If you want to take your driving skills to mastery level, an advanced driving course might be the answer. Find out the cost, what it entails, and more in our guide.
Key takeaways
- An advanced driving course is a practical program designed to make you a safer and more competent driver.
- The advantages? Think better hazard perception, smoother technique, and an increased sense of confidence behind the wheel.
- Having an advanced driving certificate can sometimes save you money on your car insurance, but it's not a guarantee.
- Prices differ between providers, but most courses cost between £100-£250. But the skills you’ll learn? Priceless.
What is an advanced driving course?
Advanced driving courses offer fully-qualified drivers a chance to sharpen their skills. They’re an optional next step after passing your test.
Many people might not feel like they need extra guidance after they’ve passed their test. But, if you feel like you need a confidence boost behind the wheel, advanced driving tuition offers just that.
Advanced driving courses are different from standard lessons. They focus on “roadcraft” - a system of vehicle control used by emergency services.
In simple terms, roadcraft helps you spot hazards early and drive more smoothly and efficiently. It’s not required for most drivers, but it’s a useful skill to have - even if you’re not planning to drive an ambulance anytime soon.
Does an advanced driving course lower insurance?
Yes, having an advanced driving certificate under your belt can lower your car insurance premium.
But, it’s not a guaranteed money saver. And, in many cases, the amount you save on your policy won't make up for the cost of taking the course.
Having an advanced driving course category on your licence can still make a difference, though. Want to crunch the numbers? Here’s how it works out:
| Licence type | Average car insurance premium* |
|---|---|
|
Full UK manual
|
£564
|
|
Full UK with Pass Plus
|
£544
|
|
Full UK with IAM
|
£477
|
*Based on Confused.com data, November 2025 - February 2026
How much is an advanced driving course?
Typically, the cost ranges between £100 and £250. However, it all depends on which advanced driving school you go with. Let’s take a peek:
- IAM RoadSmart: Courses priced between £200-£250. This includes a 1-to-1 session with a qualified observer, the test fee, and 12 months’ IAM RoadSmart membership.
- RoSPA: Around £100-£150, when you put together membership costs and test fees. But, you may need to pay a little extra for training sessions.
- Pass Plus: Depends on your instructor and how long your training takes. Typically, the overall price ranges from £150-£200.
What happens during advanced driving tuition?
If you’ve booked your advanced driving course, but don’t feel too thrilled about being back in the hot seat - don’t panic.
Most courses follow a similar structure, with training sessions led by volunteers who want to help boost your confidence and make you a safer driver.
Want to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into? Here’s what you can expect:
- Observation: You’ll kick things off by meeting your qualified instructor who’ll take a look at how you drive. Over a few sessions, you’ll refine your driving habits and work on improving your awareness behind the wheel.
- Vehicle control: Next up, you’ll move onto technique - practising things like gear changes and braking. It’ll be similar to what’s covered in a standard driving lesson, but with a focus on refining your skills and keeping things smooth and controlled.
- Environment: With the basics covered, it’s time to tackle some different types of roads. You’ll learn how to master motorways and tricky junctions. Plus, you’ll pick up some tips on how to improve your all-weather driving.
- The test: This might seem like the daunting part but, really, it’s no biggie. It’s more informal compared to your learner test. Typically, you’ll be paired with an examiner who’ll ask you to demonstrate some of the skills you’ve learnt.
Is an advanced driving course worth it?
In short, it depends.
Whether an advanced driving course is “worth it” will differ from person to person. Still, there’s a lot to be said for completing one.
For starters, it can improve your confidence on the road and make you more aware of hazards - reducing the likelihood of a crash later down the line. If you're a new driver still building experience, this can make all the difference.
Advanced driving lessons can also be beneficial cost-wise - and it's not just because it can lower your insurance premium.
Improving your driving efficiency often results in better fuel economy. And, it can also take some of the stress off your brakes and tyres. Less wear and tear? The less you’ll have to dish out for frequent repairs.
On the flip side, taking an advanced driving course can be costly. Plus, you’ll have to dedicate a chunk of time to practising and taking the test.
So, before you enrol, it’s worth checking whether there’s enough wiggle room in both your budget and your schedule.
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