What is the Advanced Driving Test?
The advanced driving test is a qualification designed to assess and certify a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely, skillfully, and with a high degree of competence. Unlike the standard driving test, which verifies a minimum level of competency to drive independently, an advanced test evaluates a driver's ability to drive defensively, anticipate hazards, and maintain a high standard of vehicle control under various conditions. It is typically undertaken by drivers who wish to refine their skills, improve road safety, or gain recognition for their driving proficiency.
- Assesses higher-level driving skills beyond the standard test.
- Focuses on defensive driving and hazard anticipation.
- Enhances vehicle control and road awareness.
- Often pursued for professional development or personal improvement.
Organisations such as IAM RoadSmart and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) offer advanced driving tests. These tests are not just about speed or aggressive manoeuvres, but rather about demonstrating a smooth, controlled, and observant driving style. The aim is to reduce risk, improve fuel efficiency, and contribute to a safer road environment for everyone.
The Purpose of Advanced Driving Qualifications
The primary purpose of an advanced driving test is to promote safer driving habits and reduce accidents. By systematically training and testing drivers on more complex aspects of road use, these qualifications encourage a proactive approach to driving. This involves not only adhering to the law but also understanding how to manage the vehicle effectively, predict the actions of others, and adapt to changing circumstances. Many organisations and employers recognise advanced driving qualifications as a sign of a responsible and skilled driver, which can sometimes lead to reduced insurance premiums or be a prerequisite for certain roles.
Who Offers Advanced Driving Tests?
In the UK, the most prominent organisations offering advanced driving tests are IAM RoadSmart and RoSPA. IAM RoadSmart offers the IAM Advanced Driver qualification, which involves a comprehensive course of instruction followed by a test. RoSPA offers a tiered system of advanced driving qualifications, including Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards, with the Gold award being considered one of the highest civilian driving standards. Both organisations have established rigorous standards and training programmes to help drivers achieve these levels of proficiency.
It is important to distinguish these from the standard DVSA driving test, which is a requirement for obtaining a provisional licence. The advanced driving test is entirely voluntary and serves as a benchmark for drivers who wish to excel beyond the basic requirements.
The core difference lies in the objective: the standard test proves you can drive; an advanced test proves you can drive exceptionally well.
What Does the Advanced Driving Test Involve?
The advanced driving test is significantly more demanding than the standard driving test. It typically involves a prolonged period of driving with an examiner or observer, covering a variety of road types and conditions, including urban streets, rural roads, and potentially motorways. The assessment focuses on your overall driving performance, not just on avoiding minor faults. Examiners look for a calm, confident, and highly observant approach, demonstrating a superior understanding of roadcraft.
Key areas assessed include:
- Observation and Awareness: Constantly scanning mirrors, checking blind spots, and being aware of your surroundings.
- Anticipation and Planning: Predicting potential hazards and planning your actions accordingly, often well in advance.
- Vehicle Control: Smooth acceleration, braking, gear changes, and precise steering, maintaining optimal positioning.
- Speed Management: Driving at an appropriate speed for the conditions, not just the legal limit.
- Road Positioning: Maintaining a safe and effective position on the road, especially when cornering or overtaking.
- Judgement: Making sound decisions regarding gaps in traffic, overtaking opportunities, and stopping distances.
You will not be tested on 'show me, tell me' questions in the same way as the standard test; instead, the focus is purely on your practical driving skill and decision-making on the road. The examiner will not provide constant instruction but will allow you to drive naturally, offering feedback and guidance only when necessary. The test is designed to evaluate your ability to drive in a way that minimises risk and maximises efficiency.
The Examiner's Perspective
An examiner for an advanced driving test is looking for evidence that you can drive in a controlled, safe, and considerate manner, with a deep understanding of how to manage risks. They will be paying close attention to your ability to read the road ahead, understand the behaviour of other road users, and position your vehicle correctly and safely. For instance, when approaching a junction, they will observe if you are looking far enough down the road to assess potential hazards, rather than just reacting to immediate traffic. Similarly, on a rural road, they will assess your speed relative to visibility and the road's condition, not just the speed limit.
The test typically lasts around 60 to 90 minutes, covering a wide range of driving scenarios. You might be asked to follow sat-nav directions, perform manoeuvres (though often integrated naturally rather than as specific test tasks), and demonstrate your ability to overtake safely. The examiner will be looking for a consistent application of advanced driving principles throughout the entire journey.
Your ability to demonstrate a systematic approach to hazard perception is paramount.
Common Areas of Focus
While specific criteria can vary slightly between organisations like IAM RoadSmart and RoSPA, common themes emerge. Examiners often highlight issues related to scanning and anticipation. For example, failing to look far enough ahead for potential changes in traffic flow, or not anticipating a vehicle that might pull out from a side road, can lead to a less than satisfactory result. Another common focus is vehicle positioning, particularly on bends or when navigating narrow roads. Maintaining the correct line through a corner not only improves safety but also enhances efficiency and reduces wear on the vehicle.
The test is designed to push you to demonstrate skills that go beyond simply avoiding a fail on the standard test. It's about achieving a level of driving that is demonstrably safer and more proficient. For example, a driver might be assessed on their ability to maintain a safe following distance, not just by count of seconds, but by actively adjusting based on the speed and behaviour of the vehicle ahead.
When preparing, pay particular attention to your observations at junctions and roundabouts; examiners look for proactive scanning, not just reactive glances.
The RoSPA and IAM Advanced Driving Tests
RoSPA's advanced driving test is graded Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The Gold award is considered a very high standard, equivalent to the level of a police driver. IAM RoadSmart's Advanced Driver qualification is also highly respected. Both programmes involve training, often delivered by experienced volunteer tutors, leading up to the final test. The training is crucial for understanding the specific techniques and philosophies behind advanced driving. This preparation typically involves a series of one-to-one sessions where an instructor helps you refine your skills and understand the examiner's expectations.
Preparing for Your Advanced Driving Test
Success in an advanced driving test hinges on dedicated preparation and a willingness to learn and adapt. This isn't a test you can pass by simply practising the standard manoeuvres. It requires a commitment to developing superior observation, anticipation, and vehicle control skills. Most candidates undertake a structured training course, often provided by the awarding organisation itself or by accredited local groups affiliated with them. These courses are invaluable, as they provide expert guidance tailored to the specific requirements of the advanced test.
The training usually involves working with an experienced observer or tutor who will assess your current driving style, identify areas for improvement, and guide you through the advanced techniques. This might include sessions on how to position your vehicle correctly for different road conditions, how to anticipate hazards on rural roads, or how to manage speed effectively on motorways. You'll also learn about the 'System' of driving – a structured approach to observation, anticipation, and planning that underpins advanced driving.
Finding a Qualified Tutor or Group
When looking to prepare, seeking out a reputable group or tutor is a critical first step. IAM RoadSmart and RoSPA both have networks of local groups across the UK. These groups are often run by volunteers who have themselves passed advanced tests and are passionate about promoting safer driving. They offer a wealth of experience and can provide practical, real-world training. Contacting your local IAM or RoSPA group is often the most effective way to find a tutor who can guide you through the process. Many groups offer initial assessment drives to help you understand your starting point and what you need to work on.
The training is typically delivered over a series of sessions, allowing you to gradually integrate advanced techniques into your daily driving. It's not about learning a new set of rules, but about refining your existing skills and developing a more proactive and observant approach to driving. The cost of training can vary, and it's worth enquiring about introductory offers or membership benefits when you first make contact.
Seek out tutors who are patient and willing to explain the 'why' behind each advanced technique.
What to Practice Before Your Test
Focus your practice on the core principles of advanced driving. This includes developing a smooth and progressive driving style, ensuring you are always in the correct gear and at an appropriate speed. Pay close attention to your observation skills: are you checking mirrors frequently? Are you scanning the road ahead as far as possible? Practice anticipating the actions of other road users – for example, looking for signs that a pedestrian might step out, or that a cyclist might turn without signalling. Effective anticipation means you can adjust your speed or position well in advance, rather than reacting suddenly.
Vehicle positioning is another key area. Practice driving on the correct side of the road, especially on bends, and maintaining a safe distance from parked cars. If you are preparing for a motorway section, practice lane discipline, safe overtaking, and rejoining traffic. It's also beneficial to drive in a variety of conditions – different times of day, weather, and traffic levels – to build confidence and adaptability. Many candidates find that practising with their tutor on test routes, or similar types of roads, helps them to become familiar with the expectations.
During practice, ask your tutor to focus on your scanning patterns and how you anticipate traffic flow changes, rather than just basic manoeuvre execution.
The 'System' of Advanced Driving
The 'System' is a framework that advanced driving instructors teach to ensure a consistent and safe approach. While terminology may vary slightly, it generally involves principles like:
- Observation: Comprehensive, continuous scanning of the environment.
- Anticipation: Predicting potential hazards and the actions of others.
- Planning: Deciding on the best course of action based on observations and anticipation.
- Execution: Carrying out the planned manoeuvre smoothly and safely.
Understanding and applying this system will help you drive more defensively and competently. It's about having a mental checklist that ensures you are always aware and in control.
Advanced Driving Test vs. Standard Driving Test
The distinction between an advanced driving test and the standard DVSA driving test is fundamental, reflecting different objectives and standards. The standard test is designed to confirm that a new driver possesses the basic skills and knowledge to drive safely and legally on their own. It focuses on avoiding critical errors that could pose a danger to themselves or others. Passing the standard test grants you a full driving licence, permitting independent driving within the legal framework.
An advanced driving test, however, goes far beyond this baseline. It assesses a driver's ability to operate a vehicle with a higher degree of skill, precision, and foresight. The emphasis shifts from merely avoiding faults to demonstrating a proactive, defensive, and highly observant driving style. It's about driving in a way that minimises risk, even in challenging situations, and that shows a thorough understanding of roadcraft. Many advanced driving courses also touch upon aspects like fuel efficiency and smooth driving, which are not part of the standard test.
What Qualifies as 'Advanced' Driving?
'Advanced' driving refers to a style that is characterised by:
- Superior Hazard Perception: Identifying potential dangers much earlier than an average driver.
- Proactive Decision-Making: Taking action to prevent hazards before they fully materialise.
- Exceptional Vehicle Control: Smooth, precise use of steering, throttle, and brakes.
- Optimal Road Positioning: Using the road space effectively and safely.
- Considerate Driving: Demonstrating an awareness of and consideration for other road users.
The standard test might assess if you can stop safely behind a car; an advanced test assesses if you can anticipate why that car might brake suddenly and position yourself to react calmly and effectively.
The advanced test is less about what you *can't* do, and more about what you *can* do with exceptional skill.
Faults vs. Associates
In the standard driving test, specific actions are categorised as minor faults, serious faults, or dangerous faults. Accumulating too many minor faults, or even one serious or dangerous fault, leads to a fail. In an advanced driving test, the terminology and assessment criteria are different. While serious errors can still lead to a fail, the overall assessment is more holistic. Instead of a strict fault count, examiners often look for 'associates' – areas where your driving could be improved to reach the advanced standard. These associates are not necessarily mistakes, but rather opportunities for refinement. For example, a slightly late observation on a junction might be noted as an associate, indicating room for improvement in anticipation, rather than a critical fault.
The goal of advanced driving is to achieve a level of polish and foresight that distinguishes you from the average driver. It's about driving with purpose and a constant awareness of the wider road environment. This approach not only enhances safety but can also lead to a more relaxed and enjoyable driving experience, as well as potential fuel savings.
When to Consider an Advanced Test
Many drivers consider an advanced driving test after they have gained several years of experience and feel they want to refine their skills or gain formal recognition for their safe driving habits. It is particularly beneficial for:
- Drivers who wish to improve their confidence and competence.
- Those who drive frequently, especially on motorways or in challenging conditions.
- Individuals looking for professional development, as some employers value these qualifications.
- Drivers who want to reduce their risk profile and potentially lower insurance costs.
There's no specific age or experience requirement to take an advanced test, but it is generally recommended for drivers who have passed their standard test and have some experience on the road.
Benefits of Passing an Advanced Driving Test
Passing an advanced driving test offers a wealth of benefits, extending beyond mere personal satisfaction. It signifies a commitment to road safety and a high level of driving skill, which can translate into tangible advantages. One of the most frequently cited benefits is the potential for reduced car insurance premiums. Many insurance providers recognise the lower risk profile associated with drivers who hold advanced qualifications, such as those from IAM RoadSmart or RoSPA, and may offer discounts. It's always advisable to check with your insurer, as policies and discounts vary.
Beyond financial incentives, the most significant benefit is the enhancement of your driving abilities. You will develop a more systematic approach to observation, anticipation, and vehicle control, making you a safer and more confident driver. This advanced skill set can reduce the likelihood of being involved in an accident, thereby protecting yourself, your passengers, and other road users. The training itself often leads to a more relaxed and less stressful driving experience, as you become more adept at managing traffic situations smoothly and efficiently.
Enhanced Safety and Risk Reduction
The core advantage of undertaking an advanced driving qualification is the substantial improvement in road safety. By learning to anticipate hazards, maintain optimal vehicle positioning, and control your speed effectively, you significantly reduce the chances of encountering a dangerous situation. This proactive approach means you are better prepared for unexpected events, such as sudden braking by the vehicle ahead or a pedestrian stepping into the road. The skills honed during advanced driver training are directly applicable to preventing accidents, making you a more responsible and safer member of the driving community.
Achieving an advanced driving qualification demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning in road safety.
Professional and Personal Development
For many, an advanced driving test is a significant personal achievement. It validates years of driving experience and a dedication to continuous improvement. Professionally, these qualifications can be highly advantageous. Some employers, particularly those operating fleets of vehicles or requiring employees to drive as part of their role, may favour or even require candidates to hold an advanced driving certificate. It signals reliability, professionalism, and a commitment to safety. Roles in areas like logistics, emergency services, or driver training can be more accessible or enhanced by such a qualification.
The confidence gained from mastering advanced driving techniques can also spill over into other areas of life. Knowing you possess superior control and awareness behind the wheel can provide a sense of empowerment and reduce anxiety, particularly when navigating difficult driving conditions or unfamiliar routes.
Improved Driving Efficiency
Advanced driving techniques often result in more efficient driving. Smooth acceleration and braking, optimal gear selection, and maintaining a steady speed reduce fuel consumption. Anticipating traffic flow means you are less likely to make abrupt stops and starts, which are major contributors to wasted fuel. Over time, these efficiencies can lead to noticeable savings on fuel costs. Furthermore, a smoother driving style typically results in less wear and tear on your vehicle's components, such as brakes, tyres, and transmission, potentially reducing maintenance costs in the long run.
The focus on observation and planning also means you are more likely to choose the best route and lane, avoiding unnecessary delays and stress. This holistic approach to driving optimises not just safety but also the overall economy of your vehicle use.
Advanced Driving Test FAQs
Navigating the world of advanced driving qualifications can bring up many questions. Here, we address some of the most common queries to help clarify what an advanced driving test entails and its benefits.
What is an advanced driving test?
An advanced driving test is a qualification that assesses a driver's ability to operate a vehicle with a high degree of skill, safety, and foresight. It goes beyond the basic competency required for the standard driving test, focusing on hazard anticipation, vehicle control, and defensive driving techniques. Organisations like IAM RoadSmart and RoSPA offer these tests.
How is it different from the standard driving test?
The standard test proves you can drive safely and legally. The advanced test assesses you on a much higher level of skill, focusing on proactive, defensive driving, superior observation, and anticipation, rather than just avoiding critical faults. It's about demonstrating excellence in roadcraft.
How much does an advanced driving test cost?
The cost for advanced driving courses and tests varies depending on the organisation and the level of training provided. Typically, this includes membership fees, training materials, and the assessment fee itself. It is best to check the specific websites of IAM RoadSmart or RoSPA for current pricing structures.
How long does the advanced driving test last?
An advanced driving test typically lasts around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the route and conditions. This extended duration allows the examiner to assess your driving across a variety of road types and situations, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of your skills.
What happens if I fail the advanced driving test?
If you do not achieve the required standard, you can typically retake the test after further practice and preparation. The feedback provided by the examiner will highlight the areas that need improvement, allowing you to focus your efforts effectively for a subsequent attempt.
Do I need to change my driving licence after passing?
No, passing an advanced driving test does not require you to change your driving licence. It is a voluntary qualification that enhances your skills and provides certification, but it does not alter your legal entitlement to drive or the categories on your licence.
Can advanced driving reduce insurance costs?
Many insurance providers offer discounts to drivers who hold advanced driving qualifications, as they are generally considered lower risk. It is recommended to inform your insurance company of your advanced driving status to see if you are eligible for any premium reductions.