The tests
DIAmond Advanced Test
The DIAmond Advanced Test is for everyone. It has been designed to build on the knowledge that helped you pass your driving test and the experience you’ve gained since. It requires no specialist skills or techniques beyond common sense and good car control.
Our philosophy is based on the sound principle of equipping all drivers with the skills to become safer on the road. At the same time, learning to plan ahead and being more aware of the conditions will also maximise the car’s efficiency and save you money.
This qualification is perfect if you have never taken an advanced test before, drive for work or simply have a keen interest in driving.
The test lasts for 60 minutes and takes place over a route of mixed driving conditions, including motorways where possible.
Candidates’ driving will be assessed on their eco-safe driving ability and will include performing two out of five reversing manoeuvres (left and right reversing, bay and parallel parking and turn in the road).
A pass will be awarded for fewer than seven driving faults, none of which are adjudged to be serious or dangerous.
DIAmond Special Test
The DIAmond Special Test is aimed at drivers and professional driver trainers who want to take their driving or riding to the highest level.
Going beyond the DIAmond Advanced Test, and adding new elements such as commentary driving, it is the perfect springboard on to opening up your career as a driver trainer.
Perhaps the most demanding driving qualification outside of the emergency services, the DIAmond Special Test proves you’ve got what it takes.
The test lasts for 90 minutes and is assessed over a route of mixed driving. You need fewer than three faults to pass and any fault must not be repeated. The Special Test also includes a commentary driving element and candidates are expected to have a thorough understanding of eco-safe driving.
Should a candidate for the Special Test get between three and six faults during the test period, they will be awarded a DIAmond Advanced Test pass.
Advanced motorcycle tests
The Advanced and Special Tests are also available for motorbike riders.
They follow the same format as the advanced tests for cars, with riding supervised over a mixture of road conditions, including motorways where possible.
Riders will be expected to perform a number of manoeuvres, including the U-turn, figure of eight and slow riding.
Similarly, the Special Motorcyclist Test takes place over a route of mixed riding and is marked to a more stringent level.
The pass criteria are the same as the car tests, though: fewer than seven faults for an Advanced Test pass, fewer than three faults and no repeat faults for a Special Test pass.
Find a Trainer
We recommend undertaking a driving assessment prior to taking the Advanced Test, in order for you to understand how it all works.
Even if you have taken some form of advanced test before, the DIAmond Advanced Instructor will be able to familiarise you during the assessment with the format and requirements of the DIAmond Advanced Test.
Trainers can be found via the DIAmond website by typing your postcode into the ‘Find a Trainer’ search box. You can then filter the results to find the kind of trainer you need.
Spending time with a DIAmond Advanced Instructor will enable them to assess your driving in your own car (or riding on your own motorcycle), and give you useful feedback for things you can work on in your daily driving or riding before you take the test itself.
