The Institute of Advanced Motorists
IAM Roadsmart used to be the Institute of Advanced Motorists. It promotes safer driving and advanced road skills.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), now trading as IAM RoadSmart, is a UK-based registered charity dedicated to improving driving and motorcycling standards and enhancing road safety. Founded in 1956, its core mission is to educate and develop the skills of post-licence drivers and riders to create safer and more fulfilling journeys.
Here are some key aspects of IAM RoadSmart:
- Objective: To improve road safety by raising driving and riding standards, primarily through its Advanced Test and a system of car and motorcycle control initially devised for police pursuits.
- Activities:
- Offers advanced driving and riding courses and administers the Advanced Test.
- Conducts research and lobbies government to influence road safety policy.
- Provides a range of courses for individuals and businesses, including refresher courses, young driver assessments, mature driver reviews, and drink-drive rehabilitation courses.
- Has a commercial subsidiary providing occupational driver risk management for businesses.
- Structure: It operates with a head office and a large network of local groups across the UK, many of which are run by volunteers. These local groups offer training and support to those preparing for the Advanced Test.
- Membership: Individuals who pass the Advanced Test become members of IAM RoadSmart. The organization boasts a large community of members and volunteers.
- Benefits of Advanced Training:
- Improved driving/riding skills, observation, anticipation, and vehicle control.
- Increased safety on the roads.
- Potentially lower insurance premiums from some providers.
- Greater confidence and enjoyment in driving/riding.
- Contribution to overall road safety.
- "Skills for Life": This branding emphasizes the goal of preventing fatalities and enhancing skills for a lifetime of safer driving and riding.
In essence, IAM RoadSmart aims to make UK roads safer by encouraging and enabling drivers and riders to achieve a higher standard of competence and awareness beyond the basic driving/riding test.