Here at IAM RoadSmart, we’re the UK’s leading road safety charity and have spent more than 60 years making Britain’s roads safer. Our Advanced Driver course has helped thousands of drivers gain additional on-road knowledge and skills, above and beyond what is taught when you learn to drive.
The course is delivered by our network of over 170 affiliated Local Groups. Below you can find out more about the course itself, and Bristol Advanced Motorists, your local IAM RoadSmart Group.
What is Advanced Driving?
Advanced Driving is open to anybody looking to improve their driving skills. So, whether you are looking to enhance your observation and planning skills, or simply want to get more out of driving, our Advanced Driver Course can help.
By taking the course with Bristol Advanced Motorists, you’ll be able to connect with other Advanced drivers in your local area, and will gain full Member status upon completion. You’ll also be helping to create safer roads within your local community and improving road safety across the UK.
Who can be an Advanced Driver?
Advanced Driving is open to anyone looking to improve their driving. Whether it’s to brush up on your driving skills, grow your confidence or become a more economical driver.
It’s suitable for any stage of your driving journey, whether you’ve just passed your test and want hone your skills, or you’ve been driving for years and want to take your driving skills to next level. Maybe you are looking for a driver refresher course? Then our Advanced Driving Course is perfect for you.
Watch our video to find out more...
Bristol Advanced Motorists
Founded in 1958, Bristol Advanced Motorists cover an area from Weston-Super-Mare to Gloucester, and are best known for delivering the Advanced Driver course.
Around 100 drivers go on to take the Advanced Driving Test in Bristol each year, and with financial incentives for new joiners, there’s never a better time to get on board.
Discover Bristol Advanced Motorists
How does the course work? 5 simple steps...
1. Purchase your course from us and receive a welcome pack in the post
2. You’ll be paired with an Observer from the Bristol Group who will be in touch
3. Develop your Advanced Skills over a series of observed drives
4. When ready, go for your Advanced Test with a friendly Examiner
5. Gain ‘Advanced Driver’ and ‘IAM RoadSmart Full Member’ status
What do other Bristol drivers think of the course?
We believe that the best way to know what to expect from becoming an Advanced Driver is to hear from those who have gone through the experience themselves. We asked three recent Advanced Drivers from Bristol what they thought of their time on the course, and the group itself.
"Advanced driving was the natural next step for me after it became apparent that there were gaps in my knowledge and skillset. I felt unequipped on the roads despite passing my original test and did not want to become another young driver crash statistic.
The Advanced Driver course and my encouraging Observer transformed everything - opening my eyes up to a totally new angle which, in turn, has allowed me to adopt a systematic, confident, fluent driving style. The course was challenging but I achieved a F1RST which was beyond rewarding and something I will always be proud of.
It's reassuring every time I get into a car to know I am, above all, a safe driver and part of the few in the UK that have had this possibly lifesaving training. To me, that is priceless. I also find my wear and tear has drastically been reduced which is another fantastic perk.
I have fallen in love with driving and am working towards my Masters within the supportive Bristol group as the learning never stops! I would recommend anyone who drives to try the course because it will undoubtedly improve your driving."
Amy - Bristol Advanced Driver
"I received the Advanced Driver course from my family as a Christmas gift. I’ve always tried to be a careful and courteous driver, but having taken the UK driving test many, many years ago, I’d slipped into some bad habits – some of which I was aware. And some of which I wasn’t.
The Advanced Driver course opened my eyes, almost literally. I’m now much more aware of what’s going on around me and what to look out for. I understand much more about the dynamics of the car and how to control them accurately and efficiently. I’m actually enjoying driving more and handling the car with confidence and control. I’ve started to share my experience with others on Club Sundays, having found them useful when I was an Associate. The group monthly Meetings are both interesting and entertaining!
An additional bonus of the course was being introduced to my Observer, who has since become a friend. Surprisingly, we have a shared interest – good driving! And he continues to keep me on my toes."
Peter - Bristol Advanced Driver
"I decided to go for the Advanced Driver course on reaching my 70th birthday. I have driven since I was 16 (a three-wheeler) and passed my Advanced motorcycle test a few years ago, but had not worked on improving my driving.
The Bristol group was very welcoming and encouraging, my Observer extremely knowledgeable and supportive - and I enjoyed the whole process. I passed on with a F1RST, so something must have gone in."
Bob - Bristol Advanced Driver
