Last year saw the 80th anniversary of the introduction of the UK driving test when the very first one was taken in 1935, for the equivalent of 37.5p, by a Mr J Beene. Apart from during World War 2, when testing was suspended, literally millions have followed suit.
The UK operates a system where we can pass our test as early as 17 (16 under certain circumstances) and that’s it, provided we do not come to the attention of the authorities, perhaps through a speeding offence or a collision.
Just imagine how much has changed on our roads during the last twenty roads – surely refresher training should be a necessary discipline for us all to take to keep up with these changes?
In many of our working lives continual professional development (CPD) is commonplace and in some cases it’s mandatory.
And for good reason, as it helps us to manage health and safety, introduce working practices and learn about the latest innovations. Driving for most of us is one of the most dangerous activities we do on a daily basis, but we barely give it a second thought. It is perhaps considered a rite of passage into adulthood and just a necessity for the rest of us. Yet only a handful of drivers go on to develop their driving further and take a more advanced test or even have a refresher session.
So what stops us from taking our driving further? Having spoken to hundreds of women drivers over the last decade, common replies are often: “I know I should… I thought about it but wasn’t sure where to go… I don’t like the thought of being told I’m not good enough… I’m too busy…”
So this blog, based on an article from award-winning UK breakdown service Gem Motoring Assist, is designed to help answer those questions, and encourage more women drivers to take the plunge and come up smiling afterwards.
What happens on an advanced course?
Once you have decided how you wish to progress to advanced driving, you will be given the contact details of your trainer. The trainers and examiners are always highly experienced volunteers and have a passion for driving they wish to share with others. The training is conducted at a pre-agreed location and time to suit you. You can expect a number of sessions over several weeks, and will usually be driving your own vehicle. Many organisations do not put a time limit on the number of sessions you can have. After each session you can go away and practise what you have learned on your own.
The training itself will cover as many different road types and environments as possible, and will look at positioning, smoothness, safety, eco driving and perhaps a better understanding of the newer technologies fast being introduced into our vehicles.
If you wish, you can then take an advanced test which is often with an independent examiner, but only when you feel ready. It takes about 90 minutes to complete, again locally to you, and you are given the result immediately, along with feedback. If you are unsuccessful you can simply take it again in the future after perhaps a little more practice. No one needs to know and your licence is still 100% intact. If you prefer, you can just have the training itself.
What’s the point of taking an advanced test?
Everyone has a different reason for taking an advanced test (mine followed a stressful, not my fault, road accident), but some of the advantages are:
+ Improving driving confidence on today’s busy and testing roads.
+ A more economical driving style – expect your fuel consumption to improve by between 10 and 15 per cent, depending on your existing style.
+ Engine wear and tear will be reduced, as you may be changing gear or braking less.
+ You are statistically less likely to be involved in a collision, as you will develop a higher level of awareness and anticipation of hazards.
+ Insurance companies may apply discounts. It is worth discussing possibilities with your own insurer as many will recognise qualifications from the main advanced driver companies.
+ From an employer’s point of view, advanced drivers can reduce company risk and, potentially, insurance liability.
+ From an employee’s point of view, this looks good on the CV.
Finally, this is a great opportunity to brush up on current road laws or new signs by needing to look though the latest Highway Code. This is updated every few years and could be used in court when motorists clearly do not have up-to-date knowledge. Ignorance of the law is not a defence as is not knowing this fact…
Advanced driving choices
Some local authorities offer free or discounted one-hour assessments for drivers in specific age categories. Contact your local road safety unit to find out about current schemes.
Put ‘advanced driving’ into Google and a list of suppliers will appear, allowing you to search in more detail.
GEM Motoring Assist has joined forces with RoSPA to offer a one-hour assessment for drivers of any age. Check out the GEM website or call RoSPA 0121 248 2099. These types of assessments are confidential and there is no pass or fail.
Club members can save 10% off IAM courses and this is how I got on taking my Skill For Life course.
Alternatively you can contact the Driving Instructors Association (driving.org) for a list of qualified instructors near you (that are also regularly checked by the DVSA for quality). In addition to PassPlus they also offer a special motorway training option and can build up your confidence and knowledge which might be appropriate when returning to driving after divorce, bereavement, ill health or being involved in an accident.
FOXY
NB: Club membership includes a copy of the latest Highway Code as well as lots of reminders about important road safety-related motoring matters.
NNB: Surprisingly for some, The Highway Code isn’t just for motorists. This is why motorcyclists and pedestrians need to read it too.
