What is Advanced Driving?
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The official definition of Advanced Driving, as agreed between the IAM, RoSPA, DSA, etc., is:
"Advanced Driving is the ability to control the position and speed of the vehicle safely, systematically and smoothly, using road and traffic conditions to make reasonable progress unobtrusively, with skill and responsibility. This skill requires a positive but courteous attitude and a high standard of driving competence based on concentration, effective all round observation, anticipation and planning. This must be co-ordinated with good handling skills. The vehicle will always be in the right place on the road at the right time, travelling at the right speed with the correct gear engaged and can always be stopped safely in the distance that can be seen to be clear."
Advanced driving is about reaching a standard of driving that is above that of the average motorist, and about demonstrating car control skills, smoothness, observation, anticipation and planning that leave a greater margin of safety between yourself and other road users.
And it is about having the ability to recognise - and to implement opportunities to make progress safely.
It's also about having a knowledge of the Highway Code and the ability to implement the rules of the road consistently well, under all road conditions, in all weathers and in all stages of light and dark.
Advanced Driving brings a new enjoyment to driving.
EnlargeThe Chelmsford Group of Advanced Motorists promotes the use of the system of car control described in Roadcraft, the Police drivers handbook and in the IAM book How to be an Advanced Driver (was Pass Your Advanced Driving Test). This system of car control (known as "the system") is used by the Police and all advanced driving organisations in the UK and many internationally. It is shown in the diagram above.
Members of our group who have been trained as Observers, will provide help, advice and guidance to motorist who join the group with a view to taking the IAMs Advanced Driving Test. This help, including the Observer's time, is provided free of charge. Dependent upon your level of skill and knowledge when you start your drives, you could be ready to take your Advanced Driving Test after only 6-8 drives, but this will depend upon your ability and the amount of practice that you put in between each session. We are here to help you to learn, not to teach you!
The following page explains more about how the Advanced Test is assessed.