Frequently Asked Questions

I think I'm a good driver. Why should I need to bother becoming an advanced driver?

Accidents rarely just happen. 95% of all crashes, big or small, are due to driver error. Advanced driving is about being safer on the road, being able to recognise when hazardous situations are developing and react to them. Advanced driving is neither frightening nor boring. It is safe, systematic and smooth. If you think you are a good driver, prove it! If you are not a good driver, improve it! Most people with full licenses have the capability of passing an advanced test - they just need help to achieve that goal.

Isn't advanced driving just common sense?

A lot of it is, but there is more to it than that. It is not something that you can learn instinctively or from experience. It needs teaching, which is why police officers and paramedics have training courses. Its principles are laid down in the police driver's manual.

I took my test a number of years ago. Am I likely to have too many bad habits now to become an advanced driver?

Because you have been driving for a number of years, you have gained skills that maybe some people who have just passed their test have not yet acquired. However, as you suggest, you may have picked up some bad habits on the way. If someone was to point these out to you and you were willing, you could easily change and become an advanced driver. If you have a good driving record, you should be proud of the fact. It's a record you should try to maintain. How much of it was due to luck? Traffic conditions are continually changing, is your driving standard changing at the same rate?

I have recently passed my L test can I become an advanced driver?

Yes and No! You may not have the skills or experience of someone who has been driving for years, but that does not mean that you could not become an advanced driver. It just means that the skills that are taught when you pass the normal test need to be expanded upon. The L test is only a very basic standard that the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) says is a test to see if you are safe to drive on the roads unsupervised. It does not test a number of other areas like your ability to drive at night or on the motorway. Just as the DSA is trying to encourage people who have passed the L test to take further training like the Plus Pass scheme, some insurance companies support advanced drivers as they generally have a low accident rate. You could apply now and build on what you already know before bad habits start.

Is taking the advanced driving test compulsory if I joined your group?

The advanced driving test is there for you to prove to yourself and others that you can drive to a high standard. You can join the Group and receive training just to make your driving a little safer. No pressure will be placed on any member to take their test although once you have reached test standard, we would not want you to monopolize our volunteer trainers as it is likely there will be others waiting for their help.

What do I get out of becoming an advanced driver?

You could improve the chances of saving your life or that of another, maybe someone in your family. You will also find driving less of a chore and more enjoyable. Your passengers will prefer to be driven by you; they will not be frightened, embarrassed or bored. Your car (possibly the second most expensive item you are likely to own) will last longer, and may have a higher resale value. You may receive insurance discounts as a member of the Association. Those under 25 years of age should think carefully about this: you have high premiums because your age group crash more often than others.

Do advanced drivers think they are superior to other drivers?

Some may, but it is not about feeling superior or being elitist, it's about being safer. Advanced drivers have trained, and passed a more stringent test, their driving standard should be higher than average. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) driving test is graded according to how you drive. A Gold Grade is considered to be the highest UK civilian award available to the public. It is not their attitude that is superior but their driving.

Do advanced drivers drive faster than other drivers?

Not really! It is not racing or rallying and we do not recommend exceeding the speed limit. You normally find the police do not like it and it can be expensive if you get caught. Advanced drivers drive faster than average drivers do at times but they also drive slower at times. Safety is the key. Overall, keeping within speed limits, an advanced driver will generally reach a destination sooner than a driver that is not trained to advanced level.

What will all this training cost?

Nothing - training is free. Our trainers are all volunteers. You will have to become a member of our group for which you pay a subscription just like any other club. Each Group, which is affiliated to RoSPA Advanced Driving Association (RoADAR), are non-profit making organizations. Set up to promote safety on the road, each group may charge different rates in order to cover their costs. This Group charges £45.00 in the first year including the joining fee, the manual and regular newsletters and £22.00 to renew if you haven't taken the test. If you manage to pass the test, we reward you with a lower annual subscription rate of £14.00. This is excellent value when you consider that a driving school will possibly charge you upwards of £20.00 per hour.

What other costs are there?

You use your own car for the training so apart from your running costs, there are none. We do have events, some free, but very often subsidised, which you may choose to attend.

How do I join the Group?

If you live in England, in the Counties of Worcestershire, Warwickshire or West Midlands you can join the West Midlands Group. Click the link on the left of the page, then print a Membership Application Form, and send it with a cheque for £45.00 to the address on the form.