FAQs & Links

Dumfries and Galloway Group Of

Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists

Frequently Asked Questions

(Although these responses were written for car drivers most of them relate equally to motorcycle riders)

What is Advanced Driving or Riding?

Advanced driving is about driving competently and honing your skills to enable you to make smooth progress, always being in the right part of the road, travelling at the right speed and with the correct gear engaged. It is also about being able to recognise hazards and deal with them safely in a planned and systematic way using the skills of observation, anticipation and finally always being in a position to stop your vehicle safely in the distance that can be seen to be clear.

What do I need to train for the Advanced Driving/ Riding Test?

Apart from the use of a legal, insured car/ motorcycle you will need a positive alert attitude, and a willingness to build on the core skills of concentration, observation, anticipation and planning.

Why should I consider becoming an Advanced Driver/ Riding?

The Transport Research Laboratory have compiled statistics that show motorists who have passed the Advanced Driving Test have a significantly reduced accident rate compared with the average motorist (in fact 50 -70 per cent better). Additionally those accidents in which they are involved tend to be less serious.

You may even find that you can benefit from a reduced insurance premium as some Insurers offer discounted premiums to motorists/motorcyclists who have passed the Advanced Driving/Riding Test.

Who is eligible to take the Advanced Driving /Riding Test?

Virtually anyone who holds a current full UK or EC driving licence is eligible. The test can be taken for various classes of vehicle including motor cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Dumfries Group supports preparation for the Advanced Car, Light Commercial and Motorcycle Tests. Restrictions apply to drivers and riders who have outstanding proceedings which may result in points being awarded.

What does the test involve?

The test lasts for approximately 90 minutes, and includes every available type of road; ranging from residential to motorway. The test is conducted by an examiner who holds a Police Advanced Driving/ Riding Certificate .

The route will cover 35-40 miles and you will be expected to demonstrate competent control of the vehicle, making good progress with safety.

How do I prepare for the test?

Whilst you could prepare on your own, working through books like the IAM's ‘How to be a better driver’ (or the IAM’s Pass Your Advanced Motorcycle Test) and HMSO's Roadcraft (or Motorcycle Roadcraft) you are more likely to succeed with some guidance.

To this end we offer an Associates Membership scheme where you will benefit from guidance on the theory of advanced driving and where you will be assigned an Observer who will accompany you on assessment drives to assist in the preparation for the test. Prior to taking the Advanced Test you will be expected to undergo a Progress Drive/ Ride which is effectively a mock test to ascertain if you are at or near test standard. This will be administered by an experienced Observer or Senior Observer and is useful for identifying any final points which need ‘polishing’ prior to taking the test.

All guidance is free and carried out by IAM members on a voluntary basis.

Links

Here you will find some links to other sites which may be of interest:

Driving/riding:

Institute of Advanced Motorists: Main web site.

Driving.co.uk

Click here for IAM News Releases.

Driving Standards Agency

Drive2000

Association of British Drivers

Motoring.gov.uk/

Highway Code online