Advanced driving test....

[ben_london]

Need a bit of advice from anyone on here. Im 18 and got a new Renault Clio with the free insurance, in November (when i turn 19) im going to have to start paying my premium and am basically looking at anyway to reduce it from the £1000 - £1400 im being quoted. At the moment, fingers crosses i have 1 years NCB, no penalty points and pass plus. That should bring it down by about 40% to £1000 but i've heard about an advanced driving test. Just wondering what it entails and whether its helpful or worthwile?? Any advice is great.

Regards
Ben

[onedsla]

I did mine at 18 - found that as I'd recently done DSA test, my technique was fine, but learned A LOT about good observation. I'd highly recommend taking as it's completely different to DSA / Pass plus - focus is not on learning how to drive, more learning how to avoid accidents. The other bonus is that 'lessons' (or observed drives) are free - you get appointed a local observer and simply have to provide the car / fuel. IIRC the test fee was about £40ish.

Insurance-wise, certain insurers are affiliated and offer decent discounts, although I found that at 18 and with a hot hatch (Clio 16V at the time) the affiliated companies wouldn't quote me due to age restrictions so I didn't benefit in this way.

[ben_london]

I've been driving for 18 months now and to be honest my technique is awful, i've got bad habits already. Also it costs around £150 to do now, my dads checked for me about prices.

[Don]

ben_london said:

I've been driving for 18 months now and to be honest my technique is awful, i've got bad habits already. Also it costs around £150 to do now, my dads checked for me about prices.

Tosh. Its £85. You need to get in touch with the IAM

www.iam.org.uk

They'll sell you a "Skill For Life" package which includes the test, national membership of the IAM and, I believe, a year's membership of your local group. They'll put you in touch with your local group who will help you pass your Advanced Test.

It is WELL worth doing - you are at the perfect stage to get the absolute maximum out of it...and it is very likely to reduce your insurance. Older drivers with more NCB tend to find less benefit but you will definitely see an improvement.

It takes several months to do and is hard work. But if you like going for a drive...then its fun too.

Good luck. And do it.

[ben_london]

Cheers lads, will try to book it ASAP and hopefully have it done before November which is when my insurance is up for renewal.

[bikerkeith]

You should get a £10 discount off the £85 Skill for Life package for age under 25.

[gshughes]

It is well worth doing, I've passed mine, and should really get round to getting a refresher, but don't think it will reduce your insurance premiums much.

[Nightmare]

You will also thoroughly enjoy every minute of it if you're a real car/driving enthusiast - and there aint many courses where you can have fun as well!

[silverback mike]

I bought the package for my wife...Trouble is, the lads that I work with are doing the lessons.

You can imagine the results

Why oh why did I buy her an alfa?

[volvod5_dude]

A bargin at 85 quid, and good information. I think I'll sign myself and my wife up for it. Also I'll sign up my two lads when they have passed their driving tests.

[Free Spirit]

Reccommend it. Passed mine 5 years ago (aged 30+), and learned a LOT about anticipation and car control. ie safe but not slow. Insurance didn't change for me, but its for a sports car..