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Frequently asked questions for new members 

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 much of it may seem confusing.  To answer some of the typical queries, you’ll find a series of Q&A style questions below that may help.  

Of course, if there is anything else, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

 
Evaluation & Review Drives 

Any driver with a current valid full licence for the vehicle can take the IAM's test. New drivers are encouraged, however, to gain experience of the road before applying.

When and where do the drives take place?

We operate two group Centres, meeting in New Malden and Banstead. Please click here for addresses & directions.

Do I have to use my own car?

Yes, you will always drive your own vehicle accompanied by a Group Observer.  It is your responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is legally on the road, and that you have current and appropriate insurance cover.  We must emphasis that the safety of the vehicle will remain your responsibility throughout the drives.

What’s an Associate?

"Associates" are "associate members" of the IAM and of SLAM. They have joined in this capacity to improve their driving skills in preparation for taking the advanced driving test. Under the skill for life scheme, once an associate has passed their IAM test, they become full members of the IAM and of SLAM.

What’s an Observer?

Observers are those group members who will take you on the evaluation, review or assessment drives.  They are all volunteers who freely give their time to the Group, which is a registered charity. Each of them has completed the same process that you are 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 rigorous training, with periodic rechecking, to become an IAM Qualified Observer.

What's an "Assessment Drive" ?

The term "assessment" conjures up thoughts of tests & exams but really they are review 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 is free with SLAM, 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.

What happens when I arrive for my review drives?

Your review 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! 

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.

Having booked in, you'll be introduced to your Observer - the person who'll explain everything and take you for your drive.  

What happens if I can’t make the assessment drive?

Should you be unable to attend a pre-arranged date, we ask you to contact drive bookings. Even if its short notice, please contact the drive bookings number as this will connect you with the appropriate group centre allowing you to notify the 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.

What happens during the evaluation/review 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 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 do try and have a good read of it beforehand!

 
Taking the IAM's Advanced Driving Test 

When your driving standards have reached those required to pass the Institute's Test, you will be told how to apply and what is expected of you during the one and half hour test.

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 assessment drives active before applying for the Test.

What is the format of the test?

The Advanced Driving Test lasts for about 90 minutes and will usually cover between 30 and 40 miles along all types of road (town driving, motorways (if available) or dual carriageways, and even country lanes).

Your Examiner will hold a Police Advanced Driving certificate (either serving or ex Police Class 1) and will have extensive experience from working within the Traffic sections of the Police Force.

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. The Advanced Driving Test IS NOT EASY but is within the reach of most motorists with the right guidance.

 
After the Test

What happens after I pass my test?

Having passed the Advanced Driving Test, please inform the Assessment Drive Bookings Officer.  This will enable us to congratulate you upon your success and to invite you to become a Group Full Member.

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 get in touch, or drop into one of the review centres and let us know.

 
General Questions 

Contact names and numbers for everyone that you might usually need to speak with can be found inside the front cover of the Groups quarterly newsletter. You can also contact us by phone or e-mail.

How many members of the group are there?

The Group currently has approximately 400 members and some 250 Associate Members who are preparing to take the IAM Test. It is one of the largest groups in the United Kingdom and with a very high pass rate, one of the most successful.

What area does the group look after?

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 (near Heathrow Airport) and includes Ealing; the M25 between Junction 15 and 6 (Godstone) then north to Hyde Park Corner to include the London Boroughs of Croydon and Lambeth; an area larger than the Isle of Wight.

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 existed for?

The Group has been in existence for more than 50 years.

How did the group get started?

Those who have passed the Institute's Test often feel they would like to do more in the cause of road safety and help other drivers raise their standards, than just displaying the IAM badge on the grille of 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, being 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 the Group formally started its 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 on our website.