1935 The introduction of driver training
Following the introduction of Approved Police Driving Schools in 1935, Home Office statistics show that advanced driving techniques have reduced accidents among Metropolitan Police drivers by over 80%.
1954 Recognition for the benefits of training
In a speech at a Road Safety Congress in November 1954, Minister of Transport, Mr John Boyd Carpenter, suggests that an 'Honours Degree' for motorists could be an aid to road safety.
1956 The IAM is formed
The Minister’s idea falls on fertile ground: a group of delegates attending the Congress begin to develop the concept of what we now know as the IAM. During 1955 they form a Steering Committee, and the IAM is registered on March 10, 1956 to improve driving standards, promote road safety and establish an advanced driving test.
The IAM is officially launched on 12 June 1956. The first 20 membership numbers are reserved for the Council, with Lord Semphill being Member No.1.
The first Advanced Driving Test is carried out on June 25. Chief Examiner George Eyles tests and passes popular rally driver Sheila Van Damm, who subsequently becomes member 31.
Test applications begin to pour in and by autumn some 400 tests are carried out each week in 12 major towns and cities. The test fee is £2 2s 0d (£2.10p in today’s money) – the membership fee, 10 shillings (50p).
1957
IAM members in Nottingham form the first local IAM 'Group' for both social purposes and the promotion of road safety. The idea catches on and IAM Groups start to spring up across the UK.
1958
The IAM starts a press information service designed to boost test applications. Recognising that advanced drivers represent a 'selected risk', a number of Lloyds underwriters begin offering a 20% discount to members.
By the end of the year 14,331 tests have been taken and 9,250 new members elected, of whom comedian Peter Sellers is one.
1961
On April 28, the IAM moves from its offices in Kensington to larger premises at Empire House, Chiswick, West London.
Over 50,000 people have now taken the test, including HRH the Duke of Kent, who passes in August.
1965
Celebrities taking the test this year include all four members of the Shadows (two in Rolls-Royces, two in Minis), and comedian Ted Ray, who also stars at the IAM's sixth annual dinner-dance.
The IAM has now carried out 106,000 tests, resulting in 59,000 passes.
1967
There are now 40 local IAM Groups around the country.
1970
Two significant changes are made to IAM testing procedure. Firstly, to many people's relief, a running commentary is no longer a compulsory feature. Secondly, a voluntary re-test for members is introduced.
Ian Webb becomes Editor of Milestones (the IAM members’ magazine).
And by the end of the year more than 150,000 tests have taken place, resulting in 87,000 passes.
1973
A report published by the Transport and Road Research Laboratory reveals that advanced drivers have a 50-75% lower accident rate than drivers who have not taken the test.
The IAM welcomes its 100,000th member.
1976
Lord Strathcarron, riding a BMW, is the first candidate to pass the IAM motorcycle test.
1977
A report on advanced driving transmitted on Granada TV in July brings in 15,000 enquiries from the public.
1978
A repeat of the Granada TV report brings a further 10,000 enquiries.
By the end of the year more than 200,000 tests have been given, with 129,000 passes.
1979
The towing test is inaugurated on April 26, and a reverse-parking manoeuvre introduced to the advanced driving test on an experimental basis. Michael Pickering takes over the Chairman's job from Major General Lonsdale.
1980
The first ‘all-motorcyclists’ Group is formed in Kent, bringing the total number of Groups to 97. Council Member, John Surtees, is guest-of-honour at the second All-Groups conference.
1982
March sees the IAM move to premises at 359/365 Chiswick High Road.
The building has now been demolished for site redevelopment.
1983
IAM House (at 359/365 Chiswick High Road) is formally opened on July 12 by HRH The Duke of Gloucester.
Celebrities Jimmy Saville and Billy Connolly pass their Advanced Tests.
1984
George Eyles, the IAM's Chief Examiner since its formation in 1956, retires after 28 years’ service. His place is taken by Ted Clements.
1986
IAM Fleet Training Ltd is launched as a subsidiary company specialising in training company drivers.
Transport Minister, Peter Bottomley, passes the Advanced Driving Test in his blue Mini.
1988
The IAM gains its 200,000th member, having carried out 290,000 tests since its formation.
1991
Irish Advanced Motorists is formed. Regional organiser, Brian Snook, is awarded the MBE.
Minister for Transport, Christopher Chope, passes his Advanced Test, as do ten Red Arrow pilots (two of them, at their second attempt).
1994
On March 17, we welcome our 250,000th member, Angela Stubbs, a 22-year-old bus driver from Upminster who takes her Advanced Test just five months after passing her L-test. At the end of the year, Christopher Bullock is appointed Chief Executive, taking over from Robert Peters, who retires after more than 38 years’ service.
1996
The IAM celebrates its 40th anniversary with events across the whole country and looks to the future with a range of new initiatives, including a campaign to target younger drivers. A website is also launched, and the IAM wins the Prince Michael Road Safety Award. Ted Clements, the IAM's Chief Examiner, retires after 12 years in the role and is replaced by Bryan Lunn.
1998
George Goldie and Joe Thomas – both IAM Council Members – are awarded the OBE and MBE, respectively, for services to Road Safety.
2000
In an initiative developed with Daewoo, IAM's Skill for Lifepackages are offered to the purchasers of all new and secondhand Daewoos sold through their dealership network.
Regional Coordinator, Bob Higginbotham, is awarded the MBE for services to Road Safety.
The IAM carries out its 300,000 test.
2001
DSA accreditation establishes the IAM's Advanced Test as a national standard for Advanced Driving. The IAM links up with Hibernian Insurance to offer a unique insurance and training package for young and in-experienced drivers in Ireland.
2002
The IAM moves into its current headquarters at 510 Chiswick High Road, formally opened by the Duke of Gloucester on 10th July.
2003
Trevor Poxon, the IAM's Assistant Chief Examiner, is awarded the MBE in recognition of his services to Road Safety.
2004
The IAM's Skill for Life package is now included as an optional "extra" with all Jaguar cars sold through Jaguar Dealerships.
2006 – The IAM is 50 years old
The year gets off to a great start! In the New Year Honours List, IAM Chief Examiner, Bryan Lunn (now retired from the IAM), is awarded an MBE for services to Motoring. A few days later, Nigel Mansell, former F1 World Champion and Indycar Champion, becomes the IAM's President.
And what does the future hold?
The IAM is currently one year into a 5 year Strategic Plan, which will see us increasing our current 112,000 membership to 200,000, engaging with more of the road-using public, and being a greater influence on road safety policy-making.
All these initiatives will make the IAM a more powerful and respected voice in the development of road safety initiatives.
