scraping the windscreen are now a distant memory. It’s time to dust off your leathers and make sure your motorbike is in tip top condition for the warmer weather ahead, whilst not neglecting your car in the meantime. This week’s tips from IAM RoadSmart will help you prepare yourself and your motor for those brighter days ahead.

Changes could be on their way to not only improve much-needed driving test availability, but also safety. If they go ahead, these will be the most significant changes since 2017 when new elements were introduced to the test itself, including learning to follow satnav instructions, testing different manoeuvres, such as driving into and reversing out of a parking space learning how to park and pull away facing oncoming traffic.

While driving and riding when tired isn't in the top fatal five causes of crashes it has a huge impact on your ability to focus and react. Find out the effects and how to combat them. Learn about some tips and countermeasures you could start employing today. From erratic driving behaviours to low tolerance levels and much more.

Just months after scrapping relevant tests, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is set to introduce training schemes in March 2022 to help drivers familiarise themselves ahead of towing caravans and trailers. IAM RoadSmart is on hand with some top tips to help keep you and others safe on the roads and clarify what has changed.

The ever-fluctuating (and often increasing) cost of fuel is something all motorists would’ve been noticing over the past year, and that’s why IAM RoadSmart has put together their own top tips for driving and riding more eco-friendly, which in turn can help cut the amount of fuel you use.

Many people would've found themselves dreaming that one day they would own a classic car. Well, if you ever make that dream a reality, we have some useful advice on how to keep it in tip-top condition that'll be sure to keep that spark alive.

As part of changes to The Highway Code, introduced on 29th January 2022, drivers of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision now bear the greatest responsibility. This new hierarchy of road users sees cyclists ranked second alongside horse riders, so IAM RoadSmart is on hand to offer expert advice on how best to share the road with cyclists – whilst keeping yourself and others safe.

The Highway Code is set to change on the 29th January, with eight new rules being introduced as well as 49 revisions to existing rules. Among the changes is a new ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’ that will prioritise vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, over larger motorised vehicles.

In this story, Bob (a 50-year member with IAM) talks us through his driving experiences, favourite car, how IAM RoadSmart helped him and what he loves about being an IAM RoadSmart member.

Our latest IAM RoadSmart member story involves Clive and his passion for motorcycles which he rediscovered through learning new skills at IAM RoadSmart. Read how IAM RoadSmart gave him the skills to go from rider to observer and how his journey led him to being an award winning Volunteer.

Natalie from Car Seat Ninja, a mum of four who’s on a mission to provide comprehensive car seat advice and a retail service, is offering her years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to help every parent and guardian to keep their child safe on every journey.

Winter tends to bring with it difficult driving and riding conditions, so now is a good time to remind ourselves how to drive safely when the temperature drops below zero whilst ensuring our tyres are up to scratch. With freezing conditions expected this week, it’s time to take extra care when travelling on the roads.

"It’s not that I didn’t trust my partner, but with the most precious cargo we’ve ever carried in the car, I wanted to do everything I could to protect him." Carli Ann Smith received the IAM Roadsmart Advanced Driver course from her grandad as a Christmas gift, and you can read all about her journey here.

Eddy Lambah-Stoate, passionate IAM RoadSmart member, motorbike enthusiast and content creator, shares his passion about all things on two wheels. This article retells an experience from 2018.

Stephen Carr’s latest achievement is completing and passing his Mental Health First Aid course and becoming a registered volunteer with the charity. Read all about his journey here.

"People often say that you begin to learn to drive after you’ve passed your test. The same goes for passing the Advanced test, as I did at age 20." Richard Gentle, IAM RoadSmart member for 40 years, tells us about his journey over the decades.

Christmas shopping can be the perfect way to start the festivities this season, and with some well thought out plans it shouldn’t break the bank to park.

In 2020, over 18,000 accidents were reported across the UK where rain, snow, fog, or high winds were a contributing factor. More severe road traffic accidents are happening in winter due to motorists being unprepared for driving in winter weather and ignoring weather warnings, and IAM RoadSmart believes now is the time to remind drivers how to drive safely when the temperature drops, and the daylight hours get shorter.

Christmas doesn’t have to be a burden on the planet. With a little imagination and planning you can have all the festive fun without the footprint.

Stress is something everyone feels at times, and there are all kinds of stressful situations that can be a part of daily life. Christmas is a time of year that can add additional stresses to our lives so it’s very important to monitor and pay attention for your wellbeing – after all, mental health doesn’t take time off at Christmas.

With the arrival of colder and wetter weather, most riders decide now is the time to hang up their helmets and stop using their bike throughout winter. However, it isn’t as simple of just not riding a motorbike, that's why IAM RoadSmart has pulled together some top tips on how to store your motorcycle safely.

As part of a Ten-point plan to support its net zero goals to 2050, the UK government announced a plan to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 onwards. But is the UK’s charging infrastructure ready?

Raymond Clarke from Lisburn Advanced Motorcyclist tells his story from qualifying as an IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider to Observer. "By way of explanation and as an indication of where I am on the journey that most, if not all, riders are on, I offer the following..."

Dan Given became Lisburn Advanced Motorcyclist’s (LAM) youngest ever Advanced rider when he passed his test in September 2021, aged 19.

As an IAM RoadSmart poll revealed reduced levels of confidence among non-advanced riders and drivers, Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart’s Head of Driving and Riding Standards, shares the essential skills everyone needs for staying sharp and keeping safe.

Neil Grieg, IAM RoadSmart's Director of Policy and Research, has written a blog on his appearance on Radio 4's 'Positive Thinking' programme on the big question ‘Can we make road deaths a thing of the past?’.

‘Enjoyment’ might not be a word you’d initially associate with a driving course, but that’s exactly what IAM RoadSmart’s Advanced Driver Course gave to Margaret and Harriet – and much more!

Breaking down can be dangerous and incredibly inconvenient, particularly if you’re travelling for a family getaway this October half-term. But with 488 miles of England’s motorway network made up of smart motorways and their hard shoulder becoming another lane to ease traffic flow, it’s more important than ever to ensure you can prevent avoidable breakdowns.

To help clear up the confusion and compare the differences between BEV's, HEV's and PHEV's available on the market IAM RoadSmart’s Corporate Training Manager, Lloyd Jones, is on hand with his expert advice.

Now that summer is well and truly over and the clocks are reverting by one hour on 31st October, the colder and darker evenings are now drawing in. Statistically we see more incidents involving pedestrians and vulnerable road users from October to March than we do throughout the rest of the year, with most incidents happening between 3pm and 7pm. With this in mind we need to take special care to look out for pedestrians and other road users when it’s dark.

Graham Bryson, tells his story from becoming an advanced rider to a blood biker - all whilst battling cancer. "Majority of the observers were blood bikers who made me aware of the charity and I realised I would like to be involved with the work they were doing."

After a serious road traffic accident and traumatic brain injury at age 29, why would you ever get back on a bike? It’s a question to ask Paul Batten who, despite a ‘pause’ of nearly ten years, not only got back on a bike but has recently passed his IAM RoadSmart Masters qualification.

Richard Meredith writes about his journey to achieving the perfect ride. "In those days our fleet of coaches were predominantly Fords, so the local parts supplier was Don Everalls in Wolverhampton, quite a trip from Kidderminster - I did say no to collecting rear suspension springs, but I do remember fetching a coach radiator once."

One member’s review of his experience on an IAM RoadSmart Skills Day. Running 13 Skills Day dates across the year, IAM RoadSmart use three race circuits including a mix of car and bike enthusiasts.

More people are planning to ditch the petrol and diesel engines in favour for an eco-friendlier electric option, yet myths surrounding the technology still exist. Whether it’s range anxiety, the charging infrastructure, or the longevity of the battery – many drivers are still wary of making the switch.

"My first run report held a surprise for me; the word “outstanding” was used. After my second run, my Observer suggested I should book my test, unless… (he paused dramatically) unless I fancied an attempt at achieving a F1RST, in which case a few more runs should do the trick. I realised in that moment how much I had changed, how hungry I was to be the best I could be, and how could I ignore the dangled carrot of a F1RST?" Read the latest blog by Karen Allen here.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been akin to a car crash for the UK’s health and economy. But collateral damage caused by the virus has also impacted other areas of people’s lives, including when it comes to getting behind the wheel.

Pandemic lockdowns and travel restrictions caused dramatic but short-lived improvements in air quality and drops in air pollution. COVID-19 transformed the way of life for millions worldwide and demonstrated the way in which people can adapt their lifestyles to improve the environment.

Heidi Limbert discovered several passions and experiences have merged over the last few years. The main two being mental health and motorbikes. As a rider herself she discovered freedom and tranquillity on a bike, but now has learnt so much more.

Inspired by a letter in the IAM RoadSmart Magazine Peter McCree was keen to share his passion, enthusiasm and knowledge on the history and development of the electric vehicle. This first article looks back at the development and transition from steam.

"Several years of riding had seen me develop several bad habits that I didn’t know I had. With the help of my Observer supplied by the Herts & Beds Advanced Motorcyclists group (HBAM) I had several sessions out on the road, a few classroom sessions and passed my advanced examination with a F1RST." Tony Smith, Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service Fire Bike Team Leader.

I passed my IAM RoadSmart assessment originally in 1992 driving a Peugeot 205 1.9 GTI, which I somehow managed to get as a company car – today this would be regarded as a serious contender for one of the best cars ever made and good examples sell for healthy sums. The classic car market is alive and well, and many hundreds change hands at auctions and on forecourts every month.

Once a wartime airfield, the historic Thruxton motor racing circuit prides itself on being among the UK’s longest, at 2.4 miles. Also the fastest — mainly because of the fabulously long and floaty Church Corner, which describes a long arc leading into a super-fast straight and winds up with a chicane just before the pit lane.

Part two of the Highway Code Confusion includes opening doors without checking, road signs, and more. Richard Gladman, Head of Driving & Riding Standards & Product Development for IAM RoadSmart is on hand with lots of advice and guidance.

Changes to the Highway Code are imminent and one of the changes is to promote Walking and Cycling but how familiar are you with the existing rules and guidance?

Richard Hewitt, Chairman of IAM RoadSmart's Worcester & Hereford Advanced Motorcyclists shares some hints and tips on how to achieve a F1rst in your Advanced Riding Test. Things you can control, prepare for and continued learning and development offered by the Group.

Jim Merryfield, from the IAM RoadSmart Somerset Advanced Motorcyclists Group shares his travelogue Iberia by Bike detailing his adventures from Work Desk to Wild Camp. Find out more about his two- month journey through France, Spain and Portugal on a motorbike.

Here's a quick review of the recent Adventure Bikes Riders Festival 2021 at Ragley Hall and a few routes for you to try out around Warwickshire.

Dave Chapman shares his experience after attending an IAM RoadSmart's Skills Day at Croft circuit.

Wally Leigh, 84, defies the odds and passes his advanced motorcycling test with South Wales Advanced Motorcyclists (SWAM).

The UK is renown for changeable and unsettled weather conditions. Temperatures might just have decreased to a manageable level, but we are only at the start of the unpredictable British Summer so don’t get caught out – stay hydrated!

When it comes to road safety the change in seasons mean there is a lot to consider. During the summer months for hay fever sufferers that includes are you well enough to drive? Is your concentration and vision affected. Read our hints and tips for more advice.

IAM RoadSmart is partnering with by Nextbase, the market-leader of in-car technology to get UK motorists back on the road safely this summer.

According to a recent survey there are many reasons to get stressed when driving or riding. As traffic gets heavier with the ease of restrictions what are the things that are getting your blood pressure rising? In this article we address the top 10 and how to avoid them, reduce them or prepare for them.

Opinion piece by Tony Greenidge on driving for work, lack of an appropriate company vehicle policy and procedures and the costs to the employer and the employee.

Thoughts on driving and riding by Peter Herridge. Re-discovering the joys and challenges of riding and driving through the Advanced and Masters driving qualifications.

Mark Anstey Chief Observer Chelmsford & District Advanced Motorcyclists (CaDAM) takes journalist Jon Urry for a taster 'Ride', as an introduction to IAM RoadSmart's Motorcycle training.

Did you know that any amount of alcohol can take you over the limit? It varies from person to person due to age, weight, gender, and metabolism. It also depends on type of alcohol, time of day, hydration, and fatigue levels.

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week precedes the Government’s next step on the Roadmap out of lockdown restrictions. Step Three means from 17th May we can start to venture out more and see more people.

After 12+ months of lock down people's driving skills are very rusty and there is a sense of increased urgency to get places. To support and avoid a spike in road traffic accidents, Paul Oxborough, Founder of Mental Health Motorbike joined forces with Heidi Limbert from Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists to deliver a talk to IAM RoadSmart Solent on Enjoying a Smarter Ride encouraging members to check they are in the correct headspace before riding.

A recent Freedom of Information request to DVLA by IAM RoadSmart revealed everyday bad driving habits, ignorance or judgement errors are putting too many drivers on the threshold of a ban. 92,000 motorists are currently at risk of losing their licence as they are dangerously close to the 12-point ban threshold. It's never too late to re-educate yourself and break any bad behaviour. Here are 10 hints and tips around the most common errors or habits that lead to mistakes.

In this week’s blog ‘Taking the Rural Road or Route’, IAM RoadSmart member Denis Cartmel, who has made his career from teaching others to drive tractors safely, offers his insight into the world of driving agricultural vehicles and some of the key aspects other road users should be aware of.

Now that lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease, the number of riders looking to take their horses out on the road is likely to increase. Horses are powerful animals and have extremely heightened senses, so passing them in a car or on a motorbike needs to be done safely to protect the horse, rider, and yourself.

Whether you’re a motorbike newbie, or an experienced rider, if you’re getting back on your bike for the first time in a while, you’ll need to take the same steps to keep yourself, and other road users, safe on the road.

During the pandemic, we’ve seen more cyclists out on the road. And with spring here, there will be more vulnerable road users making the most of the sunshine. This week’s tips give advice on sharing the road with cyclists from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman.

If you’ve been involved in a collision, you’ll know how scary it can be. But do you, and your family and friends, know what to do when it happens?

Back in February 2020, as a soon-to-be first-time mum and a member of IAM RoadSmart, I had so many fears going through my mind as my due date crept around the corner. “What if I go into labour in the car?...What if I’m screaming in the car on the way to hospital and it distracts my other half from the road?"

With a phased return to school for primary school pupils due to begin in England next week, IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, is reminding parents, carers, drivers and riders to be on full alert in the vicinity of schools.

With a national lockdown, it’s likely that some will find their car battery has lost its charge during an extended period of inactivity.

We all share the same road space. We all need to coordinate our journey with those around us. But sometimes, when someone pulls out or fails to indicate, it annoys us. It tests our patience. We forget to share.

If you are making an essential journey, being dazzled by the sun can be a major and potentially risky distraction. So, here are some useful tips on how to stay safe on the road when the glare of the sun is at its peak.

How could anyone doubt my driving ability? I had driven hundreds of high-performance cars, road tested for Autocar, and presented Top Gear for years. I had even held a Class One HGV and a PSV double decker bus licence. And yet, and yet.

While we must all remain off the road as much as possible at the moment due to coronavirus restrictions and social distancing, for those who do need to drive or ride on essential journeys the risk of an incident remains. Richard Gladman, head of driving and riding at IAM RoadSmart, therefore offers these practical tips on stopping distances, to help reduce the risk of collision.

Winter brings difficult driving conditions with frost, ice and snow all adversely affecting road conditions and vehicle handling. So, for those making essential journeys during coronavirus travel restrictions, Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart’s Head of Driving and Riding Standards, has these top tips to help stay safe during sub-zero conditions.

Tony Greenidge’s appointment as IAM RoadSmart’s CEO follows several years of change within the organisation, not least in 2020, which has brought some of the most significant challenges we have ever faced. In this blog Tony tells us a little more about his background, his career at IAM RoadSmart so far, and his vision for the future as we enter 2021.

With COVID travel restrictions back in place across the UK it can be easy to forget about your car or motorcycle. It is not often that your vehicle may sit unused for days at a time. So how will it survive for a period of minimal activity or complete inactivity? Richard Gladman, Head of Driving and Riding Standards at IAM RoadSmart has these useful tips.

In this week’s blog ‘The IAM Family’, Christopher Dunn, Vice Chairman of West Yorkshire Advanced Motorcyclists, shares his delight at how his IAM RoadSmart colleagues from across the country have rallied round to provide support when he and his local group have needed it.

Although coronavirus has been dominating the health agenda of late, we should not forget that winter is often the time when we get more common conditions like cold and flu. Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart’s Head of Driving and Riding Standards, offers these practical tips to any driver or rider feeling under par.

With temperatures at freezing point across much of the UK at the moment and yellow warnings of snow, Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart Head of Driving and Riding Standards, has these useful tips for anyone heading out on an essential journey.

If you’ve been involved in a collision, you’ll know how scary it can be. But do you, and your family and friends, know what to do when it happens? Although many of us are spending a lot less time on the road this year, the chance of a collision still remains. So, Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, has these helpful tips on the steps to follow if an incident occurs

Telematics policies, sometimes called ‘black box’ insurance, traditionally rely upon small pieces of kit known as black boxes installed in a vehicle to record driving style. In this week’s blog, Richard Hardesty, National Observer for the IAM Roadsmart Lincolnshire Group, and his new driver son Oliver share their thoughts on telematics insurance for younger drivers.

Come snow, ice, sleet or rain, it’s always good to be prepared. IAM RoadSmart’s Richard Gladman, head of driving and riding standards, has put together some practical tips on which essential items you should keep in your car in the colder months

With white frosty mornings also comes icy roads, and that’s why Richard Gladman, IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards has put together some advice on how to deal with driving and riding in icy conditions.

What do you get when you take a bunch of Nepalese riders and a couple of IAM RoadSmart trainers? The only trained bikers in the country, that’s what! Read about Area Service Delivery Managers Scott Tulip and Pete Doherty's trip to Nepal to deliver off-road motorcycle training to The Gurkha Welfare Trust on behalf of IAM RoadSmart. This blog is extracted from an article in Motorcycle Sport & Leisure magazine, December 2020.

Living in Bedfordshire I was commuting daily to Welwyn Garden City, around 35 miles each way via the busy A1. However, the thought of facing this again after so long started to play on my mind and I was getting increasingly anxious. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2013. My condition is well managed most of the time, but I still struggle when faced with something I can’t fully control.

James Hall, IAM RoadSmart’s Director of Sales and Marketing shares the story of his life-long love for cars and bikes. "My passion for cars and motorbikes started at a very young age and has been heavily influenced by my father who is ex-military and slightly obsessive about his cars. He’s the only person I know who would remove the wheels to clean the inside alloy as well as the outside!"

With COVID travel restrictions still in place across much of the UK and - even in regions where the rules have been recently relaxed – with many people choosing to stay at home more often, it can be easy to forget about your car or motorcycle. Richard Gladman, Head of Driving and Riding Standards at IAM RoadSmart shares some tips on how to help ensure your vehicle remains in good condition while it is not being used.

There’s something about cars from the ’60s and ’70s – I’ve always fancied having one. In those days they had character. I wanted something different. Once they were a common sight, but these days only a few survive – including this one, now in the custody of IAM RoadSmart member David Walker, who talks us through his pride and joy.

Wherever you are travelling, a collision with wildlife of any species is something you’ll want to avoid – not only to protect yourself, your passengers, your vehicle and the other road users around you, but also our lovely British animals. Neil Greig, Policy & Research Director at IAM RoadSmart, has these useful tips to help you avoid colliding with wildlife when you are driving or motorcycle riding.

Kiera Woods shares her experience of taking the IAM RoadSmart Advanced driving course. "It had been over three years since I passed my driving test and I had only been driving short distances. I was keen to rebuild my confidence and skills when, at the start of 2020 the opportunity to join IAM Lincolnshire free of charge arose, thanks to the Police and Crime Commissioner initiative. I jumped at the chance."

Head of Driving and Riding Standards, Richard Gladman, shares tips on driving keeping pedestrians safe in the dark. Statistically we see more incidents involving pedestrians and vulnerable road users during the months of October and March. Most incidents happen between 3pm and 7pm. So it's essential all drivers take extra care during the darker autumn and winter evenings, and keep their eyes peeled for vulnerable pedestrians and road users at night.

Peter Burridge who is a motorcycle examiner, who has been an IAM RoadSmart member for 40 years delves into the finer aspects of motorcycle control. He says ‘This important area is not usually covered within the RoadSmart Advanced Motorcycle course. It is something that I am passionate about and I’d like to share some thoughts and ideas.

"There is a lot we can do as drivers to avoid accidents and road closures too." Advanced driver Struan Stevenson, columnist with the ‘The Herald’ (Scotland), shares some motorway madness stories with us.

There is no doubt that dash-cam footage is invaluable in exposing scam claims and can be of benefit when it all goes wrong. IAM RoadSmart’s Richard Gladman, Head of Driving & Riding Standards shares some simple essentials to consider if you are fitting a camera to your car.

Last week a new grading system for assisted driving systems was launched by Thatcham Research and Euro NCAP which is designed to give consumers a clearer understanding of the driver assistance on new vehicles. Tim Shallcross Head of Technical Policy and Advice for IAM Roadsmart shares some tips with us about assisted driving technology.

Craig Shaw recently passed his IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider test. Having enjoyed his experience, he put together a few words about his training journey and the positive experience and skills it gave him.

As summer has drawn to an end, giving your car a good pre-winter wash down maybe one of the things you want to tick off your to-do-list. IAM RoadSmart’s Richard Gladman, Head of Driving & Riding Standards gives us some handy tips on getting our cars squeaky clean.

Jacob Dossett and Ella Pearson are a young couple from Lincolnshire who have recently become advanced drivers together. In this blog, they reflect on their advanced driving coaching experience and the benefits it’s brought.

To mark the recent World Reflexology Week, Kate Mulliss from the Association of Reflexologists has pulled some tips together for all drivers whether you currently experience any back issues or not.

What does road safety mean to me? This is the question we asked Sarah Rajalingam when she joined the IAM RoadSmart team recently as Senior Communications Executive. Read on for her reflections after 10 years driving experience.

Barry Sloan, group publicity officer, volunteered for the experience to test drive the Kia e-Niro ‘3’. He was guided through the new procedure and advised that before his test drive, the car would be completely cleaned and sanitised. Here are Barry’s handy hints.

Barry Sloan Publicity officer for Bolton and District Advanced Motorists, talks about his first experience of an all-electric vehicle, bringing the car to the people until the people can come to the cars at an event, now planned for 2021.

In support of the recent Emergency Services Day, IAM RoadSmart’s Richard Gladman, head of driving and riding standards, has some tips to remind drivers and riders how to reduce the risks we face in these situations, aid the emergency services, and make the road a safer place for us all.

Dr Andy Arnott has been a member of IAM RoadSmart since 2018 and has a long association with the National Association of Bikers with a Disability (NABD). He has written our latest blog about encouraging more bikers with disabilities to become Advanced Riders.

Stephen Willmott is one of the trainers who delivers the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Course for IAM RoadSmart’s Driver Retraining Academy. In 2019/20 our drink drive rehabilitation services helped almost 5,000 convicted drink drivers understand the dangers of alcohol, not only in relation to driving but to their health and lives in general.

Harvest season is the most important time in the farming calendar. We should expect to see large farming vehicles heading down roads around the UK over the next few weeks. Rebecca Ashton, Head of Policy and Research for IAM RoadSmart has some timely reminders and tips.

I’m sure like me during lockdown you spent some time tidying things up, recycling & repurposing. After sorting through some old photographic slides my mother sent me an envelope containing a print picture that just got me wondering, was motoring really better back in the day or are we simply looking through rose-tinted glasses?

2020 has been a whirlwind of a year and September has crept upon us again. Despite all the changes to our lives this year, September still means the kids are back at school and the school run routine is starting again. Richard Gladman, head of driving and riding standards for IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, has pulled together some tips.