I am only 18 years old and have just passed my driving test a few months ago, then thought how could I give my parents peace of mind being let loose out on the roads by myself with very little experience.

Do I take the Pass-Plus or take an Advanced driving course so many to choose from with costs being about the same the I booked a IAM RoadSmart taster drive and was allocated the Edinburgh & District Group of Advanced Motorists which was local to me, had a phone call from them, made very welcome we arranged a date and time for a meet.

As I was very nervous to say the least, I was put at ease very quickly they explained the format that the course would be even the cost and time scale with up to 12 drive session on a one-one bases, after I settled down we started with an eye sight check and explained that this would be carried out on every drive then I had to fill in a form to say that my car was insured road legal, so I bought the IAM RoadSmart advanced course at £204 for all my drives and package SO NOW HERE WE GO!

More to follow on my personal journey with the Edinburgh & District Group of Advanced Motorists
I was emailed an intro pack from the group with some very interesting stuff in it which I have started to read along with my IAM course material (HELP).

My first drive although I was still very nervous, we met at the prearranged place, had a good chat about what we would be doing today which eased me slightly, few questions asked, eyesight checked, and a drive declaration done. We called this drive an assessment drive to see my way of driving and what would if any way be a different way to go forward with at my pace.

My journey started by doing a start drill yes you read it right a START DRILL the observer explained the benefit for it, even having suitable footwear, then by saying I’m blind tell me what you see and how I’ll deal with it, journey started by coming out of the meeting point, then going on to the A1 dual carriageway towards Edinburgh my first point of correction, do you think you could have made that better was unsure so my observer explained try it a little bit different by positioning my car (makes sense now) then coming off the dual carriageway the same he explained to keep my speed up till well off the main road, then in to the countryside we travelled.

Well, the number of hazards. Narrower roads, farm tractors and farm animals in a field yes in a field what had that to do with advanced driving, another explanation given, more things again making sense. Then back to the starting place.

Talk through todays drive, taking the points on board and even given homework yes homework but not like school and discussed the next drive and that we would stick to the same route for another 2-3 drives, to give me familiar surroundings. Well here goes, look out for my update on my journey to join the elite.

All for now

Associate