FAQ
Do I need any special skills to pass the DIAmond Advanced Test?
What is the DIAmond system based on?
How long is the test valid for?
Where can I find a DIAmond Advanced Instructor?
Is the DIAmond test the same as the IAM or RoSPA test?
How can I trust the DIAmond name?
How are DIAmond Advanced Instructors better than regular instructors?
Will a DIAmond Advanced qualification reduce my insurance premium?
Who should take the Advanced Test?
Who should take the Special Test?
Do I need any special skills to pass the DIAmond Advanced Test?
There are no special skills required to pass a DIAmond Test. Obviously a willingness to learn and adapt your driving style is important if you want to pass, but we do recommend that you spend some time with a DIAmond Advanced Instructor prior to taking the test in order to familiarise yourself with the demands of the test.
Some advanced driving programmes require special driving techniques or manoeuvres, but the DIAmond tests are a logical extension of the driving test that all drivers take to get their licences in the first place.
How can I book a test?
You can book a test via our online shop or ring the office on 020 8665 5151. Alternatively you can download and print off a test application form from the ‘Contact Us’ page and post it to the DIAmond office.
Do I need lessons?
We do recommend that you spend some time with a DIAmond Advanced Instructor in order to become familiarised with the requirements of the test. The instructor will give you feedback based on observing you in your own car.
How do the tests work?
They last for around 60 minutes (90 minutes for the Special Test) and will take in a variety of driving conditions over a route set by the examiner. You will be assessed on controlling your vehicle in everyday road conditions and over a series of manoeuvres, and also on your eco-safe driving.
Where can I take a test?
All examiners have DIAmond-approved routes in their area on which they conduct the tests, and the examiner will arrange to meet the candidate at the start of the test route most convenient to them. The tests take place in the candidate’s own car.
What is eco-safe driving?
Eco-safe driving goes beyond style and technique and reflects a driver mentality that is committed to driving in a way that saves fuel, minimises wear and tear, and places an emphasis on forward-planning and anticipation. There are no special techniques involved, but eco-safe driving means gentle acceleration, avoiding jerky car control and planning manoeuvres well in advance.
Above ecological driving, however, the emphasis is firmly on safety. Eco-safe drivers are encouraged to think carefully about the space around the vehicle. It makes for more relaxed progress, giving you plenty of time to make decisions on the road and allowing room for other drivers’ errors.
What is the DIAmond system based on?
The DIAmond Tests are based on the Cardington system of marking, used by the DSA to mark standard driving tests. The system has come to be associated with the government’s training centre for driving examiners, which moved to Cardington in Bedfordshire in 1974, but the driving test itself was introduced in 1934.
The Cardington marking system is an objective system based on grading the seriousness of driving faults, ranging from those not worth marking to dangerous faults. The principles underpinning the system are designed to assess a driver’s control of the car and ability to mix with other traffic on the road.
The DIAmond tests take these principles and apply them more stringently and with a greater emphasis on safety and ecological driving.
How long is the test valid for?
Your DIAmond qualification will be valid for three years from the date you pass. This is broadly in line with other such advanced qualifications and follows our strong belief that a driving licence shouldn’t be seen as a lifelong qualification. Drivers should work constantly on keeping up their skills in a dangerous environment.
Where can I find a DIAmond Advanced Instructor?
Go to the Find a Trainer section on the diamondam.org homepage. Simply type in your postcode, hit enter, and you can refine your search further using the simple filter system.
Is the DIAmond test the same as the IAM or RoSPA test?
No. We are proud of the fact that the DIAmond Test is the only Cardington-based advanced qualification that all drivers should be capable of achieving. The IAM and RoSPA marking systems are subjective and based on the police system of driving which isn’t appropriate for everyday drivers.
There are no gimmicks when it comes to the DIAmond tests.
How can I trust the DIAmond name?
DIAmond is the training wing of the Driving Instructors Association, and was set up 20 years ago as part of the DIA’s vision of creating better drivers nationwide.
As well as the DIAmond tests, we oversee training packages for thousands of ADIs nationwide. The DIAmond team are all fully qualified driving instructors and drivers of the highest levels.
How are DIAmond Advanced Instructors better than regular instructors?
DIAmond Advanced Instructors are subject to a series of requirements that ensure all are top-level trainers. We make sure that they are Driving Instructors Association Members, have signed the DIA Code of Conduct, have passed the Diploma in Driving Instruction (DipDI) and the DIAmond Special Test.
Will a DIAmond Advanced qualification reduce my insurance premium?
You will have to consult your own insurer to see whether they will offer you a discount on your premium if you have a DIAmond Advanced Test pass. Some companies do offer a discount, but might not turn out to be the cheapest premium.
We do say, though, that the tests offer a significant financial benefit through making you a safer driver: accumulating more years of no claims bonus is by far the best way to make a significant dent in your insurance costs.
Who should take the Advanced Test?
The Advanced Test has been designed to be accessible to drivers of all levels who are willing to adapt their driving style to a more ecological and safety-conscious style. Anyone who wants to develop their skills should consider taking it, but you could also take the DIAmond Advanced Test if you:
Drive/ride for work and require an occupational road risk assessment
Are preparing for part 2 of the driving instructor test
Commute and want to cut down on your fuel bills
Have been away from driving/riding for an extended period and you want to boost your skills
Who should take the Special Test?
The Special Test is the highest civilian driving qualification you can get – it’s great for driving instructors looking to expand their business portfolio and go beyond the L test.
A Special Test pass shows a commitment to the highest levels of driving, and represents the first step to becoming a DIAmond Advanced Instructor or Examiner. For ADIs it will also count towards your continuing professional development diaries.
You should also consider taking the Special Test if you:
Are considering entering the Official Register of Driving Instructor Training (ORDIT)
Want to go on and enter the DSA Register of Approved Fleet Drivers (via the DIAmond Fleet Trainers qualification)
Hold the Diploma in Driving Instruction (DipDI) and wish to become a DIAmond Advanced Instructor or Examiner
