Advanced Motorists Worcestershire

This local voluntary Group was formed in 1977, and has a current membership of over 500. Our object is to promote on a local level the aims of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM): the improvement of the standard of driving, and the advancement of road safety. We provide free driving guidance on the road for car, minibus and light van drivers up to the IAM Advanced Driving Test standard.

How to join: New Associate Members join using the IAM's Skill for Life Scheme for the combined administration and test fee of £99 (£79 for under 26's), which should be completed and returned to our Group Membership Secretary, as specified on the form.

This includes Group Associate Membership, the IAM's text book "How to be an Advanced Driver", the Group's regular newsletter, and arrangements for Observed Runs. We also strongly advise the purchase of "Roadcraft", the Police Drivers' Handbook. Associates are allocated their individual Observers who give guidance in the Associate's vehicle, at mutually convenient times which are expected to be once per week, for about 1.5 hours. Progress checks are taken with a Group Senior Observer. Unfortunately, we sometimes have a waiting time, which can vary from days to months (with the average published in our Newsletter) before allocation of Observers to Associates, but this gives time to read the books and watch the video.

Minibus drivers:Associates wishing to take the Minibus Advanced Driving test are, unless they own only a Minibus or wish to use a Minibus throughout, first brought up to advanced driving test standard using their private cars. They are then given further Observed runs with a specialist minibus Observer until ready for the Minibus advanced driving test.

When ready for the Advanced Driving Test, which is taken locally, an appointment is made with the IAM Examiner to arrange a convenient date. Full Members of the IAM are offered insurance discounts by some companies, who advertise in the IAM magazine "Advanced Driving".

When numbers of new Associates waiting for Observers are sufficient, three times per year Advanced Driving Theory courses are run for Associate Members on five Monday evenings.

Associate's Membership is valid for a maximum of 12 months (during which time they must endeavour to be accepted into full membership of the Institute of Advanced Motorists - Group Constitution), or until 1st May after passing the Test, whichever is sooner. Full Members then pay a Group renewal fee, currently £6 per year.

The basis of Advanced Driving is fully explained in the supplied book "Advanced Driving: how to be a better driver" and "Roadcraft", the police drivers' handbook, the reading / viewing of one of which is an essential part of the guidance as Observers will ask questions from these and the LATEST EDITION of the Highway Code. The excellent "Roadcraft Video/ DVD" - 1.5 hours following the Metropolitan Police Advanced driving Course as a "fly on the wall" is also highly recommended. These are all available from the Group.

Group social meetings are held quarterly at The Countryside Centre, Worcester Woods Country Park, Worcester. At our meetings, we usually have an outside guest speaker and an opportunity to present certificates to candidates who have recently passed their Advanced Driving Test.

Skid Control Course: Whilst not a compulsory part of Associate guidance, the Group also has access to a Skid Control Course which we strongly recommend as great fun for members, friends and families and giving confidence for safe driving in all conditions.

Single DriveCheck:Single DriveCheck: If you are unsure whether to initially commit yourself to the full course, you may apply for a single 60 minute DriveCheck for the fee of £25, using the form. Joining the Skill for Life course within one month will entitle you a full discount of the £25, or to a discount of £15 if joined later.

Professional Instruction: Those not wishing to delay their guidance and / or wishing to receive more frequent professional advanced driver training may view our web site, Email, telephone or write for a copy of a list held of local Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructors who also hold an IAM or RoSPA Advanced Driving qualification.

We find that all who take our course, whether or not they have previously enjoyed their driving, thoroughly enjoy the experience and are proud to have proved their above average standard of driving.

Older Driver Assessment: You are welcome to join an IAM Group as an Associate Member, whatever your age. However, having read the details of the scheme, if you feel that the commitment and / or standards expected may not be appropriate for you, you may wish to consider the following alternative approach for your driving safety:, which is not restricted to those over 70.

The Road Safety Team is able to offer the older driver a professional driver assessment of their ability to drive safely. Entitled MAPS – Mature, Aware, Personal Safety – the assessment is conducted at a time to suit yourself in either your own car or the assessor’s car. It will last approximately 45 minutes. You will be coached, if necessary, and at the end, a verbal and written report will be given. Give Sid Stephenson (01905 766796) a ring at County Hall and he will make all the arrangements for you. You will find it a positive experience.

Associate Enquiry

Other IAM Groups in the County are: