Meet Stuart, the first Advanced Driver to qualify since lockdown was lifted

With Advanced Driver tests underway again this week for the first time since March, the first to qualify after the COVID-19 lockdown is Stuart Reed from Stevenage, Hertfordshire.  

A member of the Cambridge Advanced Motorists – CAMIAM – since July 2019, Stuart is passionate about improving road safety and has been Advanced Driver test-ready since March.  He was unable to take his test due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

He achieved a F1RST on his test, meaning he achieved a top score in all categories of his assessment.

Stuart said: “I love driving. I have been driving for 33 years and I have always been keen to improve my skills on the road.

“I am delighted to have passed and to be able to call myself an Advanced Driver. I feel much more confident and aware of the risks we face every day as motorists which I feel is particularly timely as the roads are gradually becoming busier each day.

“I’d like to thank my Observer, Mike Wilding, for the support he has given me and his great attitude towards driving safely.”

Now Stuart is a fully-qualified Advanced Driver he has the scope to further his IAM RoadSmart journey to become an observer. This would mean he joins a network of thousands of volunteers nationwide who, through the coaching they provide, contribute towards the UK’s largest independent road safety charity’s mission, to reduce the number of people who are killed or injured on the roads. 

Commenting on Stuart’s achievement, Advanced Driver examiner John Atkinson said: “This has been the longest period in my life when I haven’t been behind the wheel of my car or riding my motorcycle. Since returning to the roads I have noticed my confidence levels have dropped and I feel some skills are a little rusty removing some of the enjoyment.

“My Advanced Motorist skills and confidence levels soon returned with some practice but it made me realise that not all motorists have this experience to fall back on and that now is the time more road users should be considering advanced coaching. It is great to be welcoming another member to IAM RoadSmart.”

Chairman of CAMIAM, Howard Sherriff, said: “All of us at CAMIAM are delighted that Stuart was the first to take the Advanced Driver test since lockdown, particularly as he was test ready when the lockdown started.

“As drivers return to a more normal life it important that good driving standards are achieved.  Advanced driving requires knowledge, skills and experience. Many drivers may have lost confidence in their abilities behind the wheel by not driving over the past few months.  This is a good time to think about improving their driving skills and experience by becoming an IAM RoadSmart member.”

Advanced driver and rider coaching can help reduce vehicle, fuel and insurance costs, improve road safety, boost confidence and reduce travel stress. 
For those who would like to refresh their skills as they return to their car or bike after an extended period off the road, driver and rider assessments are also available for members and non-members. Visit our courses page for more information.