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Honing your driving skills

An Advanced Driver course could help you cut your fuel bills.

Why you should be honing your driving skills

  • The benefits of doing a driving course
  • What an Advanced Driver course can teach drivers of all experience
  • Perform better on the road and save money
  • PAID PARTNERSHIP WITH IAM ROADSMART

As many a parent has told a proud newly qualified driver, passing your test is only the first step when it comes to learning how to drive. But even those who have been driving for years could still have plenty of lessons to learn on the road.

There are many reasons why an Advanced Driver course, from the likes of IAM RoadSmart, is a great way to improve your abilities behind the wheel. You might be in a job where you spend lots of time driving, or maybe your car is equipped with technology that you aren’t sure how to use. Or it could be a while since you passed your test, and you feel a boost to your confidence is needed.

Below are some of the top reasons why you should consider refreshing your skills.

Save fuel

As of 2022, learners are expected to show an ability to drive with the economy and environment in mind. But you might well have passed a while before this was a requirement and, however long you have been driving there is always more that you can do to really get the most out of every drop of fuel, and an Advanced Driver course can teach you some techniques to become more fuel efficient.

Focusing on planning your drive will really start to make a difference to fuel consumption,  whether you drive a petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric vehicle, there are savings to be made.

Cut costs

Fuel economy isn’t the only area where Advanced Driving can help cut costs. Less wear and tear on your vehicle by better planning, will reduce servicing costs and evidence of your Advanced qualification can help reduce insurance costs, through the likes of IAM RoadSmart’s insurance partner, Cornmarket.

Driving in a more sympathetic manner should also help your car and reduce wear on the parts that need changing. For example, if you anticipate when traffic is slowing down and ease off the throttle rather than braking then you’ll wear your brakes out less, meaning they won’t need to be replaced as often.

Grow in confidence

There are any number of reasons why your confidence behind the wheel might have taken a knock over the years.

It might be that you aren’t comfortable on motorways, or you’ve recently become a parent so are driving with precious cargo, or it could be that you been involved in a collision, which has knocked your self-belief, and you want to feel more self-assured.

Whatever it may be, an Advanced Driver course is designed to make you more aware of your surroundings and will boost your confidence behind the wheel, as well as making you a better driver.

Local support

An Advanced course is unique whereby you get a year’s IAM RoadSmart membership included as part of the package – that’s on top of the Observed sessions, test and a course manual.

You also get the support of your local group that will help you keep improving throughout your driving life, whether you’re fresh out of lessons or several decades in. IAM RoadSmart is supporting a diverse and inclusive community of drivers across the UK. There are around 170 local groups, so there is bound to be one in your area.

It’s about more than just learning, though, as there are regular meets where you can share your passion and knowledge with others and take part in social events.

If you’ve managed to ignite your passion to further road safety, then continue your journey at IAM RoadSmart and give something back to your community by volunteering. There are a range of opportunities, from becoming an Observer, a group committee member, or helping with social media and much more.

Stay on top of changes

In a world of ever evolving challenges to road users, IAM RoadSmart’s role is to ensure that its members and the wider public are given access to useful hints, tips and driving advice, through digital media and local press releases. As active campaigners on behalf of drivers, riders, and elements of the transport industry, IAM RoadSmart works with a large range of partners to ensure the latest information is cascaded through a range of channels.

Suitable for all ages

IAM RoadSmart is aimed at anyone who has passed their driving test, whether they have just gained their licence or have been on the road for decades. Whatever stage of your driving life you are at, there will be something you can learn from an Advanced Driver course.

What’s included?

IAM RoadSmart’s Advanced Driver course costs £175. For that you receive:

  • A series of drives with an Observer, providing guidance and practical examples to help you develop your skills
  • A copy of the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver course logbook
  • Your first year’s membership with IAM RoadSmart and your local Group
  • IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Test fee
  • Access to member benefits, including a subscription to the IAM RoadSmart members’ magazine
  • Access to competitive insurance quotes with IAM RoadSmart’s partner, Cornmarket

 If this sounds interesting but you want to see what it’s about for yourself before committing to a course, then try before you buy with a free taster session. Members say that the best introduction to developing Advanced skills is to experience it for themselves. During your free taster session, an Observer will show you some of the skills and techniques that it takes to pass the Advanced Test. They’ll also be pleased to answer any questions you may have about the full course. Everyone is welcome, all you need is a full licence and your own car.

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