IAM RoadSmart are the 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 Lichfield 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 be of great benefit to you.
Lichfield Advanced Motorists is run by dedicated volunteers who give their time and expertise to help improve driver skills. Lichfield Advanced Motorists area includes Lichfield, Cannock. Tamworth, Burton-upon-Trent, Rugeley, Sutton Coldfield, and some areas of Walsall and Birmingham including all the villages and areas in between.
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...
Lichfield Advanced Motorists
By taking the course with Lichfield 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.
Over the last 12 months, their pass rate has been 100%, which is down to both Associates members and the Observers working hard together. The Group course has provided the expertise to make around 50% of those pass the higher standard F1rst pass.
Discover Lichfield Advanced Motorists
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 Lichfield 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 the current Lichfield 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 some Advanced Drivers from Lichfield what they thought of the course, and being a part of the Group.
"I joined the Lichfield Group in 2021, aware that after many years of motoring I had collected numerous bad habits and my standard of driving had deteriorated. When joining, there was no criticism; just a friendly, enthusiastic and supportive Group offering guidance through well-structured drives.
During the sessions, my driving became safer, smoother and better planned, through guidance from a great team of Observers. After passing the test (which was super relaxed and stress-free), I decided I’d like to help others improve their skills, so I first trained to be a Local Observer, qualifying in 2022, then a National Observer in 2023. With members of all ages and backgrounds, Lichfield Advanced Motorists also arrange visits, trips and social events, so why not join us!"
Glyn - Lichfield Advanced Driver
"I can honestly say that this is one of the best things I have ever done. Over the years, I had lost confidence and skills with my driving, becoming nervous about motorways and dual carriageways; unfamiliar routes; large roundabouts; and other road users. The Advanced driving course has been life-changing. I have gained skills, and confidence that keep me safe and provided me with the knowledge, self-confidence and ability to navigate our roads safely and competently.
The course itself was an absolute pleasure; I was welcomed warmly from the start by everyone at the Lichfield Group and I always received constructive and consistent support. I am delighted to consider myself an Advanced driver and I’m very proud of my achievement. I thoroughly recommend the course to all my family and friends, and of course to the drivers on my driver education courses!
Judy - Lichfield Advanced Driver
"I have been a member of Lichfield Advanced Motorists since the early 1990s. I have held various roles on the committee, and I am currently the Group chairperson. I am a retired police officer having spent over 30 years in the Staffordshire police. Over the years I have been involved in IAM RoadSmart Regional Training, and Observer Training and have also been a Masters Mentor.
I enjoy the Observer role and it keeps my standard of driving up. I am keen to pass on some of my experience to other road users to make our roads safer. If what I pass on to others or what I do can help save one life then it has all been worthwhile. I look forward to meeting new associates to start them on their journey!"
Grahame - Lichfield Advanced Driver
"After meaning to do the Advanced Driver course for many years, I finally got round to it and enjoyed every minute with the nicest bunch of people you could ever meet. The whole process was very user-friendly. You go out for drives with an Observer whenever it’s mutually convenient and they will take you to a variety of different roads. This is followed by the test, which again is mutually agreed, upon and not as scary as you think. I enjoyed mine! I thoroughly recommend it and also saved some money on car insurance."
Jane - Lichfield Advanced Driver
