RoSPA South West Group

Introduction

Background and origin of RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders

The origin of the Association was in the early fifties when the ever increasing number of road accidents inspired Louise Duncan of the Finchley Road Safety Committee to form the Finchley League of Safe Drivers.
The League organised driving lectures by the police together with practical training followed by a test conducted by instructors from the Police Driving School at Hendon.
The organisation grew and other areas of the country became involved forming local groups to maintain the aims of the League. It became a national independent body with examiners throughout the UK and introduced graded passes and regular re-tests.
In 1980 it was decided that RoSPA should take over the League. Thus the RoSPA League of Safe Drivers was born. Eventually the name was changed and from 1982 it became the RoSPA Advanced Drivers' Association.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Advanced Drivers' Association (RoADA).
In 2006 the name was changed again to reflect the increasing number of motorcycle riders joining local groups. Advanced Drivers & Riders (RoADAR).
The aim of the Advanced Drivers and Riders is to reduce road accidents by raising driving knowledge, standards and skills.

Why should you be interested?

Traffic accidents account for almost half of all accidental deaths and are the largest single cause of death and injury to young adults in this country. Being a good driver means that you never stop learning. Improving your driving skills and becoming an advanced driver will not only make you safer but will also increase your enjoyment of driving.

What makes a better driver?

Becoming a better driver involves reviewing and adapting your driving skills to keep pace with ever changing road and traffic conditions. This will ensure that you get the best out of your vehicle. Because we want to maintain the highest standards we require that you retake the test every three years. However, that retest is free. It is not simply the speed of your reaction that determines whether you are a safe driver but your ability to identify and respond effectively to hazards. That skill, like many others, can be further developed. Many drivers know that they could become even better but think advanced driving is for others. Some believe that advanced training and the high standards are restricted to police drivers. That is not the case. With a little training and support you will realise how good you can become and you will join the ranks of some of the best drivers in the country.

How does it all work?

RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders is a section of RoSPA one of the foremost safety advisory and training organisations in the world. Local groups have been formed to offer free training, support and advice to any drivers who wish to improve their driving and pass the advanced test. RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders operate in a very practical style by creating local groups of volunteers, all of whom have passed the advanced test and have been trained to pass on their knowledge to others. Groups often work closely with police advanced drivers and instructors to ensure that the standards outlined in Roadcraft, the police drivers handbook, are maintained. Before taking the test you should study the current editions of The Highway Code and Roadcraft. Without a good knowledge of both you are unlikely to obtain a high grade.

You would be unwise to apply for an advanced test unless you have had some additional training since passing your 'L' test.