What the examiner expects

What the examiner expects on the test is based on the Police system of car/bike control and is clearly defined in the IAM's own manual ‘How to be a better driver/rider’ - available separately from our online shop or included as part of our Skill for Life package.

The content of the IAM’s manual is very broad and as a guideline your drive should be based on these main headings relating to advanced driving. Please note, the sections below refer to driving, but the principles are not dissimilar for riding.

Safe
Safety is the most important aspect for any road user to achieve and is the main reason the IAM advanced test should be taken. Advanced driving is about educating the driver and improving their safety, as well as that of their passengers and other road users. The importance of safety is ingrained throughout the IAM test and examiners have a policy of, ‘If you put the car in danger, you fail’.

Systematic
Advanced drivers are taught to drive using ‘the system’ which is derived from the Police ‘Roadcraft’ system of car control and has been used successfully by the IAM since 1956. This system teaches drivers to approach situations and negotiate hazards in a methodical and flexible manner. Nothing is left to luck or chance, so safety is instantly increased.

Smoothness
If the driver uses the system of car control efficiently, it allows their handling and observation skills to be correctly co-ordinated, always ensuring a smooth, safe and systematic drive. As well as improving the comfort of the journey for driver and passengers, this also increases economical fuel use.

Progress
Often incorrectly translated to mean speed, this is the ability to make good progress when safe to do so and is an important skill that advanced drivers should possess. Safety should never be compromised, and progress should only be used when safe and appropriate to do so. Excessive or inappropriate speed, regardless of any limit, is dangerous and unacceptable. Speed limits are exactly that – limits, not targets, and advanced drivers know when they need to impose their own speed restraints (below the statutory limits) depending on the circumstances.

Restraint
Restraint is the ability to recognise when to hold back from particular hazards to ensure the safety and reassurance of passengers and other road users. Advanced drivers learn this skill through continued practice, improving their ability to recognise potential danger.

What the examiner looks for

The examiner will assess the entire drive, expecting the driver to exhibit the qualities of a safe, systematic, smooth, progressive and balanced drive. The examiner will be honest in evaluating your overall ability, paying particular attention to confidence and competence at all times, and will look for both positive and negative traits. The driver must ensure the vehicle is always in the correct position on the road, travelling at the right speed, in the right gear and can always stop the vehicle safely. If these qualities are demonstrated throughout the test, you will succeed in becoming an advanced driver.