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Welcome to the South of London Advanced Motorists; you are very welcome and
certainly amongst friends. Trying something new can often be a little strange
and may seem confusing. We hope the following notes will help to answer some of
your queries we get.
Of course, if you have a more specific question or still want further
information, please contact us and we'll be happy
to help.
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.
The Test gives a thorough workout of driving ability, allowing the candidate to
alter their drive according to the conditions and environment of the road. The
types of road vary from quiet country roads, motorways to busy town centres. In
each case there are hazards and situations that need to be avoided and taken
care of using the methods and techniques that advanced driving gives. There may
be situations where the candidate can show flair and panache (or what we term as
Sparkle) on an open country road where optimum progress can be gained at maximum
safety, using optimum road positioning and excellent observation.
All this combines to give a brisk smooth drive, at the legal limit on the open
road. In other situations, the candidate will need to show restraint and
composure to deal with tricky hazards that may become apparent throughout the
drive. Such as in a town centre situation, where observation is used to pick out
hazards in situations that are constantly changing.
The main objective is that the candidate has to perform well in all situations
rather than excel in one. Many people often comment on the Test after taking it
and more often than not, the comments revolve around how much they enjoyed the
drive. On Test the candidate gets to "show off" the new skills that they have
been tuning for the weeks during their course.
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.
Find out more on the Advanced Driving Test.
I also ride a bike/motor bike. Is there any advanced training for that ?
Yes. The IAM have a network of motorcycle groups who help bikers prepare for the
motorcycle advanced test. The IAM also have 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.
The following links also give more details on cycle training for adults ...
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 via IAM who have a special commercial arm - IAM
Drive and Survive. They were voted Driver Training Company of the Year, 2010 so
you’ll be in safe hands!
Find out more at
http://www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk.
Who can take the Advanced Driving Test ?
Any driver with a current valid full licence for the vehicle can take the IAM's
test. New drivers are encouraged, however, to gain driving experience of their
own beyond the driving test or Pass Plus before
applying.
How many people have taken the Advanced Driving Test ?
To date, over 400,000 people have taken the Advanced Driving Test, with a
national pass rate of around 75%.
Who is the examiner ?
The IAM examiners are all police class 1, or retired police class 1 driving
certificate holders. They are all driving experts and have many years experience
behind them.
How long does the test last ?
Typically the Advanced Driving Test takes between 90 minutes to 2 hours to
complete. But don't worry, the time does go very quickly!
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 2 centres, meeting in New Malden (1st Sunday of each month) and Banstead
(3rd Sundays of each month).
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 many observed drives will I need ?
Everyone is different so the number varies. However, typically associates have
between 6-8 drives in preparation for the test.
How long will it take to pass ?
Again, everyone is different and it depends how often you have an observed
drive, but typically from the first to the Advanved Driving Test, it usually takes between 3-5
months. If you have any specific requirements, please ask.
Which car do I use ?
YouYou 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.
How can 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 ...
Can I do any reading to help me prepare for the test ?
Yes, you certainly can. These books are essential reading ...
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The IAM's "How to be a better driver" provides essential reading on
advanced driving and the advanced driving test. We recommend that all Associates
are familiar with this book.
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The Highway Code continues to give the rules of the road as it has always
done. Being familiar with these rules, road markings & signs is another
essential part of being an advanced driver.
For additional background and information, the following are also recommended
...
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Alongside the Highway Code is "Know you traffic signs". This publication
provides additional information on road signs & markings and is a recommended
guide for further information on those areas.
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"Roadcraft" is the police drivers handbook. Although we now use the IAM's
"How to be abetter driver" publication, Roadcraft continues to be an excellent
resource on driving techniques and is therefore recommended for further
information.
What is an "Associate" ?
"Associates" are "Associate members" of the IAM and of SLAM. 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 "Skill for Life" scheme ?
"Skill for life" is the package under which you can join the IAM, and SLAM as an
associate. Under the skill for life scheme, once an associate has passed their
IAM test, they become Full members of the IAM and of SLAM.
See more information here.
I've seen mention of an "Observer". Who are these ?
"Observers" or "Group 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 Institute's Advanced
Driving Test. In addition, they have undertaken extra additional training to
become a Group Observer.
What's an "Observed Drive" ?
The term "observed" conjures up thoughts of tests & exams but really they are
simply drives, designed to check your standard of driving and, along with your
observer(s), discuss & improve, step by step, that standard until you are ready
to take the IAM's test. Your initial drive (which may be taken for free) is often
referred to as an "evaluation" drive. We use this to let you get to know us, us
get to know you and determine your driving strengths & potential issues that
will be worked upon during later drives.
See "My first observed drive" for an
insight into what's involved.
What happens when I arrive for my observed drives ?
Your drive will have been booked by appointment and we recommend you
arrive at the appropriate centre a few minutes before your appointment time.
This means there's no rush and you can get to meet some of our members and, of
course, other Associates who wish to improve their driving, just like you. And
when you arrive, the first thing you'll certainly notice is that you're very
welcome!
HavHaving booked in, you'll be introduced to your Observer - the person who'll
explain everything and go with you on your drive.
See "My first observed drive" for an
insight into what's involved.
Do I need to show my membership card or driving licence ?
Yes. We ask you to present your membership card to the reception desk every time
you attend one of our Group centres.
For your first appointment, we also ask
that you to bring additional documentation - your driving licence, your car's
current insurance certificate and 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.ens during the observed drives ?
Drives are very much a partnership between the Associate member and the group, where
we aim, through our observers, to help improve your standard of driving leading
to the taking & passing of the Advanced Driving Test. Your Observer will give
you directions and take you over a variety of road conditions. Some
manoeuvrability exercises may also be included. At all times, you are in charge
of the vehicle.
At At a suitable point in the drive, the Observer may ask you to park the vehicle
and discuss some particular aspect of your driving in more detail. It is highly
likely that you will also be asked some questions relating to the Highway Code …
so please read it beforehand!
See "My first observed drive" for an
insight into what's involved.
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 Institute's
Test, you will be told how to apply etc.
What are my chances of passing the test ?
We are proud to say that the pass rate for Associate members like yourself who
train with the Group is extremely high, so we are pretty confident of your
success. It is however advisable to keep your observed drives active before
applying for the Test.
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.
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.
How many members of the Group are there?
The Group currently has approximately 300 members and approx. 50 Associate
Members who are preparing to take the IAM Test. It is one of the larger groups
in the United Kingdom and with a very high pass rate, one of the most
successful.
How many members are there overall in the IAM
There are currently over 100,000 active members.
What area does the Group cover ?
The Group's membership area comprises the South West quadrant of Greater London,
bounded by a line due west from Hyde Park Corner to the M25 Junction 15 (West
Drayton & Heathrow Airport) and includes Ealing; the M25 between Junction 15
(West Drayton & Heathrow Airport) and 6
(Godstone) then north to Hyde Park Corner to include the London Boroughs of
Croydon and Lambeth. We cover an area larger than the Isle of Wight and are
lucky to have a huge mix of different road & driving conditions.
How is the Group related to the Institute of Advanced Motorists ?
The Group, as with the other 200 groups throughout the country, is affiliated to
the Institute of Advanced Motorists, although it is an autonomous body composed
entirely of volunteers.
How long has the Group been around ?
The Group was started more than 60 years.
How did the Group get started ?
Those who have passed the Institute's Test often feel they would like to do more
to help other drivers raise their standards, than
just displaying the IAM badge on their car. It was such enthusiasm
of a relatively few members in 1957 who banded together to form what is now the
South of London Group of Advanced Motorists (i.e. our Group), one of the
first six Groups to be formed in the United Kingdom.
How has the Group grown since the early days ?
Since 1957 the Group has steadily grown, becoming involved in many motoring
activities as well as providing training events for its members’ enjoyment. In
November 1970 we formally started our Associate member Scheme to help drivers to
attain the Institute's standard before entering for the IAM Test, and so have a
far greater chance of passing.
Over the years, the Group has fostered the establishment of the Guildford Group,
the East Surrey Group and, most recently, the London Advanced Motorcyclists
Group. These Groups, although once a part of the South of London Group of
Advanced Motorists, are now totally independent and helping to spread the 'road
safety' message in their respective areas of activity.
The South of London Group of Advanced Motorists was granted charity status on 1
February 1995.
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.
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