How Do I Start?
1. Isn't the L test adequate?
You tell us. 95% of road accidents are due to driver error so it looks as if people who start off good drivers don't all stay good drivers. If you took an L test tomorrow would you pass it?
The L test is only a basic standard which is really saying that you are safe to drive on the road unsupervised. In today's conditions of heavy traffic and high speeds it is simply not sufficient on its own. For example it does not equip you for motorway or night driving. It is worth noting that the Driving Standards Agency is trying to encourage people who have just passed the L test to take further training.
2. Why should I bother?
It could save you time, money and your life. 9 people are killed in road accidents each day and 100 are seriously injured. Do you think any of them expected this to happen? Do you think accidents only happen to other people?
Your life and health are your most precious possessions. Only 10% of licence holders are in the 17-21 age group but they are involved in over 20% of all accidents.
Insurance companies can tell you that advanced drivers have a low accident rate.
3. What do I get out of it?
More enjoyable driving for a start.
Your passengers will prefer to be driven by you, they won't be frightened, embarrassed or bored. Your car (possibly the second most expensive item you own) will last longer and may have a higher resale value. You can receive insurance discouts as a member of RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders. Those under 25 should think carefully about this: you have high premiums because you crash more often than others.
Why not become an advanced driver and impress your friends?
By joining your local group you receive free tuition to the standard of the RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders test and the opportunity to discuss driving with other like-minded people.
4. Isn't advanced driving all about driving fast?
It isn't racing or rallying. Advanced drivers do drive faster than average drivers at times but they also drive slower at times. Safety is the key.
That's a record to maintain. How much of it is due to luck? Have you kept up to date? Do you know the correct way to drive round a mini-roundabout?
6.
It is not about feeling superior, it is about being safer. Because members have trained for and passed a stiff driving test their driving standard should be higher than average. It is not their attitude which is superior but their driving.
7. Does being advanced make driving exciting?
No, it makes driving enjoyable. Advanced driving does not involve excitement but it is not boring. It is a safe, systematic, smooth, efficient way of driving.
You might think so yet there is more to it than that. It is not something which you can learn instinctively or from experience. It needs teaching. Its principles are laid down in Roadcraft.
9. I've just passed my L test so when can I start advanced driving?
Now. You can build on what you already know before bad habits start.
10. Can I have a free assessment of my driving before I decide to join a group?
Yes you can. Contact the appropriate Groups Advisory Panel representative (GAP), who will put you in touch with your local group.
11. How do I get involved?
Contact the GAP representative in your area or contact Headquarters (see Contacts page for details).
Read and study the following books:
The Highway Code
Driving, The Essential Skills (DSA)
Roadcraft, The Essential Police Driver's Handbook
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