Newer drivers
Passed your test and want to build real-world confidence on town roads, country lanes and motorways.
- 1970helping Bolton's drivers since
- 1,500+drivers guided to the advanced level
- 4courses every year
- 100%volunteer-run, registered charity
Advanced driving is for everyone
Whether you passed your test last year or thirty years ago, you can learn to drive with more skill, anticipation and enjoyment. We welcome drivers of cars and vans of every age, background and experience.
Experienced drivers
Refresh your skills, shake off bad habits and get more from every journey, however many miles you've covered.
Car and van drivers
Whether you drive for work, the community or pleasure, learn to drive your vehicle smoothly, safely and economically.
Electric and automatic drivers
Skills for every kind of vehicle, including making the most of modern driver-assistance technology.
How the course works
Introduction evening
Come along, meet the group and find out what advanced driving involves. No commitment and no pressure.
Classroom briefing
A friendly session on the basics of advanced driving and the system of car control, followed by a demonstration drive with an IAM RoadSmart qualified National Observer.
Coaching in your own car
For the rest of the course you drive your own vehicle with an IAM RoadSmart qualified National Observer, building skills in town, on country roads and on motorways.
Meet the Examiner
Before your test you'll meet a local IAM RoadSmart Examiner, who'll explain what they look for and answer your questions.
Take the Advanced Driving Test
Put your new skills to the test. The test fee is included in the course price.
Stay part of the group
Join our monthly social meetings, guest speakers, driving competitions, dinners and visits.
Build on your skills
Passing is just the start. You can become a Fellow of IAM RoadSmart by committing to retake the test every three years, or train for the IAM RoadSmart Masters standard, the highest level of civilian driving ability in the country. You can also volunteer as a group Observer or take on another role with the group.
Next introduction evening
7.00pm for a 7.30pm start at Lostock Parish Centre, Lostock, Bolton. Everyone is welcome – bring a friend or family member.
The course fee is just £210, including all practical on-the-road guidance, books, membership fees and the advanced driving test fee.
Latest from the group
All news and articles (opens the news page)Chairman's Chatter
Many members, family and friends use Faraday pouches to protect their car key signal from being “stolen”. Is yours still effective? Do you …
Secretary's Scribbles
Have you been to the new shop at Middlebrook? I’m writing about Waterstones (or should it be Waterstone’s?). If you’re a book lover …
Test passes
Congratulations to the following people on passing their IAM RoadSmart Advanced Test since the last newsletter went to print: Barry (East Lancs Group) …
Find us
Our Sunday sessions are at the University, and our meetings and introduction evenings are in Lostock.
University of Greater Manchester
Deane Road, Bolton, BL3 5ABOur main group driving sessions are held here on Sunday mornings from 9.30am.
Lostock Parish Centre
Tempest Road, Lostock, Bolton, BL6 4ELwhat3words: ///chill.latter.bland
Introduction evenings, group meetings and committee meetings. Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start. Lostock railway station is a short walk away.