Congratulations… you’ve passed.’ It has taken hours of driving lessons to hear these welcome words, but I have now passed the IAM RoadSmart advanced test – just in time for the new Highway Code introduced yesterday that puts new demands on motorists.
Spending £149 on more driving lessons when I got my licence 30 years ago may sound like an unnecessary indulgence. But getting this new qualification could be one of the best investments I ever make.
Taking these lessons could reduce the cost of my car insurance by up to 10 per cent – or at least soften the blow of rising premiums across the market. The skills I have learned should also help cut my motoring costs as a result of driving more smoothly – and, touch wood, reduce my chances of being involved in an accident.
Fast learner: Toby Walne with his Lotus Elise was helped by instructor John Oakley
By driving more smoothly you can reduce fuel consumption by a quarter by using your gears properly and not slamming your foot down on the accelerator and braking hard at junctions. The average car does 40 miles to the gallon (8.8 miles per litre) and travels 7,400 miles a year. Driving more carefully can cut £300 from your annual fuel bill.
Brushing up on driving skills is invaluable to even the most seasoned motorist.
I’ve been weaving around Hertfordshire and Essex country lanes for the past few months with an instructor from IAM RoadSmart that organises the advanced motoring test. Instructor John Oakley has helped improve my driving ability.
In recent years, the number of cyclists has shot up on our roads, as has the number of joggers with headphones that may be oblivious to road users around them.
A few days ago, I caught up with him after I had passed my test – to get his take on the implications of the new Highway Code.
The code now gives priority to pedestrians and cyclists over cars. Motorists must give priority to pedestrians at road junctions. If a pedestrian wants to cross, the driver must stop the car.
Cyclists will often be able to stay in the middle of a lane to ensure they are visible and be given at least 1.5metres of space when being overtaken. John says: ‘As a driver, it’s all about observation, anticipation and planning. It is essential to look ahead to avoid a potential accident.’
Unfortunately, although the code changes have noble intentions, the reality is that one in 25 motorists say they will not follow the new rules.
Advanced driving lessons help you control your emotions at the wheel – and ensure your driving style is not compromised by other drivers, pedestrians or cyclists. For example, when a driver in front suddenly stops at a clear roundabout or tailgates you. John says: ‘If you enjoy your driving you are far more likely to improve – and not allow the bad habits of others to get you stressed.
‘When you feel more in control because you are observing and anticipating, the driving experience becomes a real pleasure.’
During lessons, John sat beside me patiently offering suggestions. He taught me the system of car control used by the police and remembered by the acronym IPSGA – information, position, speed, gear and acceleration.
After the initial embarrassment of not knowing what the national speed limit is on roads without signs – usually 60 miles per hour – John instilled in me habits to overcome an over-cautious approach to roundabouts and unnecessary gear changes, so my motoring would become smoother and more controlled.
He also shared handy tips, such as looking out for church spires in the distance as it indicates there is likely to be a village and a speed limit change up ahead.
Bins out for collection could mean pedestrians and trucks are nearby while a cyclist dressed in lycra could indicate that others lurk around the corner, especially at a weekend when cycling clubs swamp our roads.
I feel well prepared to meet the challenge of the new Highway Code. Although the lessons were a hit on my stressed finances, I consider the £149 well spent.
SAVE MONEY ON MOTORING
