Advanced Driving Test ? -

[BRAVO1]

Hello Everyone.

I have a full car and motorcycle licence(both clean), and have driven cars and bikes for over 25yrs.

I was wondering if anyone has experience of taking an advanced driving test, and if so, what are the costs, and can I get a reduction in my insurance costs by having taken and passed the advanced test.

I want to upgrade my old skills and learn some modern driving skills.

Any Ideas ?.

[Ethel]

My friend's son passed his driving test 2 weeks after his 17th birthday, and his advanced test 6 weeks after that.

It was a big reduction in his insurance, but I doubt it will make much difference to you with your full no claims' bonus and being a little older than 17.

The driving test is �48 and the motorcycle test is �54

[derekpara]

I took my IAM test at 70 and managed to grt an insurance reduction next time around. Go to the IAM wesite for detailed information about the test.
I would recommend it to anyone. You have to have several observed drives, each of about 45 minutes,where you are assessed and your faults pointed out for correction. When the observer ( and I had a different one each time ) thinks you are ready you then apply and take your test, which is with (usually) a retired police Class 1 driver. The test, like the observed drives, takes in town, country and motorway driving, manoevering, parking etc. Then several questions on the highway code.

Oh, and while you are taking the test you will be asked to give a running commentary of what you see etc. You may, as I was, be asked what the last two roadside signs were !

So the course and test teaches you long and short range and all-round observation, so you are never taken by surprise, and anticipate PRACTICALLY everything and anything. In fact, a small deer sprang in front of me onto the inside lane of the M25 ! I was doing 70 and fortunately it darted back up the bank pretty sharply ! Go for it, and good luck - it will only make you a better driver.

[BRAVO1]

Thank's EVERYONE !

[derekpara]

Hello, Ethel

Did your friend's son take the IAM test or the Pass Plus ?

Only, with the IAM the acquaint course (forget what exactly they call it now) takes almost a year, with observed drives every couple of months.

Derek

[Toureman]

Have a look here........

http://www.iam.org.uk/

The commentary drive is now optional.

[Jugglering]

I would actually recommend that you go for the RoSPA Advanced Driving Test - you have to re-take this every 3 years, so it is a form of continuous assessment instead of do it once and forget about it... This particular test is also graded (unlike the IAM, which just has a pass or fail) into Gold, Silver and Bronze (which is a similar level to the IAM pass). The costs are broadly similar but the benefit is that you keep having to renew your skills and hence keep them honed. You should be able to get at least 10% off your car insurance premiums by being a member of either the IAM or RoSPA, but you will find that the non-financial benefits definitely outweigh the costs.... like you won't have another boring drive home and you will be able to say, I enjoyed that drive... as well as hopefully arriving home safe and sound !

[Toureman]

Great answer Jugglering !

[BRAVO1]

thanks again everyone !