FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
  
1) Why should I take the Advanced Test?
 
It is a fact that drivers who have passed the Advanced Driving Test are 75% less likely to be involved in a road traffic accident, need we say anymore!
 
2) Who can take the Advanced Test?
 
The Advanced Test is available for drivers of motor cars, motor cycles, minibuses and commercial vehicles. A caravan-towing test is also available to full IAM members. There is no upper age limit, providing that you hold a current British or ECC driving licence.
 
3) I am not still not sure this is for me, are there any alternatives?
 
Yes, the IAM now offer an option called 'Drive Check' which a short Driving Assessment aimed at everyone who is interested in safer driving but who doesn't feel they are (yet) ready to take the IAM Advanced Test.

DriveCheck applicants are put in touch with their local IAM Group who will in turn arrange a mutually convenient time for the assessment to take place.

It takes about an hour comprising an initial introduction (document check etc.), followed by a 35-40-minute drive with the Group observer, followed by a feedback session, at which the candidate will be presented with a written feedback form.

Anyone who has undertaken a 'Drive Check' assessment is entitled to a £25 discount off the purchase price of a 'Skill for Life' pack if they act quickly and return to the group who conducted the assessment within 30 days of it being carried out (effectively making it FREE), after 30 days the discount is £18. 

 
 

Alternatively if you are over 55 then you may wish to undertake 'Drive Check 55' which is a short Driving Assessment specifically for the older driver and is carried out by a qualified IAM examiner.

DriveCheck55 applicants will be contacted by a qualified examiner who will in turn arrange a mutually convenient time for the assessment to take place.

It takes about an hour comprising an initial introduction (document check etc.), followed by a 45 minute drive with a qualified examiner, followed by a feedback session, at which the candidate will be presented with a written feedback form.
 
4) I have just passed my Driving Test. Can I start preparing for the Advanced Test now?
 
Yes, our group strongly believes the sooner an inexperienced driver of any age comes along to the group, the safer and better he / she will be. Why not get additional training as soon as possible to offset the lack of knowledge. 

NB: You cannot take the actual Advanced Test less than 3 months after your L-Test, but you can still join.
 
5) Can I take the Advanced Test in an Automatic?
 
Yes, everything you learn will be the same as it would be in a manual vehicle. The only exception being that you will learn the skills to make proper use of an automatic gearbox to achieve a smooth and progressive drive.
 
6) I am disabled. Is it possible for me to take the Advanced Test?
 
Having a specially adapted car is normally no obstacle to taking the Advanced Test.
 
7) Do I have to join the Group as an Associate to take the Test?
 
No, not at all. If you wish to take the IAM test direct without joining an IAM Group then please contact IAM Head Office direct to discuss this option on 020 8996 9600, but remember the pass rate is lower this way compared to going through an IAM local Group.
 
8) Can I do a "try before I buy"?
 
Yes, of course you can. Come along to one of our end of month Sunday drive meetings at 10 a.m (you can find us here) and we will give you a FREE introduction to advanced driving. This will give you a flavour of what it is about and you can talk to us without any obligation.
 
9) Are women Associates (those preparing for the test) assigned a woman Observer?
 
All of our observers are fully trained however if a specific request is made, we will endeavor to accommodate this, however in some instances you may have to wait for a female observer to become available.
 
10) Is there any timescale for passing the test?
 
No, however if you do not take the test within 12 months then a further fee will be payable to the IAM and Lichfield Advanced Motorists to extend your membership for a further 12 months.
 
11) Do I have to obey the Speed Limits?
 
You will be required to drive within the law during your test. Speed limits are legal requirements, so you will have to adhere to them. That said, you would not be failed for minor infractions, especially if you catch yourself and tell the examiner you are aware of having gone too fast. Bear in mind, however, that a speed limit is only a limit; it does not mean that it is always safe to go that fast.
 
12) Nobody seems to stick to speed limits these days unless there is a camera around. Won't my journeys take me a great deal longer?
 
Speed limits have become a national obsession, both with drivers wanting to break them, and the government wanting to enforce them. In becoming an advanced driver, you will learn techniques that allow you to improve your progress without speeding. Once you accept driving within or close to limits, you will be surprised how much more relaxed you can be without the worry of being caught by a Speed Camera or Police Patrol.
  
13) Will I have to do a Commentary?
 
No, this is no longer an obligatory part of the Advanced Driving Test, however commentary driving is a useful discipline and one that our group recommends is undertaken or at least practised.
 
14) Who is the Examiner?
  
There are about 300 examiners appointed by the IAM who are current and retired Police Advanced Drivers.
 
15) After I have passed the Advanced Test how much will it cost?
 
To retain your membership of the IAM you will need to renew it on an annually basis (currently £30 or £28 by Direct Debit). If you wish to remain a member of the Lichfield Advanced Motorists Group then you will need to pay an additional annual membership of £7.00.
  
16) Can I Buy a 'Skill for Life' Pack Right Now ONLINE?
 
YES, You can purchase your 'Skill for Life' Pack via the IAM's secure website:
 
  
17) Who can I contact if I have any questions?
 
For all Pre-Membership enquiries, please contact us on (07020) 940216 or 'e-mail us'.

For all other enquires please address it directly to the appropriate person listed in the Contacts Section.

Alternatively please feel free to post a message on our Online Forum