Frequently Asked Questions
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If your question is not covered here, feel free to send us an email and we will get back to you shortly.
Who can join your Group?
Anyone who holds a full licence for their class of vehicle (car, motorcycle or van), is medically fit to drive and who wants to hone their driving or riding.
How do I join the Group?
There is an application form on this website. It’s good to chat with our Membership Secretary, Ajoy, before joining. Alternatively, just come to one of our meetings, you’re always welcome!
What are the benefits of being part of your Group?
We can help you refine your existing skills and knowledge, minimise the risk of accidents, maximise the enjoyment of driving and riding. We can help you learn more about your vehicle so you can get the most out of it: driving/riding with better vehicle sympathy and therefore reducing your costs by treating it well. Being a part of a supportive Group and having one of our tutors to help, gives you beneficial feedback to your experience. We are a very friendly and open group of diverse, but like-minded people! You will also receive our quarterly newsletter Radiator.
What areas do your members come from?
Most are from central and south Devon (including Plymouth). We also have members from further afield so don’t be limited by your location!
I’m a little nervous about driving, I’m not sure I’ll ‘fit in’ amongst all the experts in your Group.
Everyone has to start somewhere, and we are a very friendly bunch of people! We’ll be able to find you a tutor who fully understands any apprehensions you may have. We’re not all experts. Oh, and by-the-way, even ‘experts’ can develop further.
Does it matter how young or old I am?
Our membership spans a wide age range from those in their 20s to some in their 80s. Age is no barrier to improving ones driving so the younger you start, the greater the number of years you will have driving or riding at an advanced standard!
I’ve got points on my licence for a speeding offence, can I still join your Group?
Yes – and you may have even more to gain from joining us! You don’t need to tell us, but if you do that information will be treated in confidence.
How much does membership of your Group cost?
At 2025, the first year is £38 and subsequent years are £18.
Do I have to pay a membership fee to RoSPA as well as your Group?
If you want to take the RoSPA Test, the fee in 2025 is about £76 (this includes your first Test). This gives you a years’ membership. Subsequent years are about £40, including a re-test every three years.
What sort of bike/car is acceptable for the Group? Does it need to be new?
Any car, bike or van as long as its fully legal and roadworthy. If you have a very small-engine bike, then its best to discuss with us before joining.
How do you keep in contact with members?
We have a variety of ways of keeping in contact: personally at meetings and events; we frequently send updating emails via a system called Mailchimp; we have a general WhatsApp group which all members are invited to join. When we hold a one-off event, we usually set-up a new WhatsApp group just for that event. We also have a Facebook page which carries frequent updates.
How often do you meet?
We have an evening meeting on the third Wednesday of most months. We have a DriveRide, including a meet-up for refreshments or lunch, on the first Sunday of most months. We also organise a range of one-off events and visits.
Do I have to attend meetings?
No, but participating will help you get the most out of the Group and you will meet a range of like-minded and interesting people. Attending is a really good idea as the Group is volunteer run and taking part in our activities helps keep improving and developing it. The Group works best when people put back in what they get out of it!
If I request it, can I have a specific gender tutor to help me?
Yes, it is crucial that you feel safe, comfortable and respected. We would be looking at your request to see how we can best accommodate it.
Are your tutors qualified to tutor me to the RoSPA advanced driving or riding standard?
All our tutors are qualified: they have passed the Advanced Test at a high standard and have undertaken tutor-training with some holding the Level 3 Award in Advanced Driver Coaching. The Group has a programme of development for our tutors.
Can I be a part of the Group and not take the RoSPA advanced test?
Yes, but the vast majority of our members want to be tutored to take the Test to show that their driving or riding is at an advanced standard.
How many tutoring sessions do I need before taking the advanced test?
That depends on the standard of your driving or riding and how quickly you meet the necessary standards. As a guide, many members have about 6 – 10 sessions of about 1.5 hours each.
Can I become a tutor for your Group?
Yes, either car or motorcycle (or both!). After you have passed the RoSPA Test at a high level, we can train you to become a tutor.