Environment and roads

Advanced driving courses

Advanced drivers are safer, smoother and cause less pollution by using less fuel. This course will help get you started for a very modest cost and could save you pounds in the long run.

Advanced Drivers are up to 50% less likely to be involved in a road accident. They make smooth progress and suffer less stress. They aim to be cool, calm and in control, whatever the conditions.

If you’re interested in becoming an advanced driver, Hertfordshire County Council offers a course of theory classes to help you get started. Ideally, we hope it will encourage you to go on to take the test with the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) or RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders (RoADAR).

The aims are to raise driving standards and to reduce road accidents and driving offences. There are 5 weekly theory sessions usually lasting two hours, normally on weekday evenings. Each one deals with a particular topic, illustrated with slides and video. Practical exercises are set to encourage you to practise every time you drive.

A practical assessment and demonstration drive is included, usually on the Sunday before the last class. These are run in partnership with the Herts Police Driving School and local groups of RoADAR and IAM.

Programme covers:

• defensive driving techniques
• safe use of speed
• car control and skid avoidance
• hazard perception
• positioning and cornering
• motorway driving
• overtaking

It is based on "Roadcraft" (the police driver's handbook) and the current Highway Code. Each week you are encouraged to read up on the points covered in that week's session. The current price £50 includes these two textbooks and the practical assessment and demo. If you are a student, retired, unemployed or receiving benefits the price is reduced to just £40.

The courses are run throughout the year at venues throughout Hertfordshire. To book please use the link below or contact the Road Safety Unit. You can also be added to our mailing list for later courses.

Benefits of advanced driving can include:

• improved safety for you and your family
• more economical and environmentally cleaner motoring
• more enjoyment of driving
• confidence to cope with today's demanding conditions

Following this course, we recommend that you join a local group of IAM or RoADAR; they offer coaching to help you reach the standard required for the advanced driving test. Passing an advanced test can lead to better deals from certain insurance companies, but the very fact that you will be a safer driver helps to protect your no claim bonus!