So, you’ve embarked on your Advanced Driver or Rider journey and you might be thinking to yourself: “What should I expect on my Advanced Test?”
Everyone has a different ‘why’ for wanting to become an Advanced Driver or Rider. No matter what yours is, the test is an incredible opportunity to show just how far you have come.
Below we explain the steps involved in the Advanced Test, and what you should expect on the day.
Preparation
Preparing for your Advanced Test
After building your skills over a period of observed sessions, your Observer will discuss with you your readiness to be put forward for your Advanced Test.
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The admin process
After being put forward for your test, you will be contacted by your Examiner either by phone or email. This is to arrange the best date, time and location for you.
On the day
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Preliminary checks
Prior to any driving or riding, one of the first checks your examiner will run is an eyesight test. This means that you must be able to read a standard number plate at a distance of 20 metres.
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A bit more about you
We want to support you with making your Advanced Test the most positive experience possible. So, if you have any concerns, please raise them with your examiner.
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The test
The Advanced Test itself lasts around 75 minutes from start to finish, with around 60 minutes of driving or riding.
During the course of your drive or ride, there is a possibility that you will be tested on anything from the course material. As well as this, you may be asked to perform a manoeuvre and showcase your decision making skills.
Throughout the course of your drive or ride, you must make sure that you are keeping to the speed limit, even when overtaking. During the drive/ride, you could be tested on anything from the course material. If you are in an area where certain things can’t be observed practically, then the Examiner might ask you questions. Your decision making is a huge part of the assessment, so you might be asked to perform a slow driving/riding manoeuvre. Your drive/ride must be safe and legal meaning you should always stick to the speed limit, even when overtaking.
After the test
The end of the test
The Advanced Test itself lasts around 75 minutes from start to finish, with around 60 minutes of driving or riding.
During the course of your drive or ride, there is a possibility that you will be tested on anything from the course material. As well as this, you may be asked to perform a manoeuvre and showcase your decision making skills.
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The results
If you pass your Advanced Test, the journey doesn’t end there. You could become an Observer with IAM RoadSmart, and support others within your local area.
However, we all have bad days and understand that if you do not reach the standard required to pass your Advanced Test, you might be feeling disappointed. So here are some steps to take if this is the case:
1) Concentrate on the areas of development suggested by your Examiner.
2) Book in your re-test so that you have a date to work towards. You can do this through the buttons below.
3) If you feel you are not ready, reach out to us to see how we can help or speak to your Observer to organise some more sessions.
Who are the IAM RoadSmart Examiners?
Our IAM RoadSmart Examiners come from all kinds of backgrounds.
A lot of our Examiners are trained advanced police drivers/riders, or they are experienced IAM RoadSmart drivers/riders with National Observer and Masters qualifications. They are all experienced in dealing with road safety matters.
The aim of our Examiners is to assess your driving and riding. But, they’re also there to put you at ease, answer any questions or concerns you may have and give clear directions and protocols for the duration of the test.
They are here to help and support you through your test, so if you have any worries or concerns, please do voice them.
What’s next after becoming an IAM RoadSmart member?
You might think that passing your Advanced Test would be the end of your journey with IAM RoadSmart. However, we have a whole variety of different opportunities that you can get involved with to continue making a difference.
See below or alternatively, check out the My Next Challenge section of your Member Dashboard.
Become an IAM RoadSmart Observer
Have you had a particularly positive experience with your Observer and now want to pass it on to someone else? By becoming an IAM RoadSmart Observer, you are helping to encourage your local community to become better and safer drivers and riders.
Become a Blood Biker
If you have an interest in becoming a Blood Biker, then completing an Advanced Riding course is key. Find out more about becoming a Blood Biker below.
