Are you a confident, competent driver? Most of us think we are, says Charlotte Blight, but the truth lies rather short of what we like to believe.

According to the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) human error is the major cause of 95% of road collisions. Whether driving makes you apprehensive or too cocky, there is a way to improve your road skills – take an advanced driving course.

It teaches motorists, truckers and motorcyclists how to be more aware of their surroundings, how to react appropriately to a variety of situations and how to improve their driving technique.

Benefits generally include:

• You treat your car better
• You drive more economically
• You take on the challenge and win
• You may qualify for cheaper insurance
• You’re statistically less likely to be involved in a collision
• You become a competent driver

So how do you go about it? There are various options.

• RoSPA runs its own course, conducted by Police Advanced Certificate holders. It is comprehensive and challenging and, to keep that standard, people who pass must retake the test every three years. The cost is only £45, or £38 if you’re 25 or younger.
• The 100,000-strong Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) offers an Advanced Driving Test. It is based on the ‘Roadcraft’ system of car control, as taught in Home Office Approved Police Driving Schools. All the examiners have had police training, and hold Advanced Driving Certificates. Again, regular retests are required.
• If you’ve cheerily ripped up your L plates, congratulations! You’re free to get into a car alone. Thing is, nobody else knows you only passed yesterday, so they will expect you to behave as they do. That makes a lot of novice motorists understandably nervous – and that’s why Pass Plus was created.
• It is not an advanced qualification, but it provides training for night-time, rural, urban and motorway driving, along with advice on dealing with weather conditions. When your instructor is happy with your performance, you get a certificate from the DSA.
• The IAM's Max Driver Scheme is aimed at helping new drivers gain confidence on the road. Despite holding 10 per cent of licences, under-25s are involved in 20 per cent of collisions, so such training has to be worth consideration.

Incidentally, when did you last pick up a copy of the Highway Code? Really? At least go and buy an up-to-date one!