Institute of Advanced Motorists

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is a charity based in the United Kingdom, but also serving Ireland, whose objective is to improve car driving and motorcycle riding standards, and hence enhance road safety, through the proper use of a system of car and motorcycle control based on Roadcraft (commonly "the System"). They also have a commercial wing dealing with corporate driver training. In 2006 the IAM celebrated its 50th anniversary. The IAM's president is former Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansel  l. Its headquarters are in Chiswick in west London and the IAM runs the Advanced Driving Test scheme.

The IAM has a local, group-based structure across the UK, with groups for both motorcyclists and car drivers. Groups take in prospective new members, known as "associate members", and offer training and advice on using the system to help the associate member pass the IAM's advanced test and become a full member. The advanced packaged offered is known as "Skill for Life".

Training is conducted by regular (usually weekly, hour-long) sessions with observers, who are volunteers for the local group that have passed the advanced test and undergone further training to become an observer.

The test lasts for approximately 90 minutes and is conducted by a serving or retired police officer who holds a Police Advanced Driving Certificate, (several examiners hold the UK Home Office Police Driving Instructor Certificate, widely regarded as the highest level of driving excellence obtainable in the UK). It covers about 30–40 miles (50–65 km) and including town/city, rural areas, and motorways and/or dual carriageways (as available), to test the candidate in a wide range of conditions each with different hazards. The test is significantly more difficult that the standard DSA driving test, but is within the reach of most motorists and motorcyclists with the right guidance.

Independent research from Brunel University recently concluded that advanced drivers who had been through the IAM system of car control were nearly 70% better in all aspects of their driving – from steering to judging distances and speed. Earlier research by the TRL that concluded drivers are less likely to crash if they have reached a measurable higher driving standard.

In 2006, the IAM introduced new assessments – DriveCheck and RideCheck. These checks provide the opportunity to have your driving or riding ability assessed by an IAM observer. DriveCheck and RideCheck are not, however, a test. There is no pass or fail. Candidates undertaking DriveCheck or RideCheck automatically become IAM Associate Members. Over the past few years the IAM has expanded with the acquisition of Pro Drive and Drive & Survive; both established fleet driver training companies now operating within the IAM and further solidifying the IAM's position as the UK's leading driver safety organisation.

In 2007, the IAM sought to address the needs of all road users by introducing Cycle Training, primarily aimed at the corporate market. IAM Cycling will provide professional training for people wanting to improve their cycling ability, skills and confidence and in doing so, increase the numbers of people cycling to work.

The IAM logo is available in three colours representing the types of advanced test category: Red (Car), Green (Motorcycle), Blue (Commercial).

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