I WOULD like to reply to Mrs AE Carr (HAS, May 12) and to A Elgie who posted a comment on Mrs Carr's letter.
Speaking on behalf of the Darlington Group of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) - no relation to the National Association of Advanced Drivers quoted by Mrs Carr - it is a sad indictment of the insurance industry that few insurers are prepared to give a discount to car drivers who are demonstrably safer drivers than the norm and hence less likely to be involved in a collision.
This is odd because motorcycle insurers ask if riders have an Advanced Motorcycling Test certificate and give discounts for having one.
Both Mrs Carr and A Elgie can be assured, however, that the Advanced Driving Test certificate is anything but a worthless piece of paper. What it shows is that the holder has, among other skills, excellent observation and awareness, drives in a confident, safe manner, observes speed limits and is able to respond to the actions of other drivers in a safe and restrained manner.
Surely, in today's traffic conditions, £85 (£75 for under-25s) spent on an advanced driving course is worth far more than, say, ten per cent off your insurance premium?
Nick Rees, Group Contact, Darlington Group, IAM.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article