Tests
Members are encouraged to take the RoSPA Advanced Driving Test, although this is not compulsory.
The test is entirely organised and monitored by RoSPA Advanced Drivers And Riders (RoADAR). The group provides all necessary training and tuition, free of charge, for people who live in our area. There is, however, a charge for the test, payable to RoADAR, see the link at the bottom of the page for details.
All the examiners hold a UK Police Advanced Driving Certificate and many are also police driving instructors. Your examiner will therefore be one of the best trained drivers in the country.
The test involves taking your examiner out for a drive, for about one hour, during which you will be asked to drive on town roads, rural A-Class roads, country lanes and a motorway or dual carriageway. There are no tricks in the test, you must drive safely and with skill, and demonstrate that you are a good driver. You may be asked to perform some sort of manoeuvre, such as reversing round a corner. At the end of the drive, you will be asked some questions about the highway code and some questions about advanced driving. Then the examiner will tell you that you have passed (hopefully) and will give you a grade (bronze, silver or gold), so you could get a gold on your very first test.
Assuming you pass, you will receive a certificate from RoSPA which lasts three years. Towards the end of the three years, RoSPA will contact you to invite you to take your test again. This required renewal of your certificate ensures that you do not forget what you have learnt. It is good idea at this stage to return to your tutor or another tutor and have a few refresher lessons to check that you have not forgotten anything over the elapsed years.
To see what it involves, the full information about the car driving test is on the Test section on the RoSPA Advanced Driving website.