Institute of Advanced Motorists

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The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is a charity whose objective is to improve car driving and motorcycle riding standards, and hence enhance road safety, through the proper use of a system of car/motorcycle control based on Roadcraft (commonly "the System"). They also have a commercial wing dealing with corporate driver training in the United Kingdom. In 2006 the IAM celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Its headquarters are in Chiswick in west London and the I.A.M. runs the Advanced Driving Test scheme. The IAM has a local, group based structure across the UK, with groups for both motorcyclists and car drivers.

The President of the IAM is former Formula 1 World Champion Nigel Mansell

These groups take in prospective new members (known as "associate members"), and offer training and advice on using the system to help the associate member pass the IAM's advanced driving test and become a full member.

The "training" is conducted by regular (usually weekly, hour-long) sessions with observers, who are volunteers for the local group that have passed the advanced test and undergone further training to become an observer.

The test lasts for approximately 90 minutes and is conducted by a serving or retired police officer who holds a Police Advanced Driving Certificate. It covers between 30 and 40 miles including town/city, rural areas, and motorways and/or dual carriageways (as available), to test the candidate in a wide range of conditions each with different hazards. The test is not easy but within the reach of most motorists and motorcyclists with the right guidance.

Although some research indicates that members of the IAM may be less likely to be involved in accidents, this is far from conclusive. Some insurance companies will consider IAM membership, or other additional training such as Pass Plus as an indication of lower risk (in the same way as membership of a classic car club implies lower risk) and offer a discount. This varies from insurer to insurer.

The IAM introduced news assessments - DriveCheck (May 2006) and RideCheck (October 2006). These checks provides the opportunity to have your driving or riding ability assessed by an IAM observer. DriveCheck and RideCheck are not, however, a test. There is no pass or fail. Candidates undertaking DriveCheck or RideCheck automatically become IAM Associate Members.