You may have heard of ‘advanced driving’, but do you know what it is? And, more importantly, did you know that becoming an advanced driver can dramatically reduce the chances of breaking down on the road? This article is going to tell you how you can start reducing your chance of breaking down today.
What is Advanced Driving?
Advanced driving is all about driving with skill and ensuring safety is never compromised. It is not about racing, nor is it about driving at exaggeratedly slow speeds for the sake of it. It’s all about ensuring your car is driving at the correct speed for the conditions, in a systematical way, keeping plenty of space and ensuring the car is handled smoothly. Advanced driving is of course used by the emergency services, but the simple fact is that anyone with a licence is able to learn a few straightforward methods and techniques to keep them safe and helping them to avoid breaking down.
Why Become an Advanced Driver?
First of all, advanced drivers have a dramatically reduced chance of having an accident, and this is the most important reason to obtain further training. Secondly, some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have passed an advanced test.
But the chances of breaking down are seriously lowered when you drive as an advanced driver. Steering, accelerating and braking gradually and smoothly reduce wear and tear on the vehicle, and this can only be a good thing. Advanced drivers also regularly check their vehicle to care for it.
The acronym ‘POWER’ is a very helpful acronym to remember the checks to carry out:
- Petrol. Is there enough fuel in my car? Running out of petrol, diesel, biofuel, or LPG, is a remarkably common reason for breaking down. Quite simply, if you run out of fuel, you’re going nowhere!
- Oil. Running out of oil is another common reason for breaking down. Make sure regularly the oil level is high, and don’t allow the oil light to come on!
- Water. You won’t break down if you run out of windscreen washer fluid, but you certainly need to make sure the level doesn’t get low.
- Electrics. Make sure all the lights work well on the car. If you break down, you’ll need to be seen by other road users.
- Rubber. Check your tyres. You don’t want a tyre blowout!
What are the Main Things Advanced Drivers Learn?
To find out, Roadside.co.uk caught up with Terry Davidson, who has been an advanced driver for many years. Terry offered us some quick tips how every driver can advance their ability:
“I think the main things drivers can do to improve their safety levels is to look well ahead up the road and to maintain a 360 degree awareness of what is going on at all times. Drivers shouldn’t allow themselves to become distracted either, you’ve got to constantly concentrate, observe and anticipate what’s going on. There are times when you can drive fast, of course, but at other times you’ve really got to slow right down and think of what’s going on. Always drive and plan for hazards in good time, and never, ever rush.”
When can I become an Advanced Driver?
Whenever you want! There is no compulsory period to wait before starting training, providing you have a licence. If you’re a young driver, it can be beneficial to be qualified as an advanced driver shortly after passing your standard test for insurance purposes. Some insurers will recognise and favour those who have furthered their knowledge by reducing prices of premiums.
Where can I do Advanced Driver Training?
There are advanced driver groups all over the UK, and indeed the world. So you can train pretty much anywhere. The training will ensure you are experienced on a variety of roads though, which can mean going out of your immediate local area. To become fully advanced you should end up being familiar with everything from quiet suburban roads to busy motorways.
How do I Start?
The two main organisations to consider are the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and RoSPA, which are both charities with a large number of local groups. Within these groups, volunteers are often able to provide lessons to fellow members. Many driving instructors also offer advanced lessons, although these would need to be paid for either on an hourly or package basis.
