Driving course
RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders North Devon Group aims to help reduce road accidents by helping drivers to improve their skills on the road.
But better driving isn't just about safety.
Advanced training can help you to become a more confident, smoother driver, helping you to save fuel, lower your stress levels and perhaps start to enjoy driving a little more, even on today's roads!
In order to achieve this, we support you, via coaching and presentations, to take their driving to the next level.
Our driver training is provided on a one-to-one basis in your own car., with tutors who have passed the advanced driving test and have received training in how to coach in a supportive and constructive way.
The training is in three parts.
- Classroom based driving theory and discussion with tutors and other drivers who are also working towards an advanced qualification.
- Observed drives with an accredited tutor in your own car, providing supportive guidance and advice as you drive.
- Should you decide to take it, an advanced driving test
There is no obligation to take a test if you don't want to.
However if you do decide to take and test and are successful, then you may choose to continue to grow your skills by becoming a tutor and helping others to make the roads safer for all of us.
Stage 1
Once you have registered as an associate member, you will attend six weeks of theory based presentations. These presentations cover various key aspects of Roadcraft. This is the gateway to your in-car training.
Stage 2
Following on from stage one, you will be provided with an opportunity to experience a taster session with a tutor and a practical demonstration from the tutor of how advanced driving techniques are used. After a short assessment drive we try to match the appropriate tutor to your needs, this will be via observed drives in your own car.
During each drive, your tutor will advise you about safe driving techniques whilst showing you how to also get the best performance out of your car within the law. Each drive will last between 60 – 90 minutes and you will be fully debriefed at the end and receive a written report.
In our experience most drivers will see significant progress and are likely to have achieved their potential in about 10 drives although this can vary depending on factors such as your previous experience, your ability and willingness to practice – and the like.
As an Associate Member, you will be encouraged but not pressured. You develop at your own pace.
Stage 3
The Advanced Test
The RoSPA advanced driving test is regarded as the most comprehensive and challenging available to the public. It is monitored and approved by the Driving Standards Agency.
The test lasts around 90 minutes, and is taken with a RoSPA Examiner, all of whom are serving or retired Police Officers.
The RoSPA Advanced Driving Test is unique as it is graded Bronze, Silver or Gold.A RoSPA gold is the highest civilian driving standard available and the holder will be a master of his or her art.
To see more about what is expected, download the official
RoSPA Car Test Guidelines.
Unlike other Advanced Driving and Riding organisations, RoSPA demand 3 yearly re-tests to ensure that excellent driving standards are maintained. The re-test fee is included in your yearly RoSPA subscription costs.
Stay Safe Course
Nearly all driving collisions result from “Driver Error” but it is not always the erroneous driver who suffers. Very often, the innocent driver is the fatality.
In the series of lectures we can show you ways of keeping out of trouble by adjusting your driving technique and observation skills.
You can learn to “read” what another motorist will probably do before that driver has even thought about it! You can learn to avoid incidents and arrive at your destination efficiently and safely with less stress.
You will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement for completing our Stay Safe Driving Course (six classroom sessions and six drives)
You can join the Group and benefit from the advice and instruction available without committing to the Advanced Driving Test, but quite a few people who start out this way get “hooked” and go on to test. The choice is always yours.
