Benefits in joining the group as an associate member

• You will receive free one to one guidance, to a standard enabling you to pass the Advanced Driving Test and become a full member.
• You can attend the monthly meetings at which there is often a guest speaker.
• You will meet other drivers with the same interest in motoring matters as yourself.
  
• You are entitled to a copy of the quarterly Group newsletter.
• There are occasional group visits to organisations with general or motoring interests.
  

Benefits of passing the I.A.M. Advanced Driving Test

• You will have become a more competent driver.
• While driving, you'll be more aware of what is going on around you.
• Increased anticipation and avoidance of potential hazards.
• Due to increased anticipation, the wear and tear on your vehicle should be reduced.
• Driving becomes more enjoyable and pleasurable.
• You will have the satisfaction of knowing your driving is to a higher standard.
• The right to be elected to membership of the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

Benefits in being a full member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists

• The possibility of cheaper insurance through various insurance companies.
• Availability of discounts on many motor related products and services.
• Membership of a nationally recognised consultative organisation.
• Free magazine 'Advanced Driving' three times a year.

Benefits in staying with the Group, after passing the I.A.M. Test

• Maintain the benefits you had as an associate.
• Keep up to date with changes in the law and driving techniques.
• The opportunity to train to be an observer, helping other people to pass the test. Being an observer helps maintain and improve your own driving standards.

Help you will receive from the Group

After joining the Group, as an associate member, you will be allocated an observer who will be a full member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists and the local Group, and who has volunteered to help associate members to prepare for the advanced test. As well as having passed the IAM test they will have received additional training in observing techniques.

The observer will contact you to arrange suitable times to carry out the guidance runs. The first run will be an assessment drive to allow the observer to get a general idea of your driving techniques, and from this plan future guidance runs. You will be advised on any differences between your driving and that required for the advanced test. The runs are called guidance runs because the observer will be advising you on what is required and leaving you to correct them. The observer acts only in a verbal capacity - emphasising at all times that you are solely in charge of the vehicle.

The guidance runs, which start from observer's house, last approximately 90 minutes including discussion time etc. Obviously the number of runs will vary from driver to driver, depending on how many problems there are to sort out, but seven would be an average number.

The book 'Pass your Advanced Test' is used as the reference throughout the runs, and you will receive a copy before starting.

During the guidance runs you will cover all driving techniques detailed in the book - from correct braking/use of gears to positioning and assessing bends. When you are judged to be capable of making safe progress, within all aspects of the law, and are driving the vehicle sympathetically, a senior observer will go out with you. After a discussion, the senior observer and observer will then recommend that you are either ready to take the test or should have more guidance runs.

How do I Join?

It's very simple to join. You can get in touch with the Group contact, Steve Whiting, by post, telephone or email:

24 Hastings Road,
Thorngumbald
HU12 9BG

Telephone 01964 622200

Email steve@thorngumbald95.karoo.co.uk

Alternatively, you could come along to one of the regular monthly meetings where you will receive a genuine warm welcome. See the the main Notice Board page for details. You may wish to check dates and times with Steve first, as we do occasionally have special meetings outside the usual time and venue.

How much does it cost?

There is a one-year £10.00 Group subscription fee. You would normally be expected to take the IAM test within this first year. In addition, there is a fee of £42 which covers the cost of the test, and the first years membership of the main IAM body. This is paid shortly before the test.