A good question and one that’s difficult to answer in absolute terms. The reason is that it depends on who you are talking to!

There are several motoring and safety organisations that offered tests based on different systems of “Advanced Driving”. Each will have its own marking schedule and criteria for pass, fail or grade. Each test will have its roots based in a system of car control.

The tests offered by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) or RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, have their system based on Roadcraft, which is the Police system of driving. At its heart is the use of IPSGA (Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Accelerate). Mastery over the last 4 elements of the system being based on interpretation of information. The test offered by RoSPA requires a more purest approach to use of the system.

The test offered by the DIA (Driving Instructors Association under the brand name “Diamond” Advanced Driving Test is based the more familiar DVSA system of MSPSL (mirror, signal position speed and look. It is available to non -Driving Instructors and Driving Instructors alike.

Which Driving Test is best?

The answer to some extent depends on why a candidate wants to take the test!

A potential driving instructor(PDI), that is looking to take the DVSA Part 2 Test of Driving Ability should look at the benefits of taking the “Diamond” Advanced Driving Test, as the marking template would be the same as the DVSA test; the DL 25. In order to pass the ” Diamond” Advanced Car Test, the candidate must pick up fewer than 6 driver faults, no serious or dangerous.

We hope that this post answers your question ” what is advanced driving”. If you are looking for an Advanced Driving Course or need to know more, please use our contact form.