Testimonials

"Some people may ask, after passing the statutory driving test, why go to the bother to put yourself voluntarily through a second driving test? After all, once we have passed our driving test we can all drive can't we? Well some people join running clubs, yet we can all run can't we?

For me, the wish to improve my driving, to reduce the possibility of me being involved in a motoring incident, and to rid myself of bad habits gained since passing my driving test - over 20 years ago - was incentive enough. It has allowed me to reduce my car insurance as well.

The East Midlands group of RoSPA Advanced Drivers really helped me to reach that goal. They are committed to getting you through the test, with the aim of passing at the top, gold, grade, through regular assessment drives observed by a dedicated team of volunteers.

I am really pleased to have been part of the group and to have passed my advanced driving test. I highly recommend working towards, and taking, the test; I have now gained a "life protecting" skill.

Thank you, East Midlands RoSPA Advanced Drivers!"

Iain Betson

"Having got to the twentieth anniversary of passing my initial driving test I thought some refresher training may be now timely. The RoSPA course has enabled me to re-evaluate and actually think about how I am driving. The tutors at the East Midlands Group give their time and experience freely. I found the group highly supportive and the individual tuition was at times sensibly challenging about the complacency that had crept into elements of my driving.

I have just passed my test, which is down to the work of the group. During your tuition senior tutors decide when you are ready to take the test. I have had 21 lessons, with qualified tutors, over the last 11 months. This included an initial assessment. The test (with a police trained advanced driver) gave me any opportunity to demonstrate the skills I have learned over the last year or so. It's all cost around £78, which included a copy of the Highway Code (the picture on the cover of the Highway Code and its content has changed (more than once) from twenty years ago); and, a copy of Roadcraft (the Police Driving Manual), which the tuition and test is based on.

I think my driving is now better and I am enjoying it more. I would have no hesitation in recommending the course to anyone, either the newly qualified driver or one who has driven for years. The course gives you a higher level of competence, in an important skill. A skill which, prior to the course, I had started to take for granted.

I'll need retesting in three years time, to maintain my membership, and at that point I am considering taking the tutor training. The retesting and ongoing evaluation is then included in the annual membership subscription of £20, which I believe, like all of the course has been amazingly good value."

Lee Outhwaite

"My name is Phil Sanders I am a qualified driving instructor. A short time ago I decided to get involved with the Rospa Advanced Driving Group at Allestree Derby in the East Midlands. I had been considering this for sometime but just seemed never to find time however for several reasons I finally made the effort.

I have all my working life been involved with the motor industry and throughout the years have believed it is important for all drivers to drive to a high and safe standard of driving on our roads. I often meet drivers that feel it is something that is very difficult to become an Advanced Driver it just takes a little time and effort learning some new skills and refreshing what we have already learned. With today's traffic particularly in our cities and towns we not only need to be safe but confident in our skills and knowledge.

Many drivers who have passed their L test never keep up to date with "The Highway Code" this is something we should all do and is something we can do on a regular basis just by purchasing a copy and reading it. Often we make excuses such as, not having time but the rules of the road do change. Of course Advanced Driving is somewhat more involved but not impossible.

I quite recently passed my Rospa test at the gold level on the first try. So why not make the commitment and join your local group the benefits I am sure outweigh the alternative of doing nothing, take it on board as a challenge, not a task to improve your existing skills and learn new ones."

Phil Sanders

"Why after 36 years of fault free driving did I want to be part of RoSPA's advanced driver group RoADAR?

It's OK knowing you're a good driver but how do you know you aren't resting on your laurels, how do you know you are thinking enough about the future of yourself and those you love?

An accident fault free driving history did surprise a few of my nearest and dearest; wife, kids, relatives, and friends, and I was aware that I'd acquired a few bad habits. As my mileage total increased I realised that things were changing. Insurance facts and figures told me my chances of an accident were increasing plus other simple observations - traffic density, serious traffic reports, road-rage, all made me aware that I needed to check a few things. I realised that the principles and practices that had kept me safe previously were becoming obsolete; I needed an update and that's when I found a professional, friendly, nationally recognised charity who wanted to help me and others like me for little cost.

I have discovered a group of people interested in my safety and the safety of other road users. I recommend that any driver update their driving skills; it will save you time, money and almost certainly, grief."

Patrick Eaton

"My interest in cars has been from a very early age and couldn't wait until I was 17. Having passed my test (second time around) from an early age, having had a few near misses, over the years have recognised how the roads and cars have changed since I started driving in the early 80's.

There is more traffic, cars are faster, so I have recognised the need for driver improvement, and one ambition of mine was to achieve a higher recognised standard of driving.

My initial approach was to your web site by a Google search and then put my name down on a six month waiting list.

Having a demo drive to start, I attended every fortnight, and gained a huge knowledge and awareness, my eyes were opened into a totally different view of the road, traffic awareness, and car preparation and the need to constantly develop this.

I have found the training and guidance from all the tutors imperative, and after 12 months managed to pass my test with a Gold. The group as a whole have been fantastic, and I have continued with my training and hope soon to become a Tutor.

I am keen to continue to support the group as now a committee member and have found the interest and desire to help and guide other road users. I have gained a lot of knowledge and understanding which can hopefully be passed onto other drivers, as I do see driving standards slipping.

I have become a much more aware driver, with more road consideration and only the Rospa East Midlands group has allowed me to achieve this.

Thanks again everyone"

Steve Nyland

"Being a driving instructor, I felt my driving was to a pretty high standard anyway. Having said that, I also felt there was room to improve further and was looking for a challenge.

The tuition was delivered by the tutors in a friendly, relaxed manner, not like being a learner driver! You will then need to go and work on points raised when driving yourself. Embrace what is discussed regarding your driving, rather than seeing it as criticism. If you do this, you will develop a style of driving that will create a "safety bubble" around you and your vehicle that will reduce your chances of being involved in a collision and also find the achievement very rewarding.

Many thanks to the tutors who give their help and time free of charge."

Lyndon Smith