The Institute Of Advanced Motorists Limited,[1] trading as IAM RoadSmart, is a charity based in the United Kingdom, whose objective is to improve car driving standards, motorcycle riding standards, and enhance road safety by using the British police's system of car and motorcycle control.

The System was devised in 1937 by racing driver Mark Everard Pepys, 6th Earl of Cottenham, to reduce accidents in police pursuits.

[3] The IAM was formed in 1956 and has over 77,000 members, all of whom have taken and passed an advanced test in a car, commercial vehicle or on a motorcycle.

The IAM later added DriveCheck55, which offers the opportunity for people over the age of 55 to have their driving checked and receive tips from a police Class 1 driver.

Market research suggested the title Institute did not appeal to younger drivers, and the charity rebranded itself as "IAM Roadsmart".

The IAM also has a commercial subsidiary that provides occupational driver risk management products and services to the UK business community.

On 4 April 2016, as a result of a rebrand, the charity brought its different activities and programmes together under one umbrella brand called IAM RoadSmart.

Catie Munnings and Ash Hall both attended large PR events but weren't hugely active within the charity.

David Gallagher was the only paid ambassador and visited IAM Groups, schools, colleges, sixth forms and universities as well as representing the charity at events.

[12] Current vice presidents of the IAM include former BBC Crimewatch presenter and safety campaigner Nick Ross and former transport minister Sir Peter Bottomley MP.

Full membership requires passing the IAM's advanced test (but there are exemptions for people with suitable emergency services or military driving qualifications).

Despite the name Advanced, only a few months' experience (one year in Northern Ireland, because of speed restrictions on newly qualified drivers) are necessary to become an associate.

Many people report the value in joining the IAM early in their driving careers, because it helped them to avoid typical new driver accidents.

IAM entry level is considered a foundation in advanced motoring, which is easily achievable by most people.

At a higher skill level, a F1RST is awarded to those who pass their advanced test and achieve a score of 1 in virtually every category.

It may also appeal because the associate can improve their skill as an individual, avoiding default assumptions of risk based on statistics.

For example, a study by Brunel University found advanced drivers who had been through the IAM system of car control were nearly 70% better in all aspects of their driving – from steering to judging distances and speed.

[21] Before attempting the test, associates complete a training programme with volunteers called "observers" provided by the local group, and arranged at mutually convenient times.

[23] As with any road situation, legality and paperwork (including licence, insurance, and vehicle inspection) is the driver's responsibility.

Rather, the IAM "test" provides the opportunity to gain assessment, guidance and tips from a police pursuit driver.

[24] An IAM advanced driver is not subject to re-testing, even if their licence is suspended by the government, but relevant motoring convictions must be disclosed on annual renewal of membership.

The IAM Masters programme provides true "one-to-one" mentoring support and guidance, to help people achieve the highest level of civilian driving standard in the country.

Before the introduction of the IAM Masters programme, RoSPA Gold[24] and the DIAmond Special Test[25] were considered the highest civilian driving qualification in the UK.

Building on the basics of advanced driving, the Masters programme enhances the following driving skills: The advanced test is offered in variants: as an accelerated programme (within three days) called FastTrack,[26] membership and the test only (no training), taster sessions, and assessments for drivers over 55.

Sarah Sillars, Institute of Advanced Motorists chief executive officer, said: ‘Many of the people we work with on our drink-drive rehabilitation courses aren’t repeat offenders, many are drivers who thought that a second one couldn’t hurt.