How to Pass an Advanced Driving Test - Commentary

When undertaking an advanced driving test, you will be asked to provide a commentary. This video looks at what is required to pass the test & gives some handy tips on how to improve your commentary skills.

For a much more detailed video on commentary, please see this video:

Also, please see:

[carolineryder]

Thanks for these videos. I have just embarked on the IAM training. I had read road craft already but found these videos really brought it to life. Consequently my observer thinks I could already pass my test but is hopeful to bring me up to a first and was impressed with my first attempt at commentary - asking “have you done this before 😂”

[mentonish]

I followed an advanced driving course with a police driving instructer, with this form of tuition the commentary came naturally.

[JasonSykesDTS]

I could spend all day and night watching Reg. stumbled across these videos by accident but I’ve now become a sponge. I’d love to spend a day or so with Reg.

[CalyFdes]

I was recommended to watch Reg Local's clips as a part of IAM training! Invaluable tips for an advanced driver!

[robertcook]

Another great video Reg, I have been watching your video's for over a year now and I decided to take a IAM course. I took my test last Saturday and I'm pleased to say that I passed with a first. So your video's really helped. Thanks Reg. Will you be making some on a Masters course. I will be watching if you do.

[vladimirl]

Great video, Reg! Thank you for pointing out the mistakes that people do while commenting. Very useful indeed! Commenting requires practice! Not easy to do first time. It is amazing how easy it looks when you do it! You are giving so many useful tips, your videos need to be rewatched several times to absorb everything!

[colinrosen]

About to take my first proper observation after my initial hour with my observer and I have looked at some of your videos and the contents have shown that I can, by taking things on board, improve my driving and hopefully have those 4 letters after my name. Really excellent content.

[thomasjones]

Hi Reg - I passed my IAM Masters yesterday, thanks in part you your excellent videos. Thanks & keep up the good work!

[SJ]

Took my Masters' a few months ago: I'm ridiculously proud to have been awarded a Distinction. Even so, it would have been great see this first. Thank you. Superb stuff.

[mammadtori]

Oh yeah! Another reg video in the same week! Whooo

[robinallison]

There's obviously many years experience behind your cool dude commentaries. Most entertaining; thought provoking and above all, useful information, as ever. Thanks.
Additionally, I have an apology to make. I challenged you to put together a video that has twisting, undulating roads; adverse weather conditions and low sun, flickering through the hedge and tree lined roads. Having taken note of the driving conditions under which this video has been made, you have ticked most of the boxes of that challenge. Let's hope I can drive half as well, when I take my IAM test, tomorrow.
Thanks and keep these videos coming! :)

[alanmarcus]

Thank You Reg
After being off work for Seven months because of health problems. I’m going for a driving assessment through the company they have there own driver assessment course training department. It’s hgv class one I’ve been driving these for 22 years. But also learning what to say in watching this video. Once again thanks again. Never thought of doing the IAM.

[template]

Thanks for this video Reg. Passed my IAM advanced test on Tuesday with a first and this video helped a great deal.

[whimsical_ninja]

These videos helped me immensely before I had a police response course a few months ago and I have been enthusiastically recommending them to colleagues who have had courses coming up. I'm now lucky enough to have an advanced course coming up...any tips from anyone who has done one would be very welcome

[Christian-vewi]

Thanks Reg another brilliant video in this series and a Merry Christmas to you and your family..

[daviddaw]

Reg, your video contains some great advice, particularly for those who may be just starting to give a commentary. I do disagree with you on a couple of points though: the first is the start to a commentary. It is good practice to describe weather conditions, time of day (rush hour, school run, etc.), road surface, type of vehicle (FWD, RWD, AWD, diesel, petrol, turbo, naturally aspirated, gearbox type, etc.) right at the beginning. Many times during commentaries I have referred back to my initial thoughts as proof of the wide base of my driving plans.

Secondly, mirror checks must be mentioned; it needs only the one word - mirror. If not mentioned in a Systematic sequence, it shows that you are not delivering on the System requirement. If time allows, then the information gathered in the mirror check can be elaborated upon.

Lastly, you advise that a commentary should not be allowed to affect the drive - I disagree, because in my experience when an experienced driver is asked to commentate the driving often moves up a notch and becomes even better. Often in the initial phases of learning to commentate it can depress a drive, but one must push through that stage.

[YCymro]

Another excellent, very helpful video. Many thanks

[marklittler]

Obviously a sat nav generally gives you a considerable amount of info about the route ahead certainly more than road signs alone.

[gjbspark]

John, good video with good info, however can you do a simlar video in heavy/medium traffic in town, where commentating is more difficult imo. thanks

[johnbellamy]

Great vid John, due to take my masters test in the new year with SE.
Any chance you could do some masters demos to show the difference between that and the IAM advanced standard.
Thanks