To join our group you need to be a current IAM member, to join the IAM click here.
If you are already an IAM member then please get in touch with our group using the contact us link in the menu.
About us
Affiliated to IAM RoadSmart (formally The Institute of Advanced Motorists), St Helens & District Advanced Motorists is one of 180 IAM Groups – a not for profit charitable organisation run by volunteers whose mission is the promotion of Road Safety and assisting the general public to meet the requirements of the IAM’s Advanced Driving Test.
Established in 1985 (click Newsletter April 2010 Special Edition for more about Group history), the Group has already helped over 650 local people to pass the Advanced Test; over the years, our first-time Pass rate has been established at over 90%. Our membership consists of those who have passed the Advanced Test and then volunteer some of their time to give others the opportunity to pass the Advanced Test. We meet weekly (see Course dates) at 10.00am on Sunday mornings at the Mercure Hotel, Linkway West, St. Helens, WA10 1NG.
Drivers who have held a licence for years but have not driven for some time, suddenly find themselves having to drive again. Perhaps you have had an accident and it has shaken your confidence. Or perhaps you have recently passed your ‘L’ Test and entered the real world! Any of these can be a daunting propsect…but we can help.
Free driving assessment
We will tell you the good bits, and the not-so-good bits, about your driving, and will give you some tips and help you brush up on your driving skills at the same time. It’s absolutely free, so there is nothing to lose!
Free taster session
If for some reason you struggle with Motorway driving, Country driving, roundabouts, or parking, we can tailor a free Free Taster Session to suit your needs.
To discuss / arrange a Free Driving Assessment or Taster Session, please contact our Associate co-ordinator, Alan Prescott: Contact Us.
Advanced Driver Course
Perhaps you just want to bring your to driving up to an altogether higher standard and open the door to better car insurance at the same time. Our full 8 to 10 week Course can do just that, and bring you to Advanced Test standard – see Our Courses and Discounts and Offers.
Whats Involved?
The course is based on a series of observed drives, leading to the Advanced Driving test, which is quality assured by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency).
Once you've booked a course, you'll be able to join our next course, or earlier depending upon demand. For each observed run you'll be paired with one of the Group's Observers, who will accompany you on the drive and advise you on how to improve your driving to the advanced test standards.
The test lasts for about 90 mins and usually covers 30 - 40 miles along a variety of road types. During the test the examiner will thoroughly assess your driving ability according to the different road conditions. You'll negotiate various hazards and situations, utilising the skills and techniques that have been developed on the course.
What benefits will I get?
The main benefit of taking the course is becoming a safer driver - providing you with the skills, experience and understanding to quickly adapt to a range of situations.
The statistics speak for themselves. IAM RoadSmart asked 2500 drivers who passed the Advanced Driving Test what benefit they’d seen. They said taking the Advanced Driver Course:
- Improved their driving (99%);
- Gave them greater awareness of other road users (90%);
- Helped them avoid a crash (66%).
Passing the test also makes you a member of IAM RoadSmart, which has a number of benefits - a year's subscription to its award-winning RoadSmart sMARTAdvanced Driving magazine, and access to exclusive discounts.
How much does it cost?
The Advanced Driver Course usually costs £175 but national discounts could apply and there are also discounts through the St. Helens Group. The cost includes membership of the St. Helens Group for 12 months, observed drives to prepare you for the Test, the cost of the final test, a copy of the Advanced Driver Course logbook and your first year's membership of the IAM.
Who are IAM RoadSmart?
IAM RoadSmart is the UK's leading independent road safety charity.
It exists to improve the standards of driving and riding on Britian's roads, and improve the standards of road safety across the country - primarily through delivery of the Advanced Driving test. It also delivers a range of other training and driving support, as well as informing and influencing government and key decision-makers.
It also has a business arm that delivers training and materials to help businesses meet their duty of care to employees. Profits generated from this are reinvested into its charitable operations.
