Sussex Advanced Drivers is an independent road safety charity accredited to RoSPA RoADAR (RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders). We are one of over 60 similar Groups, and we operate all over East and West Sussex, parts of Hampshire and up to the Surrey border area. It is our aim to improve driving standards through driver training and by raising drivers’ awareness.
Once you are signed up one of our trained volunteer tutors (living near you) will guide you through the advanced driving course with the assistance of ‘Roadcraft’ (The Police Drivers Handbook) and the current Highway Code. When you and your tutor agree that you are ready, you can take the Advanced Driving test and become one of the small band of qualified advanced drivers.
All the driving skills we teach and the advanced test itself are based on the “System of Car Control” as detailed in Roadcraft:
“Advanced driving is the ability to control the position and speed of the vehicle safely, systematically and smoothly, using road and traffic conditions to progress unobtrusively with skill and responsibility. This skill requires a positive but courteous attitude and a high standard of driving competence based on concentration, effective all round observation, anticipation, and planning. This must be co-ordinated with good handling skills.
The vehicle will always be at the right speed with the correct gear engaged and can always be stopped safely on its own side of the road in the distance that can be seen to be clear.”
DSA, RoADAR, IAM, 1997
And once you are more aware of the traffic around you and have learnt how to control your own vehicle to a higher standard – you will find that once again you are enjoying your driving much more.
Every three years you will be offered a free re-test to help you maintain the high level of competence you have achieved.
We also organise for our members a varied program of talks and practical driving events. In the past we have tasted driving a heavy lorry, manoeuvring an off-road 4×4, practicing on a skid pad, and more. There is also the occasional social event.