Becoming an Advanced Driver

 

 What does it cost?

The IAM 'Skill for Life' package costs  £99.00. This package includes Group Associate Membership, the necessary books, and the IAM Test fee along with IAM Associate status, and an automatic upgrade to full Membership of the IAM upon passing the Advanced Driving Test within 12 months.

If you are under 26 years of age, the IAM 'Skill for Life' scheme is available for only £79.00. (Both packages can be paid in 2 instalments if required, although there is a small admin fee)

All preparation for the Test, which takes place in your own car, is provided FREE OF CHARGE by volunteer observers within the group. You also use your own car for the IAM Test.

For those who are want to find out more before committing to the 'Skill for Life' package, then 'DriveCheck' could be the way to go. 

DriveCheck is a short Driving Assessment aimed at everyone who is interested in safer driving but who doesn't feel they are (yet) ready to take the IAM Advanced Test.

DriveCheck applicants in our region will be put in touch with us and we will in turn arrange a mutually convenient time for the assessment to take place.

It takes about an hour comprising an initial introduction (document check etc.), followed by a 35-40-minute drive with the Group observer, followed by a feedback session, at which the candidate will be presented with a written feedback form.

DriveCheck candidates then become an Associate of the IAM, for a period of 12 months.

Please read the DriveCheck Terms & Conditions by following this link DriveCheck.

The normal cost of DriveCheck will be £35.00, but as an introductory offer, the price is discounted to £25.00.

Apply for the Skill for Life Programme within 30 days of taking your DriveCheck assessment and you will receive a discount of £25.00 off the standard price of £99.00. For applications made after 30 days we offer a discount of £18.00.

 
How long does it take?

It is usual for members of our Group to be ready for the test after about 6 - 8 'on-road' sessions, but it can vary according to each individual. After the completion of these drives the Group will provide a 'Mock Test' with a Senior Observer, if the Associate wishes, to ensure that they are indeed up to IAM Test standard.

What do I need?

Although there is no theory test or written test all aspiring Advanced Drivers will be required to have a good knowledge of the principles of better driving as well as having a fundamental knowledge of The Highway Code.

This Group uses the following book, and this is supplied as part of your membership pack.

  • How to be an Advanced Driver (was 'Pass Your Advanced Driving Test') - The IAM manual

Other Books

It would be beneficial to also read The Highway Code and Roadcraft, which is the police driver's manual for advanced driving.

The Group will also loan you a DVD on Roadcraft.

What commitment does it take?

First and foremost you must want to become an advanced driver and pass your Advanced Driving Test. Without that desire, you will fail and you will have wasted both your own and your Observer's time, both of which are valuable.

You must be prepared to thoroughly read the books and learn the theory of the various techniques, as you learn them in practice with your Observer.

The Group Observer's arrange drives every other Sunday morning starting at Castle Park School, Kendal. Other observed drives can be arranged at mutually convenient times if Sunday mornings don't work for you. This can be arranged through our Drives Co-ordinator (See Contact Us). You will drive for at least one hour and then the Observer will give you the necessary feedback on how you drove: the good, the bad, but hopefully no ugly!

The Group does, from time to time, arrange a "Meet the Examiner" evening. This gives you a chance to meet our examiners, who are usually serving or retired Class 1 Police drivers, and get a better understanding of their expectations.

How do I apply?

Either purchase Skill for Life online or Email the Secretary at Contact US