AFTER passing the DVLA driving test, driving standards of road users often slip – but that doesn't stop them claiming they are a good driver.

But a Cirencester group is helping people prove they are a good driver by teaching a higher standard of driving.

Members of The Cirencester and District Advanced Motorist (CADAM) observe people driving their own cars and teach them about road safety and awareness.

Those taking the lessons, can then take an advanced driving test provided by the Institute of Advanced Motorist, which helps them prove they are safe driving on the roads.

Gordon Burley, chairman of the group, said: “Advanced driving uses the Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Accelerate (IPSGA) technique, which is a form of training police officers have to go through.

IPSGA is a five phase system which is designed to help people produce a higher degree of control while negotiating a hazard and have a smoother and more efficient ride.

My Burley said: “We teach advanced driving using exactly the same principles as the police are taught. IPSGA is a system of driving which is a level up from basic handling skills.

“People doing the course start to realise there is more to driving than they thought and to be a good driver there is a little bit more to it.

“Specifically it is about what is going on and how they mentally asses it. It is about things like where can I position my vehicle for my best possible view for my safety and what sort of speed I should be doing so I have the best opportunity to stop.”

Courses are open for people of all ages, whether they are 18 and have just passed their test of have been driving for decades.

Mr Burley, who is an qualified IAM advanced driving observer, explained that one of his former pupils who passed her advanced driving test was a lady in her late 80’s who wanted to prove to her family she was a good driver.

Mr Burley said: “Her daughter said she shouldn’t be driving her car anymore. She said I’ll show you and got her certificate.You are never too young, you are never too old to do a course.”

The CADAM was formed in the mid 90s from members of an advanced driving group in Churchdown, who were from Cirencester and wanted to create a group for people in the area.

Members of CADAM are not qualified driving instructors, they are qualified to observe only.

They teach advanced driving because they have a passion for road safety.

“We do it voluntarily because we want to improve driving standards and road safety,” Mr Burley explained.

Membership to the group costs £15 per year.

For more information visit www.cirencester-advanced-motorists.co.uk Standard reporter Brendan McFadden will be taking lessons from Mr Burley in an effort to see if he has what it takes to become an advanced driver - look out for the upcoming articles on each of his lessons.