About SLAM | Benefits | News | Newsletter | Activities | Locations | Contacts | FAQs

 
Introduction 

Like the IAM, The South of London Group is a registered charity (charity number 1043684) with the aims of the improvement of the standards of driving and the advancement of road safety. We are made up of a friendly group of volunteers, covering all ages, but 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 associates scheme, on how to prepare for this.

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

In addition we provide ...

• Evaluation & review drives from our centres in New Malden & Banstead.
• Regular social meetings & pre-arranged talks.
• More specialised events.
• Motorway guidance sessions.
• A much demanded programme of skidpan training - in partnership with the 
  Skid Control school based at the historic Goodwood race track in West Sussex.
• Skidpan training & sessions.
  
• For more information on these, as well as previous & future activities, please click here.

To learn more about what we offer and how you could benefit, please continue reading, or one of the following links ...

• What is Advanced Driving all about ?
• The "System of Car Control"
• How much does it cost ?
• The benefits of advanced driving
• When and where do you meet ?
• Frequently Asked Questions

 
What is Advanced Driving? 

By the time that you take the Advanced Driving test, the group aims that you, as an associate will be able to drive ...

• To the highest level of safety

• With an level of driving skill and technique in accordance with principles contained in the police driving manual ‘Roadcraft’

• Ensuring the highest level of passenger comfort

• Enabling the vehicle to be manoeuvred in a confined space with accuracy and safety, thus reducing wear and tear on the vehicle

• By good example, maintaining the high standard of the Institute.

We don't aim to make you a ‘Grand Prix’ driver, but we do try to help you be a more defensive driver able to make the best possible progress that the road conditions allow.

See advanced driving in action - watch a short IAM video of a review drive.
 

• Good & effective concentration
• Good observation 
• Good anticipation and use of the information available ...
  
  • What can be seen
  • What cannot be seen
  • What might reasonably be expected to happen

These skills form the main principles of the ‘System’, which underpin the Police drivers’ handbook entitled ‘Roadcraft’. This in turn forms the basis of guidance and coaching offered by SLAM. 

 
The System of Car Control

• Information.
   
  Use all the information around you - in front, behind and to the side, to determine the hazards that exist, or may exist in the future. If you need to position your car differently on the road, consider whether a signal is appropriate to warn other road users.
  
• Position.
   
  After giving a clear signal (if required), position your car in the appropriate part of the carriageway. Check your mirrors before committing yourself to the new position.
   
• Speed.
   
  Now alter your road speed, based on the hazard. Usually this will be by using the brakes and/or engine braking, but in some cases may require further acceleration instead. Remember to continue your observation and use your mirrors as your speed & location changes.
   
• Gear.
   
  In most cases, only now will you consider changing gear, if required, to match the new road speed.
   
• Acceleration.
   
  Once past the hazard and it is safe to do so, continue at a suitable & appropriate speed, accelerating as required. 

Don't worry if you've never thought this way before. The system will be explained & encouraged throughout your review drives by your Observer. 

 
Costs 

Skill for Life gives you everything you need in order to work towards & pass your advanced driving test and become a full member of the IAM, including ...

• Associate Membership of a local IAM group such as SLAM, who will offer you assistance and guidance to coach you in preparation for the IAM test.
• The relevant IAM manual.
• The IAM test fee itself.
• Your first years membership of the IAM after passing the test.

At the time of writing, the cost of this package is £139. You can purchase a Skill For Life package ...

• Through the group - simply come along to our New Malden centre on a Sunday morning & join up! 
• Or directly from the IAM - you can do this on-line at their web site.

 
Group Membership

Our group membership cost is currently just £10 per year.

 
Young or Older - you're welcome

We would also like to remind everyone that age is no barrier. The IAM encourages younger drivers, both through courses and offering a £10 discount towards the test fee for under-25s, and indeed some of our members have benefited from this. 

At the other end of the age range, our group was very pleased to learn that one of our Associates who passed the test in November 1998 was 92 at the time! "Older drivers refresher courses benefit all", says the IAM. Read more. 

 
Contact Us, or Try for Free!

If you're interested in joining the Group, have a question, or would simply like further information, please contact us. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

The first drive is free ... simply book a drive by contacting our Associates Coordinator, and explain hat you'd like a Free Assessment. You can download your free assessment voucher here.