Esther passes advanced driving test

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Esther Ranzen, TV presenter and prospective Parliamentary candidate for Luton South, has passed her advance driving test and joined the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

Esther took the 90 minute test in her Toyota Prius and passed first time.

Writing in Advanced Driving, the summer edition of the IAM members' magazine, Esther said she had enjoyed focusing on skilled driving. But most of the time driving is something she endures rather than enjoys.

She said: "I am only too aware that now that I don't smoke, driving is the most dangerous thing I do apart from lying in bed - where of course most deaths occur.

"My advanced driving test with the IAM was a gift from a friend. At first I thought it might be an insult because I assumed he thought I needed further training. But when I passed, I decided it was a tribute, and I have thoroughly enjoyed focusing on skilled driving."

To pass the advanced driving test, associates have to demonstrate that they can make good progress in safety, not just on urban roads, but on rural roads and motorways too. The examiner - a police advanced driver - will want to see that the candidate is in the right lane, doing the right speed at the right time.

Drivers who prepare for the IAM's voluntary advanced driving test are statistically less likely to crash.

A 2006 report by Brunel University, following an 18-month study, concluded that "advanced driver training produces safer drivers and lower accident involvement, with measurable improvements in knowledge, skills and attitude".

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