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. Our Advanced Driver course has helped thousands of drivers gain additional on-road knowledge and skills, above and beyond what is taught when you learn to drive.
The course is delivered by our network of over 170 affiliated Local Groups. Below you can find out more about the course itself, and Gloucestershire Advanced Motorists, your local IAM RoadSmart Group.
What is Advanced Driving?
Advanced Driving is open to anybody looking to improve their driving skills. So, whether you are looking to enhance your observation and planning skills, or simply want to get more out of driving, our Advanced Driver Course can help.
By taking the course with Gloucestershire Advanced Motorists, you’ll be able to connect with other Advanced drivers in your local area, and will gain full Member status upon completion. You’ll also be helping to create safer roads within your local community and improving road safety across the UK.
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.
Watch our video to find out more...
Gloucestershire Advanced Motorists
This year marks a significant milestone for Gloucestershire Advanced Motorists as we proudly celebrate our 50th anniversary! Following a recent merger, our vibrant community has grown to include 171 Full Members, 5 Fellow Members, and 50 Associates, alongside our expert team of 20 National Observers, 2 Local Observers, and 4 Trainees.
We are committed to serving the entire county of Gloucestershire, and our training program is thriving with 42 Associates currently working towards Advanced Driving qualifications. This year has already seen 9 F1RSTs and 9 passes, a testament to the dedication of both our members and our Observers.
As part of the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Road Safety Partnership, we take pride in supporting young drivers by offering a fully funded Advanced Driver Course. Currently, 9 young drivers are participating in this initiative, gaining new skills for safer driving.
Our community meets monthly at the Churchdown Community Centre, conveniently located between Cheltenham and Gloucester. Beyond our meetings, we organise drive-outs, weekend meetups, and even skid pan days for hands-on learning experiences.
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How does the course work? 5 simple steps...
1. Purchase your course from us and receive a welcome pack in the post
2. You’ll be paired with an Observer from the Gloucester Group 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
What do other Gloucester drivers think of the course?
We believe that the best way to know what to expect from becoming an Advanced Driver is to hear from those who have gone through the experience themselves. We asked two recent Advanced Drivers from Gloucester what they thought of their time on the course, and the group itself.
"I passed my DVSA driving test in late 2016 and quickly realised when I started driving that I had an interest to continuously improve and learn new driving skills; I would still find myself watching instructional videos from driving instructors on YouTube.
In January 2024 I decided to enrol on to the IAM Roadsmart Advanced Driving course. I received a warm welcome from the Gloucestershire Group, and my Observer got in touch to arrange my free taster session. This was extremely helpful, as in the short time he observed my driving, he had picked up on several aspects to improve on. It was also reassuring to hear that there were a few things I was doing right!
Following the taster I decided to commit to the course, which was everything I wanted it to be: interesting, eye-opening, challenging, and fun! It has completely transformed my driving style, especially in regards to cornering, use of the gearbox and eliminating brake-gear overlap. Following my test pass I have enrolled on to the Masters programme and looking forward to the further challenges that await me."
Charles - Gloucestershire Advanced Driver
"I have been on the road for over 30 years, on both motorcycles and cars. Having become an IAM RoadSmart member and joining the Gloucestershire Group in 2021, I have passed the IAM RoadSmart Advanced course with a F1rst and went on to complete the IAM RoadSmart Masters course, with Distinction, before moving into observing and joining the committee.
I am a committee member and act as the Event Manager, helping with the stand at shows and events. Also supporting the Group on the social media and marketing side. I enjoy partaking in simulator racing online and I am heavily involved in running some large racing groups.
As a keen track day enthusiast, I have spent several years gaining track instruction on a wide range of cars from classic muscle cars to single seaters, as well as gravel rally driving. I am looking to obtain my racing licence this year as well as experience some local Hill climb events in my modern classic BMW 325 M Sport. "
Aron - Gloucestershire Advanced Driver
"Last year I read certain speculations that older drivers should be retested, or they will lose their driving license. Reading this I thought it would be wise to do the Advanced Course.
I am 77 years old and have been a driver for most of my career. As well as passing my driving test I have also obtained my class HGV test in 1971, then upgraded to class 1 in 1975 and started driving articulated trucks. During my career I started my own business with a van, which overtime progressed until I ended up with a 44-tonne truck moving shipping containers from the ports. During that period I also passed my motorcycle test and still own a 900cc motorbike.
I started with IAM RoadSmart in January 2024. After three driving sessions with an Observer I took the test, which I passed. I enjoyed the driving sessions as I gained useful insight which led to interesting discussions with my Observer drawing upon my own experience.
I decided to train as an Observer as I wanted to pass on some of my experience to others especially were possible to young drivers. I am now training as an Observer and have my first Associate. I believe that since my training there has been a definite improvement in my standard of driving, but the real point is I am now far more self-critical and I think that is good for maintaining the standard I have achieved."
Guy - Gloucestershire Advanced Driver
