About SLAM

Welcome to SLAM, the South of London Advanced Motorists. We are a registered charity, number 1043684 and affiliated, like over 200 other local groups to the Institute of Advanced Motorists - or IAM. Our aim, like the IAM itself is to improve the standards of driving and the advancement of road safety.

We are made up of a friendly group of volunteers, covering all ages, all with a keen interest in better driving & motoring for all. To this end, we encourage all motorists to take the Advanced Driving Test, and offer them guidance, through our associate scheme, on how to prepare for this.

You can join the group as an existing full IAM member, or as an "Associate" member. Associates are members who have not yet passed their Advanced Driving Test, but wish to get involved and take advantage from the coaching & advice given by our Observers.

As a group, we provide ...

• Observed drives.
   
  From our centres in New Malden & Banstead, we offer "observed drives", typically on Sunday mornings. During these drives, Associates are accompanied by our trained Observers who help them to retain and improve their driving skills week by week, in preparation for the IAM's Advanced Driving Test.
   

• Regular social meetings & pre-arranged talks.
   
  We hold regular member meetings at New Malden with a variety of talks & speakers.
   

• More specialised events.
   
  Periodically, we arrange other more specialised events & group visits.
   

• Motorway guidance.
   
  As part of our observed drives, we also offer motorway guidance sessions. These help target motorway driving and offer an extended 2 hour drive. To book an extended motorway session, please contact contact Drive Bookings.

• Skid control training.
   
  In partnership with the Skid Control School based near the historic Goodwood race track in West Sussex, these much demanded courses are a must for those wishing to improve their winter driving skills as well as skid avoidance and resolution.

The Benefits

As an advanced driver, you not only gain in confidence from knowing that you drive more safely and efficiently, but you'll probably enjoy your driving more and can also take advantage of a number of other benefits. These include ...

• The possible reduction in car insurance when arranging IAM Surety Insurance. Many full IAM members now insure their cars with IAM Surety, so its definitely worth checking it out.
   
  See more details on-line, or call IAM Surety for full details on 0845 603 1355.
   
• The IAM's award winning members' magazine, "Advanced Driving", published three times a year, full of news, views, updates and offers for the motoring and biking enthusiast.
   
• Discounts up to 35% on some Garmin SatNavs - see more at http://www.garmin.com/iam.
• Discounts up to 30% on breakdown assistance with the AA.
• Discounts on windscreen replacement.
• Discounts on tyres with National Tyres, exhausts & brakes.
• Discounted rates for car hire with Holiday Autos, hotels, airport parking (APH), financial services.
• 10% off Halfords gift vouchers when purchased in advance.
• 10% off car servicing at Niche Car Servicing - see more at http://www.niche-car-servicing.co.uk/iam.
• The IAM premium service credit card.
• Special deals on a range of books, road atlases & maps.
• IAM's own member's merchandise.
   
  Other benefits provided direct from the IAM can be found here. 

By continuing as a member of SLAM, you also benefit from ...

• Quarterly newsletter, full of news, articles & details of future events.
• The opportunity to have an (optional) annual check drive with a Senior Observer at no charge.
• Access to events & social meetings.
• The opportunity to help promote advanced driving & help others achieve & maintain a higher standard of driving & road safety.

Some "not so obvious" Benefits

In addition to the benefits shown above, it's also worth remembering the following ...

• When Advanced Drivers are involved in accidents, their cars, and those of others, are written off less often.
   
  Source: "The Accident Liabilities of Advanced Drivers", commissioned by General Accident plc.
   
• The accident rate for all drivers in the UK was 2 or 3 times higher than for those who took the IAM Test (passed and failed).
   
• Motorists who passed the IAM Advanced Test had 25% fewer accidents than those who failed.
   
  Source: Transport Research Laboratory Report LR499
   
• The safest cars are those driven by the safest drivers so tuition in 'defensive driving' techniques is the most reliable safety measure of all.
   
  Source: Daily Telegraph Motoring Section, 19 August 1995.
   
• Road accidents account for 96% of ALL transport deaths (road, rail, air and water).
   
  Source: In Car Safety Information Sheet produced by the Road Safety Offices of the North West.
   
• Experience, rather than age, is the principal factor in accidents. Inexperienced drivers are lacking in hazard perception. A 17 year old car driver is 7 times more likely to have an accident than a mid 50's driver
   
  Source: John Moss OBE, Cheshire Chief Road Safety Officer.

Age is no barrier ... young or older, you'll always be welcome! If you think you're too young to be thinking about improving your driving, or too old to start changing all those years of driving habits, then think again. The IAM encourages younger drivers, through its "momentum" courses. At the other end of the age range, we've had a 92 year old associate pass the IAM test! So come on, don't wait any longer. Get in touch today!

Like to know more ?

To find out more about the IAM, SLAM, what we do and how it works, please choose a link below, or contact us for more information ...

What is Advanced Driving ?		The "System of Car Control"		What does it cost & how do I join ?
Observed drives & The Avanced Driving Test		Motorway Guidance & Skid Control Training		Frequently Asked Questions