Ignition/Advanced Driving Tests - are they difficult?

**Timbuk2**

I've only passed my driving test about a month ago, and would consider myself to be a safe driver, but not very experienced.

How difficult is an advanced/ignition driving test? I know they tend to be part of insurance companies. I'm with Aviva now and as far as I know, they do it.

Is it too early to be considering this? Am I supposed to have years of driving experience to even think about it?

My reasons for wanting to do it is that I am an 18 year old male, thus insurance is very expensive, and a 10-20% discount would be welcome (although I'm not sure I would get that generous of a discount being an 18yo male). I'm on my mother's 1.3L Toyota Starlet as a named driver, and for 5 and a half months it cost €590, which is quite expensive, especially considering I am a named driver.

Does anybody have any thoughts/opinions/advice? I thought that I would be better doing it soon after the test, as those 'good' habits that you develop for the test won't have chance to slip away. I know what you do for the test is for life, but people develop bad habits!

Thanks for reading.

daveharnett

Aviva offer ignition, which offers up to 20% off, depending on what 'grade' you get. AFAIK, relatively few achieve the full 20%.

After that, some insurers offer discounts to IAM/ROSPA members (UK based advanced training groups - both have a presence here too). Both tests are pretty tough - miles beyond the legal driving test, with few drivers with less than two years experience passing.

As you say, it's easy to get complacent develop bad habits. I'd suggest you pick up a copy of 'Roadcraft' (or similar) and start working ASAP. Some of the material is a little pedantic and prescriptive, but the ethos is spot on - constantly evaluating your driving and figuring out how to do better.

**Timbuk2**

Thanks for the advice - I really appreciate it.

Is Roadcraft recommended for normal drivers? It's a police driving training book, so I'm worried it will be over my head a bit

DriveSkill

I would second the recommendation for 'Roadcraft'. Its a very good book for any driver you wants to gain a better understanding of safe driving, while it is described as the 'The Police Driver's Handbook' it is actually quite simple. The book is primarily based on what is known as the 'System of Car Control' which is how you take and give information while adjusting speed, gears, position and then finally acceleration again. The book focuses a lot on developing good observation and anticipation etc and has chapters on overtaking, motorways, stability (preventing skids etc).

mooman

From my own experience the ignition is a waste of time. I did it when I first passed my test and my insurance on a 1.4 golf dropped from €2200 to €1100 so I was delighted. When my next renewal came Hibernian wanted €3000:eek: after ringing around I got a quote of €850 for an Axa student policy and this year I rang around again Aviva were asking €2200 and everyone else around €500-€600. The moral of the story is Aviva have no interest in young drivers:D

Midnight_EG

mooman wrote: »

From my own experience the ignition is a waste of time. I did it when I first passed my test and my insurance on a 1.4 golf dropped from €2200 to €1100 so I was delighted. When my next renewal came Hibernian wanted €3000:eek: after ringing around I got a quote of €850 for an Axa student policy and this year I rang around again Aviva were asking €2200 and everyone else around €500-€600. The moral of the story is Aviva have no interest in young drivers:D

Aviva insure me at €1400, 18 year old male.

**Timbuk2**

mooman wrote: »

From my own experience the ignition is a waste of time. I did it when I first passed my test and my insurance on a 1.4 golf dropped from €2200 to €1100 so I was delighted. When my next renewal came Hibernian wanted €3000:eek: after ringing around I got a quote of €850 for an Axa student policy and this year I rang around again Aviva were asking €2200 and everyone else around €500-€600. The moral of the story is Aviva have no interest in young drivers:D

Aviva insure me for €1280 for the year, named driver fully comp. - 18 year old male. It's expensive but it's not that bad. Some of the quotes I received were ridiculous - over €4000 - some places wouldn't even quote me!

Thanks for the answers everybody!

Midnight_EG

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

Aviva insure me for €1280 for the year, named driver fully comp. - 18 year old male. It's expensive but it's not that bad. Some of the quotes I received were ridiculous - over €4000 - some places wouldn't even quote me!

Thanks for the answers everybody!

To add to mine also, fully comp, on my own, on a 'boy racer car', modified and near Tallaght

Alanstrainor

Aviva were by far the cheapest quote i got this time around too.

But that doesn't matter, all this shows is that it pays to shop around!

**Timbuk2**

Midnight_EG wrote: »

To add to mine also, fully comp, on my own, on a 'boy racer car', modified and near Tallaght

Wow, that's actually very reasonable!

Thanks again for all the answers

Midnight_EG

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

Wow, that's actually very reasonable!

Thanks again for all the answers

No problem, Quinn wanted €6500 from me, Hibernian came back with the above


Learner Permit, with mods, was €2200, went down €800 with the acquisition of a pinkie