Which Advance Driving Test?

• RoSPA Advanced Drivers
• IAM's Advanced Driving Test
• DIAmond test
• DIAmond Special test
• Cardington Grade A Test
• ADI Part 2 Advanced driving Test

RoSPA Advanced Drivers

Everyone thinks they're a good driver...right?

Advanced drivers are 25% less likely to be involved in an accident. For some people driving is a stressful chore, while for others it can be a relaxing opportunity to assert themselves. Whichever category you fit into, surveys indicate that 80% of us think that we are above average drivers and those accidents only happen to others. But, we probably all know, or have heard about, someone whose life has been changed as a result of a road accident.
RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders aim is to reduce road accidents by encouraging an interest in road safety, by improving driving standards, knowledge and skill. In order to do this RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders have over 50 local groups that will provide free training to help you improve your driving skills and help you train to become an advanced driver.

Advanced Driver Training in Leeds

We can all benefit from taking the advanced test. Not only will you receive cheaper insurance discounts you will protect yourself and your loved ones.
Driving a car may be one of the most dangerous things that you will have to do in any one day, let's tackle this together and increase our safety on today's roads.

Why Advanced Training?

What is advanced Driving?

Every day we drive our cars without giving an additional thought to the fact that it may be one of the most dangerous things that we will do in that day.
It is a shocking fact that traffic accidents account for almost half of accidental deaths and are the largest single cause of death and injury to young adults.

Defensive Driving is the art of avoiding preventable accidents. It is a deliberate, skilful and responsible driving technique admired by others. As a defensive driver you are able to anticipate and control situations to reduce accident risk.

An Advanced Driver is equipped with the knowledge and skill to drive safely and effectively in all conditions.
Advanced Drivers are 25% less likely to be involved in an accident.

When driving, do you ever find yourself:
- Having to brake sharply?
- Creeping above the speed limit?
- Driving too close to the car ahead?
- Feeling anxious, tense or intimidated?
- Regretting what you've just done? (e.g. accelerated through an amber light)

If so maybe you too could benefit from advanced training
Protect yourself and your loved ones by taking the Advanced Test.

How do I start?
Anyone who holds a full driving licence can become an advanced driver.

The RoSPA Test is regarded as one of the most challenging tests of its type, a proud achievement for anyone.

We recommend that you receive training in preparation for the test.

How to receive training
RoSPA has over 50 local groups available to provide free advice and advanced training in preparation for your test
The Groups
Groups have volunteer tutors; they have all passed the advanced test themselves at a high grade and have also been trained and assessed in order to meet the requirements to provide training for the advanced test. They will all be registered tutors with RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders. Some approved tutors may have also undertaken further training in advanced driving instruction and have become advanced tutors. They also take retests every three years so you can be sure that you will receive a high level of training.

What happens when I join a group?
As a new member wishing to receive training you will be assigned to one of the group's tutors. You will both agree a convenient training session, usually weekly or fortnightly lasting for 1-2 hours.
As a new member you will use your own vehicle to receive training and the tutors will give you guidance and advice. The sessions are free and there is no limit to the number of lessons you are given. The groups are fully aware that everybody learns at a different pace and a training programme will be developed that best suits you.

Training will continue at a steady pace until your tutor feels that you are ready for the test. Once you have passed your test the training and guidance through the local group will continue because we feel that a good driver never stops learning and skills need to be developed to keep up with today's ever changing traffic conditions.
I want to join a local group to receive training

If you wish to take a RoSPA Advanced Test, you can contact a local group in your area or if you feel you are ready to take the test then you can download an application form.

Test Fees*
Advanced Driving Test (Car) £48
Advanced Driving Test (LGV and PCV) £60
Advanced Riding Test £54

Once you have completed the Advanced Test you will automatically become a Member of RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders.

Membership is subject to an annual fee of £20 and a re-test every three years (this is free of charge to members, however, re-test fees are applicable should you miss your re-test date for any reason). In return, you will enjoy a range of membership benefits.

IAM's Advanced Driving Test

Put quite simply, we offer the opportunity for car drivers to improve their driving standards, helping to make them safer on the roads.

But that's not all. Like any positive learning experience, it has many benefits. Being safer is just the start as you'll also gain a greater sense of confidence and driving enjoyment. We are committed to helping make you a better driver.

Underpinning this is the IAM's famous Advanced Driving Test for which we are perhaps best known, but we also offer other driving services such as Special Assessment, or DriveCheck55.

Thousands of drivers take our advanced driver programme (Skill for Life) every year. Their feedback is impressive - they find the experience enjoyable, the observing excellent, and often say it was one of the best things they have ever done. Many also go on to receive substantially reduced motor insurance premiums.

So, let us help improve your technique, increase your ability and confidence, and ultimately get the most out of your driving experience. It will also help improve your safety on the road. If you have already done your preparation for the Advanced Test and would like to apply for your test, please contact DTC(UK) Ltd on 0113 2680134 / 07973847769

Recognising that the majority of collisions are caused by driver error, the IAM's Advanced Driving Test was introduced in 1956 with the specific objective of significantly improving driving standards using the principles of advanced driving pioneered and applied with great success by the Metropolitan Police. The tests are now accredited by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

The Advanced Test is not exclusively about safety, but encourages the driver to feel confident on the road, to make good progress, and to get greater enjoyment from the experience.

To date, over 400,000 people have taken the Advanced Test. The pass rate is around 75%, and we currently have over 100,000 active members.
The IAM Skill for Life package contains everything you need to get your driving skills up to speed. The package includes:

- An initial assessment with an IAM voluntary observer from a local IAM Group
- Six-on-road sessions conducted with a qualified advanced driver (more can be added at no extra cost if required)
- The definitive guide to advanced driving techniques 'How to be a better driver'
- Membership of your local IAM group, with invitations to group events
- Full preparation for your Advanced Driving Test
- Your Advanced Test with a qualified examiner
- An IAM Advanced Driving Certificate on passing the test
- 12-month membership of the national IAM, which includes:

- Our award winning membership magazine 'Advanced Driving'
- Access to a host of membership benefits, privileges and discounts
- Special insurance discounts and policy cover once you have passed
- Access to the Members-only area of this website (for special events, services and member offers)

As a charitable organisation, this whole 'Skill for Life' package is available
Driver observation will be delivered by our qualified observer's networks that are available via your local voluntary IAM Group. Once you have purchased your 'Skill for Life'. You will receive a directory of local groups so you can contact the most convenient one.

Typically, you can expect the whole programme, from your first assessment to test, to take 3-5 months, depending on the programme your chosen group is operating. There is often flexibility here, so discuss this with your local IAM group contact. on 0113 2680134 / 07973847769

How to be a better driver

'How to be a better driver' describes in clear and easy to understand terms and pictures what is required to achieve the Advanced Driving Test (including a very useful section entitled 'What the examiner looks for'). It is very much based on the principles of the Police books 'Roadcraft', but explains exactly what is required for the IAM Test.
This book is included in the 'Skill for Life' pack when you join the IAM is also available separately.

The DIAmond Advanced Test

Looking to continue your professional development?
Becoming an ADI is the first step towards a new career, but there is more to being an ADI than teaching learners. Perhaps you have been thinking about teaching Pass Plus, improving your check test grade or even gaining recognised qualifications. If this sounds like you - our 'Find a trainer' search facility will help you on your way.
Looking to develop your driving?
Passing your test is the first step towards independent driving. Perhaps you have been thinking about Pass Plus or returning to driving and simply wish to brush up your parking skills or gain confidence with motorway driving. Our 'Find a trainer' search facility is the perfect tool to take your driving to the next level.
Find a trainer
it's easy - just type in your full postcode and hit go! You'll find detailed search results that you can adjust to your requirements, plus a map showing the nearest trainer. It's completely free, really effective and you're safe in the knowledge all our members are covered by the DIA's Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurances and signed the DIA Code of Conduct.
Are you looking for a driving instructor?
Learning to drive is an exciting experience but it can also be stressful, that is why it is essential that you use our 'Find a driving instructor' facility, on our DIA page, to ensure that your lessons provide you with value for money and that you learn with a DIA professional.

Why take a Diamond test?
Everyone thinks they are a good driver, but by passing the Diamond test you will have proved your ability to drive at an advanced level. In addition you will benefit from the following:
- Certificate of achievement - works towards CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Lower risk of being involved in a road traffic collision
- Insurance discounts*
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Greater passenger comfort
- Peace of mind

Who should consider taking this test?
Drivers and motorcyclists who:
- have never taken an advanced test before
- drive/ride for work and require an occupational road risk assessment
- share a keen interest in developing their driving/riding skills
- intend to become instructors (part two preparation)
- have just passed their L-test
- commute by car, moped, scooter or motorbike
- may be returning to motorcycling

The DIAmond Special Test

Who should consider taking this test?
Trainers who:
- are considering entering the Official Register of Driving Instructor Training (ORDIT)
- wish to enter the DSA Register of Approved Fleet Driver Trainers
- (via the DIAmond Fleet Trainer qualification)
- wish to develop their driving or commentary driving as part of CPD
- are considering entering the Enhanced Rider Scheme
- hold the Diploma in Driving Instruction (DipDI) and who wish to become DIAmond
- Advanced instructors or examiners

Advanced Test

The DIAmond Advanced test provides candidates with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills over a route of between 16 and 20 miles (25-32km). The route will contain a variety of road and traffic conditions including, where possible, motorways. Candidates will be assessed on controlling their vehicle through set manoeuvres relevant to the vehicle used for the test, and eco-safe driving.
Pass mark
Candidates making fewer than seven driving faults
(no serious or dangerous faults) will be awarded a pass at advanced level.
Duration 60 minutes

The DIAmond Advanced test provides candidates with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills over a route of between 16 and 20 miles (25-32km). The route will contain a variety of road and traffic conditions including, where possible, motorways. Candidates will be assessed on controlling their vehicle through set manoeuvres relevant to the vehicle used for the test, and eco-safe driving.
Pass mark
Candidates making fewer than seven driving faults
(no serious or dangerous faults) will be awarded a pass at advanced level.
Duration 60 minutes

Prepare for your test
Before you apply for a test we would recommend you seek advice from a DIAmond trainer, you can use the 'find a trainer' section of this website to locate a trainer in your area. Your trainer will design a personal development plan for you to practise during your everyday driving. In addition DIAmond has produced a DVD (available to purchase via the 'online shop') which has been specifically designed to explain the requirements of the DIAmond tests, it also provides a guide to commentary driving, manoeuvres and common faults to avoid during the test.

Things to look out for
We all suffer nerves to some degree when taking a test, however, you should be confident in your ability to pass if you have prepared correctly. The examiner is there to observe and assess your driving, not to fail you, therefore, if you drive to a high standard their job is made easy.
Do not rely on past experience. If you have taken training or even passed an advanced test before, it is advisable to have an assessment from a DIAmond trainer. Driving techniques may have changed over time to meet modern road and vehicle requirements, different tests have different criteria, and test content may differ from one organisation to another.

For more information on advanced driving North Leeds get in touch with our friendly team. Telephone: 0113 268 0134 or Mobile: 07973 847769.Alternatively you can email us: info@advanceddrivertraininguk.co.uk.