IAM NZ | Road Safety Charity

IAM RoadSmart New Zealand

The Advanced Test

Recognising that the majority of accidents are caused by driver error, the IAM’s Advanced Driving Test was introduced in 1956 in the UK with the specific objective of significantly improving driving standards using the principles of Advanced Driving pioneered – and applied with great success – by the Metropolitan Police. The test was introduced in New Zealand shortly afterwards by a founding member of IAM NZ who was a top graduate from the Hendon Police College.

As in the UK the IAM NZ Advanced Driving Test takes about 90 minutes and will usually cover between 50 to 80 kms along all types of road.

The Test is a thorough test of driving ability, allowing the candidate to alter their drive according to the conditions and environment of the road. The types of road vary from quiet country roads, state highways, and motorways to busy town centres. In each case there are hazards and situations that need to be avoided and taken care of using the methods and techniques that advanced driving gives.

There may be situations where the candidate can show flair and panache on an open country road where progress can be gained at maximum safety, using optimum road positioning and excellent observation.

All this combines to give a brisk smooth drive, at the legal limit on the open road. In other situations, the candidate will need to show restraint and composure to deal with tricky hazards that may become apparent throughout the drive. Such as in a town centre situation, where observation is used to pick out hazards in situations that are constantly changing.

The main objective is that the candidate has to perform
well in all situations rather than excel in one.

Many people often comment on the Test after taking it and more often than not, the comments revolve around how much they enjoyed the drive. On Test the candidate gets to show the new skills that they have been tuning for the weeks during their coaching with an observer. The Advanced Driving Test IS NOT EASY but is within the reach of all vehicle users given the right guidance.