FAQs

FAQs Trying something new can often be a little strange and may seem confusing. Here are answers to the questions we get asked most frequently. If your question isn’t here, or you would like further clarification on an answer, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

Drive well, drive smart!

How long will the course take to complete ? The answer very much depends on you and how much time outside the course you can put in. On average though, associates take between 5 - 10 drives before they are ready to take the test. Who can take the Advanced Driving Test ? Any driver with a current valid full licence for the vehicle can take IAM Roadsmart’s test. New drivers are encouraged, however, to gain driving experience of their own beyond the driving test or Pass Plus before applying. Who is the examiner ? The examiners are typically police class 1, or retired police class 1 driving certificate holders. They are all driving experts and have many years experience behind them. What sort of driving is covered in the Advanced Driving Test ? The idea behind the test is to cover a wide variety of road conditions. During the drive you must demonstrate your skills as a driver, consideration for other road users, with safety being paramount at all times. You will also need to show skill in car control, usually in the form of one or more manoeuvres, such as reversing, parallel parking, turn in the road etc. Although the Advanced Driving Test is not easy, it is within the reach of most motorists with the right guidance. Our observed drives help to improve your abilities, so that when you take the test, you are well prepared and can accomplish all the task required. How can I prepare for the test ? You can prepare for the test in any way you wish - either by yourself or by paying some driving schools. However, we believe that by far the most effective way is to join the IAM as an Associate and come along to our observed drives where our trained Observers will help you improve your driving skill and prepare for the test. When and where do the observed drives take place ? We operate from 3 centres, meeting in New Malden, Chiswick and Banstead. See how to find us. If I can't make Sunday mornings, are there any alternative options ? We recommend our Sunday morning observed drives as you will be able to meet other Associates with a similar interest as yourself in improving your driving skills. However, if you can't make these drives, please contact us - we may be able to arrange observed drives at a more convenient time. How do I book a drive ? If you are new to advanced driving, and live in the area we cover, then you can come for a free no-obligation driving assessment. As with our normal observed drives, you will be accompanied by one of our fully trained Group Observers. You can book your drive today by contacting us by phone. If you are already an Associate member, you can book an assessment drive in one of the following ways ... ● On-line through the member’s area of our web site. ● At one of our reception centres. ● By contacting us by phone. Which car do I use ? You will always drive your own vehicle for both the observed drives and the Advanced Driving Test. During observed drives, you will be accompanied by one of our Group Observers. In all cases, it is your responsibility to ensure that the vehicle road-legal, and that you have current and appropriate insurance cover. Can I do any reading to help me prepare for the test ? Yes, you certainly can. These books are essential reading ... ● IAM Roadsmart’s "Advanced Driver Course Handbook" ● The Highway Code ● Alongside the Highway Code is "Know you traffic signs" ● "Roadcraft" is the police drivers handbook

What is an "Associate" ? "Associates" are "Associate members" of IAM Roadsmart and of LAM. Although they have yet to formally take the Advanced Driving Test, they have joined in this capacity to improve their driving skills in preparation for taking it. What’s the "Advanced Driver Course" ? The Advanced Driver Course is the package under which you can join the IAM Roadsmart and LAM as an associate. Under the skill for life scheme, once an associate has passed their advanced driving test, they become Full members of IAM Roadsmart and of LAM. OK, so what’s the "Skill for Life" scheme ? This is the name of the previous scheme - now re-branded to the Advanced Driver Course. I've seen mention of an "Observer". Who are these ? "Observers" are group members who will take Associates on their observed drives. They are all volunteers who freely give their time to the Group, which itself is a registered charity. Each of them has completed the same process that the Associate is about to experience and have subsequently decided to help others to improve their driving standards. All this is in the name of Road Safety, seeking to reduce the appalling road casualties and their effects upon so many people. All Group Observers that you will meet have passed the IAM Roadsmart Advanced Driving Test. In addition, they have undertaken extra additional training - either as a local or national observer. Do I need to show my membership card or driving licence ? Yes. For your first appointment, you must bring the following documentation … ● Your driving licence ● Your car's current insurance certificate ● A valid MOT certificate if applicable. This is important and you will not be able to undertake your first drive with us if we haven't been able to check these documents. What happens if I can’t make my observed drive ? Should you be unable to attend a pre-arranged date, we ask you to telephone us as soon as possible. Even if it's short notice, please contact the drive bookings number as this will connect you with the appropriate reception desk. Doing this will avoid an Observer waiting in vain for you to arrive, and will therefore enable them to give a drive to someone else. If you need to cancel or re-arrange more than 5 days ahead of your drive, you can also change your booking on-line. How will I know that I’m ready for the test ? Your progress throughout your observed drives is continually monitored. When your driving standards have reached those required to pass the IAM Roadsmart test, you will be told how to apply etc. Do I need to do anything in addition to the evaluation/review drives ? Yes, you won’t get to Advanced Driving Test standard without practicing the techniques which our observers will tell you about. You can usually do this as part of your normal driving routine but, if you don’t drive much, you’ll probably need to do some extra driving for practice. What happens after I pass my test ? Having passed the Advanced Driving Test, please inform our Membership Secretary. We want to share your good news with the people who have helped prepare you for the test and welcome you to membership. We also very much welcome your help by participating with the group as someone who has already benefited from it. Is there an opportunity for me to become an Observer ? Yes, very much so. If you feel you can spare one or two Sunday mornings a month to help others, please contact our Observer Coordinator, or drop in at one of our review centres and let us know. Do the Group host activities other than the actual drives ? Of course, whether you are an Associate member of the Group, or a full group member you are entitled to attend various lectures, talks and video shows held indoors throughout the winter, and to take part in road safety events and publicity functions held outdoors in the summer months. You will find full details of our programme in both the Group's newsletter and here. Where can I find the latest Group information & news ? Our web site keeps everyone up to date, as does the quarterly newsletter. See the latest news, or details of upcoming & some previous events. Where can I find contact information ? Contact names and numbers for everyone that you might usually need to speak with can be found inside the front cover of the Group's quarterly newsletter. You can also contact us by phone or e-mail. I also ride a bike/motor bike. Is there any advanced training for that ? Yes. IAM Roadsmart have a network of motorcycle groups who help bikers prepare for the motorcycle advanced test. There is also a special package for cyclists which includes an advanced cycling manual but they don’t yet have local groups for cyclists nor a special test. My company wants to have all its drivers trained to advanced standards. Can you help ? Company driver training or training to comply with health and safety requirements can be arranged by IAM Roadsmart.

Join Us!

FAQs Some of the more frequently asked questions are answered below. For a more complete list please visit our desktop website.

How long will the course take to complete ? It variesbut on average, associates take between 5 -10 drives to be test ready. Who can take the Advanced Driving Test ? Any driver with a current valid full licence for the vehicle can take IAM Roadsmart’s test. What sort of driving is covered ? The idea behind the test is to cover a wide variety of road conditions. During the drive you must demonstrate your skills as a driver, consideration for other road users, with safety being paramount at all times. You will also need to show skill in car control, usually in the form of one or more manoeuvres, such as reversing, parallel parking, turn in the road etc. When and where do the observed drives take place ? We operate from 3 centres, meeting in New Malden, Richmond and Banstead. See our drive centres. If I can't make Sunday mornings, are there any alternative options ? We recommend our Sunday morning observed drives as you will be able to meet other Associates with a similar interest as yourself in improving your driving skills. However, if you can't make these drives, please contact us - we may be able to arrange observed drives at a more convenient time. How do I book a drive ? Associates can book an assessment drive online, by phone or by visiting a Sunday reception centre. Which car do I use ? You will always drive your own vehicle for both the observed drives and the Advanced Driving Test. What is an "Associate" ? "Associates" are "Associate members" of IAM Roadsmart and of LAM. Although they have yet to formally take the Advanced Driving Test, they have joined in this capacity to improve their driving skills in preparation for taking it. Who are "Observers" ? "Observers" are group members who will take Associates on their observed drives. They are all volunteers who freely give their time to the Group, which itself is a registered charity. Each of them has completed the same process that the Associate is about to experience and have subsequently decided to help others to improve their driving standards. Do I need to show my membership card or driving licence ? Yes. For your first appointment, you must bring the following documentation … ● Your driving licence ● Your car's current insurance certificate ● A valid MOT certificate if applicable. This is important and you will not be able to undertake your first drive with us if we haven't been able to check these documents. What happens if I can’t make my observed drive ? Should you be unable to attend a pre-arranged date, we ask you to telephone us as soon as possible. Even if it's short notice, please contact the drive bookings number as this will connect you with the appropriate reception desk. If you need to cancel or re-arrange more than 5 days ahead of your drive, you can also change your booking on-line. How will I know that I’m ready for the test ? Your progress throughout your observed drives is continually monitored. When your driving standards have reached those required to pass the Institute's Test, you will be told how to apply etc. What happens after I pass my test ? Having passed the Advanced Driving Test, please inform our Membership Secretary. We want to share your good news with the people who have helped prepare you for the test and welcome you to membership. We also very much welcome your help by participating with the group as someone who has already benefited from it. Is there an opportunity for me to become an Observer ? Yes, very much so. If you feel you can spare one or two Sunday mornings a month to help others, please contact our Observer Coordinator, or drop in at one of our review centres and let us know.