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Why
do people join the Advanced Drivers ?
The main reason people give for joining the group is that they
want to know that they are driving as safely as possible. Some people have had
an accident and partly blame themselves, or realise that they have forgotten
a lot of what they had learnt in their driving test. Everyone who joins wants
to make their driving better, and all achieve that.
I am already a good driver. I have never had an accident.
What can the group do for me ?
Remember that 80% of drivers think that they are above average.
It is always difficult to tell how good you are. You may well be a good driver,
but everyone can improve and make their driving better and safer. Even the tutors
of our group have lessons to ensure that their standards have not slipped, and
they still have to re-take their test every three years. Why not come to one
of our public meetings and take advantage of a free driving check.
Is it expensive to become an advanced driver ?
No. Your annual membership of the group costs only £10
and for that you will get all the tuition you need. You can remain a member
for as long as you wish, by simply paying your subscription each year. If you
choose to take your RoSPA Advanced Driving Test at the end of your training,
then you will have to pay for that. The current cost is £48. The RoSPA
Advanced Driving Certificate must be renewed every three years, to ensure that
you have not forgotten what you have learnt.
How long will it take to pass the test ?
Most people who join the group take about one year to pass their
test, if they have a one hour lesson every two weeks. Obviously, it depends
on how experienced a driver you are when you start and how quickly you learn.
Your tutor will give you as many lessons as you require.
Do I have to take the test ?
No. You can just have a few lessons if you wish, then walk away.
We encourage people to take the test if they want to, but is is not a requirement.
Our aim is to improve the driving standards of our members. The test is just
proof of that improvement.
Is there an age limit on joining the group ?
There is no age limit. Full membership can start as early as your 18th birthday
and there is no upper limit. Junior membership is also available from age 17,
but we cannot give road based tutorship until you reach 18. Our members range
in age from about 20 to over 80 with a fairly even spread. There are slightly
more men than women. We would normally expect people who join the group to have
held a full driving licence for at least a year, but this is not a hard and
fast rule.
I have never been to one of your meetings, what are they like ?
Meetings are free and open to anyone, even if you are not a member. See our
Meetings Page for details.
After the meeting, you can take one of our tutors out for a drive. They can
give you a general assessment or give you specific help as required. This usually
lasts about half an hour.
Do I need to have a fast car to be an advanced driver ?
No. Members of the group have all sorts of different cars. Small or large, old
or new, it doesn't matter. What is important is that you want to drive your
car safely, and that is what we can help you to do.
Can you guarantee that I will not have an accident after passing the
Advanced Driving Test ?
Sadly, no. But people who have passed an advanced driving test are much less
likely to have an accident. You will be taught how to see hazards earlier, how
to cope with dangers better and how to handle your car skilfully. Some insurance
companies recognise this by giving up to 30% reduction on your premium if you
have passed an advanced driving test. If you want to reduce the likelihood of
having an accident, remember that 95% of accidents are caused by driver error.
The tutors are volunteers, why do they give up their time for free ?
There is not really a good answer to this. All tutors hold a current RoSPA Advanced
Driving Certificate, and want to help other people to drive more safely. It
is very pleasing to see drivers improve their skills. After you have passed
your test, you may, if you wish, have further training and then become a tutor
yourself, but this is not for everyone.
What about Advanced Riding on a motorbike?
We can train you on a motorbike.You can do anything from a few lessons to the
RoSPA Advanced Motorcycling Test or a Diploma.
The arrangements are the same as the car driving training with the group. You
will be followed by a Tutor on their own motorbike. You will have a two-way
radio system to communicate with your tutor. You will stop from time to time
to discuss what has happened and how you can improve your riding. The test is
exactly the same as the car test except that the examiner will follow you on
their motorbike. All lessons are still free to members who have paid their annual
membership ( currently £10 ) but some people like to give a small donation
to their Tutor to pay for petrol, although this is not required.
I have a specific question about driving, can you answer it ?
Yes. Simply send us an email. You will get a personal response with a detailed
answer to your question. Your e-mail address will not be passed on to anyone
else other than the officers of this group without your permission and you will
not get ANY junk mail.
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