ADVANCED DRIVER TRAINING

Excelsior’s trainers have all achieved the highest qualification available in the above tests. Therefore they are perfectly placed to train you!

James Dawson for example is a current Diamond Advanced Examiner, training for all the advanced tests mentioned above would normally commence with assessment, followed by a formulated training plan to match the client’s ability.

All professional Driving Instructors should possess, and be able to prove advanced driving skills using different driving styles, and regularly update these skills. After all this is what Driving Instructors teach or coach. This is obviously very relevant Continuing Professional Development.

The advanced tests

Advanced driver training-DSA Cardington special Test

The Driving Standard Agency’s Cardington Test is conducted at the Cardington DSA training headquarters near Bedford in Bedfordshire. (Plus selected venues nationwide)

To obtain the ‘A grade’ the candidate must drive a demanding route for approximately 90 minutes and commit no more than 3 driving faults. Faults must not be repeated and obviously serious or dangerous are faults are not on the agenda!  The test also includes all of the reversing exercises and the emergency stop. Contrary to popular belief, this test sets the benchmark; this is the ultimate driving test. Only conducted by the DSA’s elite examiners to the highest standards.

 

Advanced driver training-RoSPA Test

Taking and passing the RoSPA Advanced Driving Test is universally recognized as the ultimate achievement and qualification in on-road driving available to civilian drivers. This means that the effort skills and knowledge attained by the driver through training are independently measured and appropriately rewarded.
To achieve a pass on this test you must drive for one and a half hours over a demanding route that covers a variety of different road situations and conditions, often including motorways, dual carriageways and both rural and urban roads at different speed limits. The drive will also include a manoeuvre and a section of commentary driving. The test is usually conducted by serving or recently retired Police class one drivers. Passes are graded Gold, Silver and Bronze and a pass at any level places the successful candidate in the classification of well above average. A pass at Gold standard represents a tremendous achievement. It should be a goal for all professional drivers and particularly driver trainers.

Excelsior has trained many drivers up to the standard required and of the last ten people trained (as of May ’09) all have achieved Gold standard. Please call Excelsior for phone numbers of previous trainees and conformation of their results.

Phil Sunderland is normally in charge of final assessments before the driver applies for his test, himself a former RoSPA examiner and Police class one driver.

Advanced driver training-Institute of Advanced Motorists test

The Institute of Advanced Motorists is the oldest of the advanced driving organisations. They realised that the majority of vehicle collisions are caused by driver error and the IAM’s Advanced Driving Test was introduced in 1956 with the aim of improving driving standards using the principles of advanced driving which was practised with great success by the Metropolitan Police.

Based on the police system of driving (Road craft), it encourages early planning and anticipation coupled with regular information gathering. The IAM’s test is a good benchmark for everyday drivers and is a realistic test of their driving ability.

The test lasts for about 90 minutes and will cover between 30 and 40 miles in distance and will include roads in urban and rural areas as well as motorways if possible or dual carriageways. The driver will also be asked to drive at varying speed limits.

Phil Sunderland is in charge of final assessments before the driver applies for his test, himself a member of the IAM and a former Police class one driver for the Met.

Advanced driver training-Diamond Advanced Test/Diamond Special Test

The DIAmond Advanced Driving Test is operated by the Driving Instructor’s Association and encourages safe defensive driving techniques and respect for other road users. The test itself will usually take around 60 minutes and will encompass most types of road conditions and situations. To be successful on this test a maximum of six minor driving faults will be allowed.

The driver will be expected to demonstrate a progressive drive with a higher degree of skill and competence than when originally taught to drive. All manoeuvres included in the DSA driving test will also be examined during the duration of the advanced test.

The DIAmond advanced examiners are specially trained professional examiners who are Approved Driving Instructors who hold the coveted Diploma in Driving Instruction, have passed the DSA Cardington Special Test and completed the DIAmond Advanced Examiner course.James is a Diamond Advanced Examiner
The DIAmond Special Driving Test is operated by the Driving Instructor’s Association and encourages safe defensive driving techniques and respect for other road users. The test itself will usually take around 90 minutes and will encompass most types of road conditions and situations. To be successful on this test a maximum of 2 minor driving faults will be allowed and none of these to be repeated.

Special Diamond Examiners conduct these tests nationwide.