The UK’s leading road safety charity, the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists), is working with Bedford Borough Council to encourage young people to improve their driving. From 17 April, drivers under 26 who live, work or study in Bedford will have the opportunity to take up the IAM’s Momentum assessment for free.

Momentum is designed for 17-26 year olds who have passed their basic driving test, and incorporates two modules: an interactive online assessment, followed by an on-road session with an IAM examiner. Momentum does not involve an exam and there is no risk of failure; it offers a quick option for young drivers to improve their confidence, awareness and safety.

Momentum is also a good introduction to the IAM’s advanced driving programme, designed to help drivers develop their skills further, making them a safer and more confident driver, and also potentially lowering their insurance premiums.

Young people are at the highest risk of being killed or seriously injured on the UK’s roads, whether as drivers or passengers of other young drivers. The good news is that driver training really makes a difference to increase experience and knowledge just when they need it most.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “This partnership is a shining example of the way councils can work with voluntary organisations to provide services which would otherwise be difficult to provide during the ongoing budget pressures.

“Bedford Borough Council recognises the importance of safe driving and the safety of young drivers.”

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, added: “Passing your driving test is an important moment in many people’s lives. However, that moment should not be the end of learning to drive.

“Momentum offers extra training and advice to help young people to improve their driving. The assessments are completely free but allocated on a first come, first served basis so I would urge any young drivers who are interested to get in touch as soon as possible.”


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The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.