Give them a Skill for Life this Christmas

Struggling with ideas for loved ones’ presents this Christmas? Why not give them something different this year; a new skill that will last them a lifetime? The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has a range of gift-vouchers encompassing all of their coaching offerings; and with everything from a young driver assessment, through to cycling, there is a range of prices and options to suit anyone who takes to the road.

Skill for Life, the course for which the IAM is most famously known, is available for car drivers and motorcyclists. This programme consists of six to eight coaching sessions with one of a network of more than 200 nation-wide IAM volunteer groups. The chosen group allocates a local observer who, when you’re ready, will put you forward for the Advanced Test. 85 per cent of individuals pass first time so don’t be unnerved by the idea of it being an exam!

The IAM Skill for Life is available with a ten per cent discount this Christmas at £125 (normal price £139). Details at iam.org.uk.

Apart from the proven safety and confidence-boosting benefits of becoming an advanced driver or rider, there is also the major advantage of qualifying for IAM Surety insurance that beats other competitive quotes in 93 per cent of cases for IAM members. And IAM membership offers a host of other benefits, from breakdown cover through to discounts on weekend breaks. You’ll also learn principles of eco-driving, that can make real savings on fuel consumption, not to mention reduced wear-and-tear to your vehicle.

Or perhaps you’re a driver or motorcyclist who has held a licence for several years but feel that your driving or riding could do with a refresher. DriveCheck or RideCheck could be the perfect thing for you. These one-hour drives with an IAM observer or examiner will help improve your confidence by giving you ideas of how you could improve, as well as celebrating what you’re already good at.

Momentum, the IAM’s new initiative offers young drivers a low-cost assessment with an IAM examiner, early in their development, that helps to improve confidence, raise awareness, and reduce risk on the roads. Momentum forms part of an ongoing campaign to introduce mandatory post-test training for all new drivers; the most at-risk category on our roads. Also aimed primarily at the younger market (although not exclusively), is RoadRider Plus - an assessment for riders of scooters, mopeds or sub-125cc machines - which gives a clear indication of current skills and abilities, and is a great way of progressing after the essential Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).

And for cyclists, the IAM offers a membership package, with the additional option of three levels of training to suit anyone from the real beginner, to those wanting to increase their confidence in busy traffic. Underpinning these training modules is the IAM’s How to be a better cyclist. This highly-praised book is a comprehensive guide to better, safer and more confident cycling and can be used equally well for personal study or in conjunction with on-road cycle training. At £15, this could be the ideal stocking-filler for a teenager cycling to college, or perhaps ‘the other half’ commuting to the office.

For the chance to win a Skill for Life in our free fun Santa Driving and Riding Challenge visit iam.org.uk. IAM products are available from your local IAM Group or can be purchased on the IAM website.