"I’ve always been interested in cars and driving from a young age. I had my first lesson shortly after my 17th birthday, charged with a promise to three friends about a concert in Manchester..."
We make better drivers and riders
Advanced Driving:
An Introduction
Here at IAM RoadSmart, we’re the UK’s leading road safety charity and have spent more than 60 years making Britain’s roads safer. One way we do this is through driver training including our Advanced Driver course. Our driver training has helped thousands of drivers gain additional on-road knowledge and skills, above and beyond what is taught when you learn to drive. So, if you're looking for a driving refresher course, then this could be perfect for you.
On this page you’ll learn what it takes to become an Advanced Driver, and we hope to welcome you to one of our Local Groups soon.
What is Advanced Driving?
What does developing your driving skills mean to you? Fuel efficiency? Enhanced observation and planning skills? Or simply better control of your vehicle? Whichever area of driving you’re looking to improve; our Advanced Driver Course brings your skills up to an advanced level and helps you to get more out of driving. All whilst focusing on the highest standard of driver safety.
Advanced Driving is based on the Police system of car control, and our course teaches you advanced-level driving techniques used by the emergency services, including utilising the ‘limit point’ for bends and how to continually apply the ‘IPSGA’ (Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration) framework to all on-road situations.
Who can be an Advanced Driver?
Advanced Driving is open to anyone looking to improve their driving. Whether it’s to brush up on your driving skills, grow your confidence or become a more economical driver.
It’s suitable for any stage of your driving journey, whether you’ve just passed your test and want hone your skills, or you’ve been driving for years and want to take your driving skills to next level. Maybe you are looking for a driver refresher course? Then our Advanced Driving Course is perfect for you.
What is defensive driving?
Our Advanced Driver Course is a great way of building your defensive driving skills. Defensive driving is a pro-active response to driving. Instead of responding to a situation at the last minute, you identify a potential hazard, anticipate the situation, and respond ahead of time. This is exactly what you will be taught during your Advanced Driver course.
Not only does defensive driving help to keep you safe on the road, but it also helps to keep other road users and pedestrians safe too. In turn, this reduces your chances of a collision or incident. It can also support with reducing fuel consumption and putting less strain on your vehicle.
How does the course work? 5 simple steps...
1. Purchase your course and receive a welcome pack in the post
2. You’ll be paired with one of our Local Groups who will be in touch
3. Develop your Advanced Skills over a series of observed drives
4. When ready, go for your Advanced Test with a friendly Examiner
5. Gain ‘Advanced Driver’ and ‘IAM RoadSmart Full Member’ status
Course benefits:
Fuel savings from better acceleration and momentum control
Receive expert tuition and become a more skilful driver
Grow your confidence, to better enjoy your passion for driving
Meet other expert drivers and share your skills
Join IAM RoadSmart as an Associate, and receive our member magazine
Member Stories
Advanced Driving is open to all UK drivers, and people from all walks of life use the course to improve their driving skills. Below is a selection of real-life stories from IAM RoadSmart Advanced Drivers:
“40 Years with
IAM RoadSmart”
“Carrying Precious
Cargo”
"In May 2021 I was walking down the corridor of the hospital with my partner, our three-day-old son in his car seat for the very first time…"
“From slow to pro… the roads are my oyster”
"When I got my first car in August 2019, it had been over three years since I passed my driving test and I had only been driving short distances..."
See other people’s experiences…
Want to know first-hand what it’s like to do an Advanced Rider Couse? Here is a selection of videos that detail real-life experiences. Click below to watch, or search YouTube for “IAM RoadSmart Advanced Riding” for more videos:
“How to become an Advanced Motorist - Is it worth doing?!”
“IAM RoadSmart Advanced Demonstration Drive”
“IAM RoadSmart Advanced Demonstration Drive”
“IAM RoadSmart Limit Points Demonstration”
