10
DIAmond
Are you ready for the DIAmond test?
Chief examiner Mike Frisby explains how to prepare for a DIAmond Advanced test
Each month the DIAmond office receives a number of calls asking a variety of questions about our advanced tests, ranging from who provides the car to how to practise, so we thought it might be useful to share some of the information we provide to our callers. The DIAmond Advanced test shares
similar elements of the learner’s test, but with additional exercises to test driving ability. The time allocated is longer, to include a greater variety of roads and traffic conditions. Advanced test routes will include national speed limit single and dual carriageways, as well as a combination of urban and out-of-town roads. This means that candidates can expect frequently changing speed limits, so you need to know where to look for the speed limit signs. The additional exercises (to the L-test)
could include reversing into a limited opening on the right (right reverse) and commentary driving. Depending on how long ago you took your L-test you may find that parallel/bay parking may be something new too. The way the directions are given mean that test candidates are encouraged to think for themselves, in the same way as the DSA’s independent driving is now conducted in their tests. For example, you will be asked to follow road signs which may involve two or three roundabouts and crossroads, rather than being told which exit you will need. If you are considering taking a
driving | April / May 2011
test then it pays to be well prepared. DIAmond has a network of instructors and examiners across the UK – DIAmond is the only advanced driving organisation that uses fully qualified instructors to conduct training – so you will never be too far away from help.We have also produced a DVD (item code 5020) that explains the contents of both the Advanced and Special tests. It covers the manoeuvres in detail and a commentary drive in urban and rural roads and motorways. There can be a number
of reasons people take an advanced test – personal satisfaction, as a way of reducing insurance costs, as part of a work-related road safety initiative or continuing professional development. Whatever the reason, it is important to keep your qualification current if it is to be of real benefit. Although we encourage all drivers to take up the challenge of resitting their advanced test, it is the training you receive that will help to keep you safe. The Advanced test route is usually
around 16-20 miles (25-32km), and the Special test is slightly longer, about 20-25 miles (33-41km), so please make sure you have enough fuel to complete the journey. Finding time to practise is important.
You need to know what the test includes and make sure that you drive on similar
types of roads and in similar traffic conditions. Depending on where you live, driving at higher speeds, or on motorways, may be uncommon, or not practical. Although not all test routes include motorways, they will almost certainly contain a national speed limit dual carriageway, so make sure when planning your training route that it covers these types of roads. Allocating specific time and knowing what you what to achieve from your drive makes
uses fully qualified instructors to conduct training
best use of your time. You need to think about what you are doing and talk your self through what you are about to do. Finding someone who can teach you commentary will help with your planning and raise your awareness of potential hazards. If you are an instructor you could incorporate some commentary during your lessons. If you make a regular journey, try to
leave a little earlier than usual, or extend your journey home to include a set of the reversing exercises. Do one set of each and move on. If you do one set on your way out, you may be able to do another
DIAmond is the only advanced driving organisation that
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68