What is an Advanced Driving Course?

What is an advanced driving course?

Advanced driving courses offer a range of options for drivers who want to elevate their skills beyond the basics. These courses are designed to make you a safer, more confident, and more competent driver, no matter your specific needs or concerns.

Whether you're nervous about motorway driving, want to improve your handling in challenging conditions, or simply wish to refine your overall driving, there's a course tailored to help you achieve your goals.

We'll delve into advanced driving courses in depth, explaining their benefits, who they're suitable for, and the different types of driving courses you can take.

Contents

• Who can take an advanced driving course?
• What advanced driving courses are available?
• IAM Roadsmart
• Pass Plus
• RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders
• AA Qualified Driver Lessons
• Benefits of advanced driving courses
• Frequently asked questions

Who can take an advanced driving course?

Anyone with a valid driving licence who'd like to improve their skills and confidence on the road can benefit from an advanced driving course. These courses are open to a wide range of motorists, regardless of experience level or driving concerns.

Whether you've just passed your driving test or you're a more experienced driver looking to refine your skills, there's a course to suit your needs.

Advanced driving courses are particularly beneficial for those who want to specialise in certain areas of driving. If you're anxious about driving on motorways, have a job that requires a lot of driving, or simply want to make sure you're as safe as possible on the road, an advanced driving course can provide the training you require.

What advanced driving courses are available?

There are several advanced driving courses available in the UK, each tailored to different circumstances and skill levels. Below, we explore some of the most popular options, each offering unique benefits and training approaches.

IAM Roadsmart

IAM Roadsmart, run by the Institute of Advanced Motorists, is one of the most recognised advanced driving courses in the UK. This course focuses on improving your overall driving technique, covering aspects such as road positioning, hazard awareness, and vehicle control.

Participants receive one-on-one guidance from qualified instructors, and upon successful completion, you can gain the IAM certification, which could potentially help to reduce your car insurance costs.

Pass Plus

Pass Plus is a practical training course aimed at new and inexperienced drivers who want to build on the skills and knowledge gained during their standard driving lessons. The course covers six key areas, including motorway driving, night driving, and driving in different weather conditions.

While Pass Plus does not have a formal test at the end, successful completion can lead to discounts on car insurance and increased confidence behind the wheel. 

RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) offers advanced driving and riding courses designed to enhance safety on the road. Their courses are known for being particularly rigorous, with three levels of certification: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

The training focuses on defensive driving techniques, hazard perception, and eco-driving, with an examination at the end to assess your skills. RoSPA certifications are widely respected and recognised for their emphasis on road safety.

AA Qualified Driver Lessons

The AA offers a range of advanced driving lessons tailored to different driving needs, including refresher courses, motorway lessons, and eco-driving training. These lessons are provided by AA-qualified instructors and can be customised to address specific areas where you feel less confident.

Whether you want to improve your parking skills, become more comfortable with city driving, or learn to drive more economically, the AA's qualified driver lessons will help you achieve your goals.

Benefits of advanced driving courses

Advanced driving courses offer a range of benefits that can make you a safer, more confident, and more efficient driver, including:

• Enhanced Safety: Improve your ability to avoid accidents and handle unexpected situations on the road through advanced techniques in hazard awareness and vehicle control.
• Increased Confidence: Build confidence in specific driving scenarios, such as motorway driving, heavy traffic, or adverse weather conditions, by receiving guided practice and expert advice.
• Insurance Discounts: Potentially lower your car insurance premiums by completing a recognised advanced driving course, as many insurers offer discounts to drivers with advanced skills.
• Improved Driving Efficiency: Learn eco-driving techniques and other methods to reduce fuel consumption, save money, and minimise your environmental impact.
• Career Opportunities: Boost your job prospects if your role involves driving, as advanced driving certification is often valued by employers in fields like delivery services or professional driving.
• Personal Goals: Gain a sense of accomplishment from taking proactive steps to improve your driving abilities, leading to a more enjoyable and stress-free driving experience.
  

Is an advanced driving course right for you?

Investing in an advanced driving course is more than just a commitment to improving your skills; it's a commitment to your safety and the safety of others on the road. With various options available to suit different requirements and experience levels, there's never been a better time to take your driving to the next level.

For additional tips and advice related to driving, visit our blog section, which is regularly updated with helpful insight and driving advice.

Frequently Asked Questions