Mastering the art of driving: Mark Taylor’s transformative journey

Mark Taylor from Alfreton in Derbyshire, is a dedicated member of IAM RoadSmart and the Chesterfield group. Mark’s journey into advanced driving began with exceptional driver training that sparked his desire for continuous improvement. After successfully passing the Advanced Test in 2022, he eagerly enrolled in IAM's Masters Driving Programme to further elevate his skills.

Despite the absence of Master Mentors in Derbyshire, Mark didn’t let that deter him. He embraced the opportunity to travel to Lincoln for mentoring sessions, believing that experiencing different roads would enhance his development. Reflecting on this decision, Mark shares, “I thought driving different roads could only be beneficial to my journey.”

It was in Lincoln that Mark met his outstanding mentor, Geoff Coughlin. “From our very first meeting, Geoff put me at ease and clearly explained the process,” he recalls. This led to a series of invaluable observed drives in the Lincoln area, guided by Geoff’s expertise.

Mark describes the Masters as undeniably challenging, stating, “It demands a commitment to reach the highest civilian driving standard in the UK.” However, he believes that anyone willing to learn and embrace constructive feedback can thrive in this course. He adds, “My experience involved deep engagement, reflection, and extensive study at home using resources like Reg Local, along with revisiting essential texts such as Roadcraft, The Highway Code, and Know Your Traffic Signs. And, of course, it was all about practice, practice, practice!”

Thanks to Geoff's expert mentoring and support, Mark is thrilled to announce that he has officially become a Master Driver, having passed his test in September. “The Masters program is both demanding and rewarding,” he says, “providing an incredible pathway for personal development and enhancing road safety.” Mark highly recommends the program to anyone looking to elevate their driving skills to the next level.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart's Masters standard, visit Masters | IAM RoadSmart