All You Need To Know About Advanced Driving

In the U.K., advanced driving is defined as the ability to effectively control speed and position of a vehicle safely in any number of traffic and road conditions. Advanced driving courses can be taken to ensure that a driver can smoothly operate a vehicle in a number of scenarios e.g. busy traffic conditions, driving past a school just after 3.30pm when lots of people will be around.

If you qualify as an advanced driver, this proves to others that you can effectively observe your surroundings and act in such a way that is courteous to other drivers and well co-ordinated. A high level of concentration while driving should be displayed. People with advanced driving skills should be able to anticipate, plan and execute of a variety of manouvres in a safe manner while on the road.

What can be defined as advanced driving?

The DSA in the UK (in collaboration with IAM, DAM and RoSPA) agreed on the following definitions:

- Advanced drivers should be able to unobtrusively make progress while on the road.
- Positive and courteous attitude towards other vehicles on the road.
- Smooth vehicle handling skills
- Advanced drivers should always be found in the correct place, at the correct time while on the road.
- They should always be travelling at the correct speed for the area, in the correct gear.
- People using advanced driving skills should be able to always stop at a safe distance from other cars and exhibit clear signs of stopping before doing so e.g. slowing down at the correct time.

There are several institutions that conduct advanced driving tests e.g. RoADA, RoSPA, the Institute of Advanced Motorists. Through the use of an advanced driving test, organisations aim to increase the skill level of drivers to make them more competent road users.

What are the benefits of becoming an advanced driver?

There are many benefits that can be gained from passing an advanced driving test. Published Road Safety reports have noted that people considered to be advanced drivers have between 50-70% less accidents than other vehicle users. While this is a benefit of great significance, there are also many other great reasons for training to become an advanced driver.

The cost of keeping a vehicle is a primary concern for a lot of people. If you pass an advanced driving test, your motoring costs will usually be cheaper as people with knowledge of advanced driving tend to be more economical drivers. This means your engine will experience less wear and is therefore less likely to develop problems. Your fuel costs will also be lower as you will learn how to avoid putting stress your car unnecessarily and using up fuel needlessly. Plus, passing an advanced driving test allows you to keep a no claims bonus or discount for longer than you would otherwise.

For others, the cheaper costs is secondary to the fact that it will make you a much safer driver. You"ll be taught how to assess risks better and act appropriately in any situation. It will give you a lot more confidence if you have not been driving for long or have not been driving for a while. Knowing how to react in situations will help you to enjoy driving more, as you will be worrying less about what is going on around you.