Courses

The Advanced Driving Course

 

Why should you take it?

Part of being one of the best drivers on the road is the awareness that there’s always something new to learn to make yourself even better.

As well as honing your expertise, this course will equip you with the knowledge needed to stay safe on the road and provide you with a new set of skills to make each journey more enjoyable than the last.

Your Advanced Driver qualification could also lead to lower insurance premiums, which means the course may soon even pay for itself. 

 

How much does it cost?

The main route to the Advanced Test is through the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver course, currently £200. You can buy the package directly from IAM by clicking here

 

However, Wirral Group can sometimes offer discounts or promotions.

Use the Contact Us form to enquire about our latest offers. 

       

Benefits of the Advanced Driver Course

Increase your confidence and on the road knowledge by becoming an Advanced Driver – and be recognised for your skills. Key benefits include:

 

  • Improve your skills and knowledge
  • Have your advanced skills recognised in this respected qualification
  • DVSA accredited
  • Possible cheaper insurance
  • Boost your confidence
  • Greater awareness of other road users
  • Increased anticipation of hazards
  • Opportunities to make better progress without compromising safety
  • Be one of the most skilled drivers on the road
  • Full IAM membership on completion
  • Convenient – delivered by expert “Observers” near you
  • Make a great impression – add it to your CV

 

What are the practical arrangements?

 

IAM RoadSmart Observers are all Institute of the Motor Industry qualified. Your Observer will take you out in your own car for highly immersive sessions to ascertain which areas of your driving may need attention.

You’ll practise specific skills at an advanced level, including control, observation, timing, optimum road positioning and how best to deal with unpredictable roads and other road users’ behaviour.

To add to your enjoyment, you’ll be part of a group of like-minded drivers and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to share your experiences and new-found knowledge with them.

 

There are two ways in which the IAM Advanced Driving Course is provided. Some groups deliver the course with a programme of sessions starting at a common public meeting place on set dates at which you (the “Associate”) is allocated to an Observer for that session and then cover a specific topic on the road. Our group prefers to allocate a dedicated Observer to you for the entire course and the two of you arrange sessions on the road, in your car, at times mutually convenient to you both, covering the syllabus at a pace dependent on your progress.

 

When your Observer feels you are ready to take the test, a test readiness check is arranged with an independent senior Observer and if they agree, a test is arranged with an IAM examiner. This takes typically an hour and you will be offered the opportunity to give “spoken thoughts” for a short period, though this is not compulsory.

 

An alternative to the exam

Some people do not perform well under the scrutiny of an unfamiliar official examiner and if this is an issue for you, we offer an alternative arrangement whereby your Observer can use a process of continual assessment; we call this “membership by portfolio (MbP)”. However, we would need to know in advance which mode of assessment you prefer since MbP is delivered by only selected Observers. The cost of the course is the same regardless of assessment method.

 

Other Courses

 We offer a free assessment or taster drive if you are unsure whether the advanced course is right for you. This is normally a 45-minute drive in your own car with one of our Observers, who will give an informal verbal assessment of your driving strengths and weaknesses as well as outlining what “advanced driving” entails.

 

Need more information?

If you have any questions please use our Contact Us form.

If you would like us to post you an information pack please also include your mailing address.

 

Existing members of IAM RoadSmart

If you are already an existing member of the IAM and would like to join Wirral Advanced Motorists, please contact the Membership secretary or use the Contact Us form.

Existing members can also undertake the IAM RoadSmart Masters qualification, take a voluntary reassessment or become a Fellow. Log in to the IAM website using your membership number and select “My next challenge”.

Interested in becoming an Observer? We'd love to hear from you! Let us know via our Contact Us page.