About us…
In late 2023 the Dorset Group merged with the Bournemouth and District Group to form a single group, known as Bournemouth and Dorset Advanced Drivers. The primary purpose is to promote safer driving in Dorset and the surrounding areas, which we have been doing for over 30 years. This website is more oriented towards car drivers, however there are two sister for our motorcycle friends Dorchester & West Dorset Advanced Motorcyclists and Bournemouth & Wessex Advanced Motorcyclists. Our catchment area covers the whole of Dorset and parts of West Hampshire and South Wiltshire. All local IAM Groups are affiliated to IAM RoadSmart.
What we do…
By now you are probably wondering what makes us ‘Advanced Motorists’. In order to become an advanced motorist, you need to pass the IAM RoadSmart’s advanced test. Sounds easy – well it is with us guiding you on your way. Once you’ve signed up for the IAM RoadSmart course you will be paired up with one of our local Group Observers. The Observer will accompany you in your own car, to observe your driving skills, and to advise of any issues. The Observer will guide you on your way to improving your driving skills to a level which is appropriate to pass the IAM RoadSmart test. The Observed runs will take place at a time that is convenient to both you and your observer, and normally last in the region of approximately one hour, and may cover different driving situations – such as day/night and rush-hour traffic.
The test…
Once it is felt by both you and the observer that your driving is that of the IAM RoadSmart test standard, then the test takes place. The test is conducted by an IAM RoadSmart Approved Examiner; who can in some cases be the same Instructor who gave the initial set of three seminars. Tests for Associates in the west of our catchment area are often based around Dorchester, Bridport and Wareham and will involve both town and country driving, but the location will vary depending on the allocated IAM RoadSmart Examiner (which is matched, where possible to your location). Meanwhile Associates based in the East of our area will see their tests most likely in that vacinity.
What do I do now?
If you fancy joining the Group and passing your IAM RoadSmart test, then visit the join page.
Review our Data Policy
Our data policy can be viewed here.