Advanced Driving/CPD

Head Trainer Phil Knight has achieved the highest pass rates available in all UK advanced driving tests. Knowing exactly what is expected on the test puts him in the perfect position to coach you to achieve the same success.

People take advanced driving test’s for many reasons – driving instructors wishing to update their knowledge, skill and CV or as part of their CPD, professional or company vehicle drivers who need to prove their ability for health and safety reasons regarding the corporate manslaughter law (see our sister company www.driver-aware.com) or regular civilian drivers who don’t drive for work but still want to update and improve their skill, or perhaps to regain confidence after an accident.

While a car is a method of getting from A to B, it is also a lethal weapon. Department of Transport Road Casualty Figures 2008 show: 2,538 Killed, 26,034 Seriously Injured and 202,333 Injured. These figures are the tip of the iceberg, only covering accidents reported to the police and the condition of the casualty at the scene. Additionally, 95% of all accidents are down to human error. These figures themselves should be enough for any road user to take extra training.

Training for an advanced test usually begins with a driving assessment followed by a structured training plan, matched to the client’s ability, which will allow them to achieve their goals.

Of course, you don’t have to take a test to improve your skills. We offer courses in Defensive Driving to keep you safe and Eco Driving to save you money, and can tailor any program to suit your individual requirements.

The IAM Test is based on Roadcraft, the police driving system, requiring early planning and anticipation coupled with information gathering. An ideal starting point for an advanced training program, this is a good benchmark for everyday drivers and is a realistic test of their driving ability.

The test lasts about 90 minutes, covering between 30 and 40 miles and will include urban and rural roads as well as motorways if possible or dual carriageways. The driver will also be asked to drive at varying speed limits, carry out a reversing manoeuvre and give some commentary driving.

The RoSPA Advanced Driving Test is universally recognized as the ultimate achievement and highest qualification in on-road driving available to civilian drivers. The effort, skills and knowledge attained by the driver through training are independently measured and appropriately rewarded. To achieve a pass on this test you must drive for one and a half hours over a demanding route that covers a variety of different road situations and conditions, often including motorways, dual carriageways and both rural and urban roads at different speed limits. The drive will also include a manoeuvre and a section of commentary driving. The test is usually conducted by serving or recently retired Police Class One drivers. Passes are graded Gold, Silver and Bronze and a pass at any level places the successful candidate in the classification of well above average. A pass at Gold standard represents a tremendous achievement. It should be a goal for all professional drivers and particularly driver trainers.

The DIAmond Advanced Driving Test is operated by the Driving Instructor’s Association and encourages safe defensive driving techniques and respect for other road users. Based on the DSA marking system, the test lasts 60 minutes and will encompass most types of road conditions and situations. The driver will be expected to demonstrate a progressive drive with a higher degree of skill and competencewell above the standard L test. All manoeuvres included in the DSA driving test will also be examined during the duration of the advanced test.

The DIAmond Special Test

The DIAmond Special Test is aimed at driver trainers who wish to take their driving to the highest level available to a non emergency response driver. In addition to the content of the advanced test, candidates will be asked to provide two short sections of commentary driving. The test is conducted over a longer route than the Advanced Test and less driving faults are permitted. Therefore, a higher level of concentration is required.

Defensive Driver Training

A defensive driver thinks about the ‘what if’, getting the car in the correct position at the correct speed, using improved awareness and road position to always plan ahead to keep them safe, and keep them away from the other drivers who aren’t focused on what they are doing.

ECO Driving

The cost of fuel goes up and up, showing no signs of lowering. A course in Eco Driving can lower your fuel bills instantly and also reduce wear and tear on your car, creating further savings through fewer repairs. Simple techniques can be taught that will save you money but not alter your journey time, improving fuel consumption by 10 to 30% - around about £300 per year for the average motorist! A course in Eco Driving pays for itself.