A guide to Advanced Driving Courses
What is an advanced driving course?
Advanced driving courses are aimed at drivers who have already passed their test but want to hone their skills.
An advanced driving course might work for you if you’re a new driver looking to broaden your skills, someone who needs a confidence boost behind the wheel, or someone who dreads the thought of driving after dark.
What advanced driving courses are on offer?
Pass Plus
Pass Plus is arguably the most well-known advanced driving course. It typically takes six hours to complete and includes a range of different modules, including all-weather driving, driving on motorways, and driving in the dark.
You can find out more about Pass Plus and whether it could be right for you in our guide here
IAM RoadSmart
The IAM RoadSmart course is the only one accredited by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and it’s one of the more intensive options out there. It can take between three and six months to complete, you’ll need to take a test at the end, and you’ll receive a years’ membership to the IAM (The Institute of Advanced Motorists).
It isn’t a course aimed at very new drivers. Instead, it’s recommended that you’ve driven at least 10,000 miles already, so you’ve mastered the basics and got some solid experience under your belt. The course will then take your skills to the next level with modules focusing on control, observation, timing, road positioning, and how to deal with unpredictable roads.
The IAM also offers courses for different age groups; the Younger Driver Assessment aims to build confidence and improve safety for drivers under 26 and the Mature Driver Review helps older drivers sharpen their skills.
RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders scheme
The RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) course is less well-known than the IAM and Pass Plus, but it’s primarily aimed at people who drive for a living, including delivery drivers, company car owners, and commercial van drivers.
Typically run by serving or retired police offers, the RoSPA is focused on road safety. And at the end of your training, you’ll take a test that’s valid for three years. You’ll need to retake it after it expires to ensure your skills and knowledge are up to date.
AA Advanced Driving courses
The final advanced driving course isn’t a formal course; instead, it’s additional lessons that you can book in with an AA driving school instructor. They recommend you book at least two hours of lessons, during which your instructor will help you practise some of the more tricky driving challenges including navigating busy town streets, driving in the dark, and feeling confident on the motorway.
How much will an advanced driving course cost?
The amount an advanced driving course will set you back depends on the type of course you choose and the instructor.
Lessons with the AA cost around £25 an hour and the RoSPA course can start at just £20, while IAM costs £149 and will be facilitated by an Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) expert in your own car.
Pass Plus costs vary too, but typically should cost no more than £200. Check if your local council is offering any discounts for course participants.
Will it impact my insurance premiums?
Some people consider taking an advanced driving course to save money on their insurance. Unfortunately, this is a myth – there’s no guarantee that taking a course will reduce your premiums.
However, advanced driving courses can give you more confidence and experience on the road, helping you drive more safely and make you less likely to get involved in an accident. So, proving that you’re a safe driver and not needing to make a claim could reduce your premiums over time.