Who can take an advanced driving course?<\/h3><\/div>![\"Danny](\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/07\/Danny-Butler.jpg\")
<\/p>
Finder insurance expert Danny Butler<\/a> answers <\/em><\/div><\/div>You might assume that advanced driving lessons are intended solely for those who\u2019ve just passed their driving test, and need to build up their experience. In reality, anyone who holds a full UK driving licence can take an advanced driving course, no matter how old they are or how long they\u2019ve been driving for.<\/p>
The modules of many full advanced driving courses are designed with new, inexperienced drivers in mind. But some courses also have the potential to be a valuable skills boost for older drivers who, for example:<\/p>
- Haven\u2019t driven for a few years, and would welcome a refresher to get them road-ready<\/li>
- Are moving to a new area where the types of driving \u2013 and the hazards \u2013 they experience might be different to what they\u2019re used to. For example, if you are moving from a quiet, rural location to a built-up urban environment with lots of traffic.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
What are the different advanced driving courses available?<\/h3>
There are a number of different advanced driving courses on offer in the UK. The best one for you will depend on your specific needs and, to a certain extent, where you live.<\/p>
- Pass Plus<\/a><\/strong>. This is probably the best-known advanced driving course in the UK. Over a minimum of 6 hours of training with an approved instructor, the bulk of which is spent driving, you\u2019ll cover 6 key areas. These are all weather driving; motorway driving; dual carriageway driving; night time driving; driving in town; and driving down rural roads. There\u2019s no test. Instead you\u2019re assessed as you move through the modules.<\/li>
- IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) RoadSmart Advanced Driver<\/a>.<\/strong> This course is spread over 6 to 12 sessions, and includes control, observation, timing, positioning, and how to to deal with unpredictable roads. Drivers who complete the course and pass a test become IAM members. This may qualify you for a car insurance discount.<\/li>
- IAM RoadSmart Young Driver Assessment<\/strong><\/a>. Aimed at 17-to-26-year-olds, this informal 1-hour session is designed to give inexperienced drivers hints and tips on how to manage new driving experiences and take their skills to the next level.<\/li>
- IAM RoadSmart Mature Driver Review<\/a>. <\/strong>Even those who\u2019ve been driving for years sometimes face new challenges, or would simply welcome an expert\u2019s perspective on how they could improve their driving skills. In this 1-hour session, an IAM RoadSmart expert will observe you as you drive around. After the review, you\u2019ll receive verbal and written feedback to take away.<\/li>
- RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders.<\/strong><\/a> This Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents scheme covers similar elements to the IAM RoadSmart course, with a focus on road safety. You need to take a test to pass it.<\/li>
- Taking extra lessons with your driving instructor.<\/strong> This might be a good approach if you don\u2019t want a comprehensive course, but would welcome a skill boost in certain areas.<\/li><\/ul>
How much do advanced driving courses cost?<\/h3>
How much you\u2019ll pay varies significantly by the type of course and also, in some cases, where you live. As of March 2024, IAM\u2019s two 1-hour assessments each cost \u00a365, while the full Pass Plus course typically costs from \u00a3150-\u00a3200. IAM\u2019s standard RoadSmart Advanced Driver course is similarly priced. You can take a fast-track version over 2 days, but this costs substantially more. RoSPA\u2019s course can be cheaper than Pass Plus and IAM RoadSmart, but isn\u2019t as widely recognised by car insurers<\/p>
Some councils offer discounts for those who take advanced driving courses, so it\u2019s worth contacting your local authority. And if you live in Wales, young drivers who have only recently passed their test can take the Pass Plus Cymru course for \u00a320.<\/p>
Will taking an advanced driving insurance make my car insurance cheaper?<\/h3>
Maybe. Some, but not all, insurers offer discounts to drivers who take advanced driving courses. IAM RoadSmart and Pass Plus tend to be more widely recognised by insurers than RoSPA\u2019s course.<\/p>
Is taking an advanced driving course worth it?<\/h3>
Young, inexperienced drivers can often face eye-watering car insurance premiums. As such, the prospect of getting a decent discount by taking an advanced driving course is likely to prove appealing. However, if you\u2019re taking an advanced driving course purely to save money on your insurance we\u2019d recommend checking how much you might save before signing up for a course. Not every insurer offers discounts, and even among those that do the money you\u2019ll save may not be enough to cover the cost of some courses.<\/p>
That said, the benefits of an advanced driving course aren\u2019t just about cutting insurance premiums. Advanced driving lessons can boost your driving skills and confidence, and make you a better driver. The idea is that this will help you reduce the risk of getting in an accident and having to make a claim. Not only will this mean you don\u2019t have to pay an excess<\/a>, it\u2019ll also help you to keep your car insurance no-claims discount<\/a>. You may decide that the cost of an advanced course is worth the potential long-term benefits, regardless of any short-term gains.<\/p>How else can I save money on my car insurance?<\/h3>- Shop around for the best deal<\/strong>. Compare prices<\/a> when you first take out insurance, and every time you come to renew. Just because an insurer offered the best deal last year doesn\u2019t mean they will do next year. Check a couple of price comparison sites, as well as insurers that don\u2019t appear on price comparison sites such as Direct Line.<\/li>
- Consider a telematics policy.<\/strong> Fitting your car with a black box<\/a>, which tracks your driving habits and rewards good driving, could cut costs for careful drivers.<\/li>
- Increase your excess.<\/strong> This is the amount you need to pay towards any claim. Opting for a higher voluntary excess can cut your premium. Just don\u2019t set it so high that you can\u2019t afford to pay it if you need to claim.<\/li>
- Pay your full annual premium upfront.<\/strong> Paying a lump sum is generally cheaper than paying for your policy monthly, as insurers tend to apply interest to instalment payments.<\/li>
- Choose a lower-risk car.<\/strong> One factor that affects insurance costs is the type of car you drive. Opting for a car in a lower insurance group<\/a> should mean lower premiums.<\/li>
- Build your no-claims discount.<\/strong> Drive safely and responsibly, avoid making any claims, and after a year you should be rewarded with lower premiums. The no-claims bonus<\/a> will increase for every year of no-claims driving.<\/li>
- Add an experienced driver.<\/strong> Adding a lower-risk, experienced named driver<\/a> to your policy could lower your premiums, especially if you\u2019re a young, inexperienced driver.<\/li><\/ul>
Pros and cons of taking an advanced driving course<\/h3><\/div>\n \n Pros<\/h4>\n \n - Some insurers offer discounts if you've taken an advanced driving course<\/li>\n
- Allows you to practice driving skills you might not have used that often<\/li>\n
- Can boost your driving confidence and make you a safer driver.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
Cons<\/h4>\n \n - Not all insurers offers discounts, and some courses aren't as widely recognised by insurers<\/li>\n
- The cost may be prohibitive, especially if you've just paid for regular driving lessons and your driving test<\/li>\n
- You'll need to carve out time for more lessons from your diary.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Bottom line<\/h3>
There\u2019s no legal obligation to take an advanced driving course. But doing so could make you a better driver and, in some cases, save you money on your car insurance premiums. If the latter is your only motivation, run some insurance quotes before you commit to a course, to make sure that the discounts available will bring premiums down enough to justify the up-front cost. Whether you decide to take an advanced course or not, make sure you shop around and use our tips on how to get the best and cheapest car insurance for you<\/a>.<\/p>Frequently asked questions<\/h3>- \n \n
\n
<\/p>
You might assume that advanced driving lessons are intended solely for those who\u2019ve just passed their driving test, and need to build up their experience. In reality, anyone who holds a full UK driving licence can take an advanced driving course, no matter how old they are or how long they\u2019ve been driving for.<\/p>
The modules of many full advanced driving courses are designed with new, inexperienced drivers in mind. But some courses also have the potential to be a valuable skills boost for older drivers who, for example:<\/p>
- Haven\u2019t driven for a few years, and would welcome a refresher to get them road-ready<\/li>
- Are moving to a new area where the types of driving \u2013 and the hazards \u2013 they experience might be different to what they\u2019re used to. For example, if you are moving from a quiet, rural location to a built-up urban environment with lots of traffic.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>
What are the different advanced driving courses available?<\/h3>
There are a number of different advanced driving courses on offer in the UK. The best one for you will depend on your specific needs and, to a certain extent, where you live.<\/p>
- Pass Plus<\/a><\/strong>. This is probably the best-known advanced driving course in the UK. Over a minimum of 6 hours of training with an approved instructor, the bulk of which is spent driving, you\u2019ll cover 6 key areas. These are all weather driving; motorway driving; dual carriageway driving; night time driving; driving in town; and driving down rural roads. There\u2019s no test. Instead you\u2019re assessed as you move through the modules.<\/li>
- IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) RoadSmart Advanced Driver<\/a>.<\/strong> This course is spread over 6 to 12 sessions, and includes control, observation, timing, positioning, and how to to deal with unpredictable roads. Drivers who complete the course and pass a test become IAM members. This may qualify you for a car insurance discount.<\/li>
- IAM RoadSmart Young Driver Assessment<\/strong><\/a>. Aimed at 17-to-26-year-olds, this informal 1-hour session is designed to give inexperienced drivers hints and tips on how to manage new driving experiences and take their skills to the next level.<\/li>
- IAM RoadSmart Mature Driver Review<\/a>. <\/strong>Even those who\u2019ve been driving for years sometimes face new challenges, or would simply welcome an expert\u2019s perspective on how they could improve their driving skills. In this 1-hour session, an IAM RoadSmart expert will observe you as you drive around. After the review, you\u2019ll receive verbal and written feedback to take away.<\/li>
- RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders.<\/strong><\/a> This Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents scheme covers similar elements to the IAM RoadSmart course, with a focus on road safety. You need to take a test to pass it.<\/li>
- Taking extra lessons with your driving instructor.<\/strong> This might be a good approach if you don\u2019t want a comprehensive course, but would welcome a skill boost in certain areas.<\/li><\/ul>
How much do advanced driving courses cost?<\/h3>
How much you\u2019ll pay varies significantly by the type of course and also, in some cases, where you live. As of March 2024, IAM\u2019s two 1-hour assessments each cost \u00a365, while the full Pass Plus course typically costs from \u00a3150-\u00a3200. IAM\u2019s standard RoadSmart Advanced Driver course is similarly priced. You can take a fast-track version over 2 days, but this costs substantially more. RoSPA\u2019s course can be cheaper than Pass Plus and IAM RoadSmart, but isn\u2019t as widely recognised by car insurers<\/p>
Some councils offer discounts for those who take advanced driving courses, so it\u2019s worth contacting your local authority. And if you live in Wales, young drivers who have only recently passed their test can take the Pass Plus Cymru course for \u00a320.<\/p>
Will taking an advanced driving insurance make my car insurance cheaper?<\/h3>
Maybe. Some, but not all, insurers offer discounts to drivers who take advanced driving courses. IAM RoadSmart and Pass Plus tend to be more widely recognised by insurers than RoSPA\u2019s course.<\/p>
Is taking an advanced driving course worth it?<\/h3>
Young, inexperienced drivers can often face eye-watering car insurance premiums. As such, the prospect of getting a decent discount by taking an advanced driving course is likely to prove appealing. However, if you\u2019re taking an advanced driving course purely to save money on your insurance we\u2019d recommend checking how much you might save before signing up for a course. Not every insurer offers discounts, and even among those that do the money you\u2019ll save may not be enough to cover the cost of some courses.<\/p>
That said, the benefits of an advanced driving course aren\u2019t just about cutting insurance premiums. Advanced driving lessons can boost your driving skills and confidence, and make you a better driver. The idea is that this will help you reduce the risk of getting in an accident and having to make a claim. Not only will this mean you don\u2019t have to pay an excess<\/a>, it\u2019ll also help you to keep your car insurance no-claims discount<\/a>. You may decide that the cost of an advanced course is worth the potential long-term benefits, regardless of any short-term gains.<\/p>
How else can I save money on my car insurance?<\/h3>
- Shop around for the best deal<\/strong>. Compare prices<\/a> when you first take out insurance, and every time you come to renew. Just because an insurer offered the best deal last year doesn\u2019t mean they will do next year. Check a couple of price comparison sites, as well as insurers that don\u2019t appear on price comparison sites such as Direct Line.<\/li>
- Consider a telematics policy.<\/strong> Fitting your car with a black box<\/a>, which tracks your driving habits and rewards good driving, could cut costs for careful drivers.<\/li>
- Increase your excess.<\/strong> This is the amount you need to pay towards any claim. Opting for a higher voluntary excess can cut your premium. Just don\u2019t set it so high that you can\u2019t afford to pay it if you need to claim.<\/li>
- Pay your full annual premium upfront.<\/strong> Paying a lump sum is generally cheaper than paying for your policy monthly, as insurers tend to apply interest to instalment payments.<\/li>
- Choose a lower-risk car.<\/strong> One factor that affects insurance costs is the type of car you drive. Opting for a car in a lower insurance group<\/a> should mean lower premiums.<\/li>
- Build your no-claims discount.<\/strong> Drive safely and responsibly, avoid making any claims, and after a year you should be rewarded with lower premiums. The no-claims bonus<\/a> will increase for every year of no-claims driving.<\/li>
- Add an experienced driver.<\/strong> Adding a lower-risk, experienced named driver<\/a> to your policy could lower your premiums, especially if you\u2019re a young, inexperienced driver.<\/li><\/ul>
Pros and cons of taking an advanced driving course<\/h3>
<\/div>\n\nPros<\/h4>\n
- \n
- Some insurers offer discounts if you've taken an advanced driving course<\/li>\n
- Allows you to practice driving skills you might not have used that often<\/li>\n
- Can boost your driving confidence and make you a safer driver.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n \n \n
Cons<\/h4>\n
- \n
- Not all insurers offers discounts, and some courses aren't as widely recognised by insurers<\/li>\n
- The cost may be prohibitive, especially if you've just paid for regular driving lessons and your driving test<\/li>\n
- You'll need to carve out time for more lessons from your diary.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Bottom line<\/h3>
There\u2019s no legal obligation to take an advanced driving course. But doing so could make you a better driver and, in some cases, save you money on your car insurance premiums. If the latter is your only motivation, run some insurance quotes before you commit to a course, to make sure that the discounts available will bring premiums down enough to justify the up-front cost. Whether you decide to take an advanced course or not, make sure you shop around and use our tips on how to get the best and cheapest car insurance for you<\/a>.<\/p>
Frequently asked questions<\/h3>
- \n \n
\n
- \n
- Consider a telematics policy.<\/strong> Fitting your car with a black box<\/a>, which tracks your driving habits and rewards good driving, could cut costs for careful drivers.<\/li>
- IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) RoadSmart Advanced Driver<\/a>.<\/strong> This course is spread over 6 to 12 sessions, and includes control, observation, timing, positioning, and how to to deal with unpredictable roads. Drivers who complete the course and pass a test become IAM members. This may qualify you for a car insurance discount.<\/li>
- Pass Plus<\/a><\/strong>. This is probably the best-known advanced driving course in the UK. Over a minimum of 6 hours of training with an approved instructor, the bulk of which is spent driving, you\u2019ll cover 6 key areas. These are all weather driving; motorway driving; dual carriageway driving; night time driving; driving in town; and driving down rural roads. There\u2019s no test. Instead you\u2019re assessed as you move through the modules.<\/li>