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Here are a few questions you might want to ask. Some of the answers are based on the Webmaster's experience of preparing for, taking and passing the Advanced Test in the early months of 2000. Click on the ? against each question to go to the answer.Click on the BACK marker after each question to return here.
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| Q. | What is advanced driving? |
| A. | The following summarises the key points: Advanced
driving combines a positive attitude with excellent observation and
hazard recognition, allowing smooth control of the car and the correct
choice of position and speed for maximum safe progress. BACK |
| Q. | Is the standard required for the Advanced Test very high? |
| A. | The examiner expects to see you drive smoothly, safely, legally,
courteously and progressively, and in full control of the car at all
times. Perfection, however, is not demanded. The standard set is within
the capabilities of most drivers, given a moderate amount of
preparation. BACK |
| Q. | How long will it take me to prepare for the test? |
| A. | There is a lot of variation, but you should normally expect between
6 and 12 hours spent with your "observer" (the person who will
"train" you). It will also depend on how much driving you are
able to do to practise your skills between "observed runs"
(the drives you have with your observer). That said, you will not be put
under pressure if you are a slow learner, or held up if you are ready
quickly. BACK |
| Q. | Do I use my own car? |
| A. | Your observed runs and your test will be taken in your own car. In
some cases, your observer might take you for a short demonstration drive
in his or her car if it helps to get a point across. BACK |
| Q. | Do I have to stick to speed limits? |
| A. | You will be required to drive within the law during your test.
Speed limits are legal requirements, so you will have to adhere to them.
That said, you will not be failed for short infractions, especially if
you catch yourself and tell the examiner you are aware of having gone
too fast. Bear in mind, however, that a speed limit is only a limit; it
does not mean that it is always safe to go that fast. BACK |
| Q. | Surely nobody normally sticks to speed limits these days unless there's a camera around. Won't my journeys take me much longer? |
| A. | Speed limits have become a national obsession, both with drivers
wanting to break them, and the government wanting to enforce them. In
becoming an advanced driver, you will learn techniques that allow you to
improve your progress without speeding. Once you accept driving within
or close to limits, you'll be surprised how much more relaxed you can be
without the worry of getting flashed on a camera or pulled over by a
patrol. BACK |
| Q. | Isn't the extra concentration required for advanced driving very demanding? Won't I arrive mentally exhausted after a long journey? |
| A. | My experience says no. During the first two hour plus drive I did
shortly before my test, I applied all the observation techniques I'd
been taught, and arrived feeling less tired than on most other occasions
when I'd previously made the same journey. The point is that advanced
driving skills reduce your stress level because you're almost always
prepared for what happens around you. You also accept that other drivers
can often do stupid things and learn not to get annoyed about it. Remember that the Highway Code recommends a break of at least 15 minutes for every two hours of driving (rule 91). BACK |
| Q. | I really hated taking my L test. Why should I put myself through all that again? |
| A. | You will "put yourself through all that" because you care
about road safety, you want to be a better and safer driver, and you
want the proof that you are. In any case, the Advanced Test is much less
stressful than the L test for several reasons.
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| Q. | Are women associates (those preparing for the test) assigned a woman observer? |
| A. | Not automatically. However, some observers in Camelot Group are
women and we will attempt to accommodate associates' preferences if
possible. BACK |
| Q. | My car has automatic transmission. Can I take the Advanced Test in it? |
| A. | Absolutely. There's much more to advanced driving than just
changing gear. In any case, proper use of an automatic gearbox to
achieve a smooth and progressive ride is a skill in itself. BACK |
| Q. | I am disabled. Is is possible for me to take the Advanced Test? |
| A. | Having a specially adapted car is normally no obstacle to taking
the Advanced Test. BACK |
| Q. | I have just taken my L-test. When can I start preparing for the Advanced Test? |
| A. | In principle, straight away. However, depending on the individual,
it often helps to gain wider experience of the roads before starting
preparation. The best thing is to come along for an assessment drive.
Note that you cannot take your Advanced Test less than 3 months after
your L test. BACK |