Motorists Orgnisations

The Institute of Advanced Motorists is one of the best know motoring organisations in the UK. You can only become a member by passing their DSA accredited advanced driving test. You can only pay for tuition to pass this test if the person you are paying is a fully qualified or trainee driving instructor. However, the IAM has a scheme of "asessors" who do not "instruct". 2006 is the 50th anniversary of the IAM. Members are entitled to a wide range of benefits and doscounts. Some insurance companies offer discounts to members.

The RAC. Formerly the Royal Automobile Club, they are now two completely different organisations. The RAC is a business, whereas the club, formed in 1897, is a private members club with clubhouses in Pall Mall and Epsom. The RAC, who now own BSM, are amongst the largest providers of breakdown services as well as Insurance and other related products.

The AA was formed somewhat after the RAC in 1905 by a group of friends at the Trocadero restaurant in London. Their aim was to improve road safety and help their members avoid speed traps! Soon they also set up a network of approved agents to repair and service cars. Now the AA has diversified into insurance of all kinds and runs a driving school franchise.