How about a car handling course at an off road /track facility?

You could get extra tuition on car handling to help you feel more at home in the car and learn to build up speeds bit by bit.

Not everyone is a "natural" driver and it can take time gain confidence.

The very fact that you feel the need for advice and help says something though,you are actually a safer driver than you think,too many people get behind the wheel with no real experience and drive at high speed,the results are on the news daily.

The courses available are not there to show you up or put you off,so don't feel worried about that.

I am looking at going on one of these courses,I took my test at 17 and passed first time,have averaged @ 40000 miles a year since then,accident free and am now 52 years old.

I honestly know that I would probably fail the new tests because they are so different and road signs have changed so much,yes I saw a sign the other day and thought "What is that?"

There is nothing wrong with being cautious,the courses you are looking at are designed to help and the sense of achievement you will have when you pass(and you will pass)and the boost in confidence will make your driving a much better experience.

It is a great shame that more people don't have your common sense and honesty.

Dave, you decide between IAM and RoSPA yet?

Since I've started looking into this, the H&S big cheese at work has come out in support of the IAM. Ever the contrarian, I shall be looking into the RoSPA route.

Thanks for eveyone else's contribution. Having spoken to TaviaRS about this in some detail, he has removed the mystery behind advanced driving/risk reduction and I'm happy its what I need at the moment and that I'm capable of reaching an acceptable standard.