Top Score in the UK's Hardest Civilian Driving Test - in One of the Smallest Engines

This morning, I sat (and passed!) my Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) Masters driving test - with distinction.

It marked the culmination of months of training and practice since I first joined the Masters program in January 2024. I want to share a little reflection on my experience, how I found the assessed drive, and how I managed to enjoy the drive in my 1.1L engine at Masters level!

And how I didn't even know if my test could go ahead the night before... after it was even cancelled.

Before the Test

I arrived nice and early at the meeting point, had some snacks and my trusty coffee, and took a few minutes to relax and breathe. Arriving 30 minutes early gave me peace of mind - no rush, no panic, just a chance to prepare, stock up my energy levels, and get into the right mindset.

My examiner arrived early too, and we started around 15 minutes ahead of schedule, which was awesome. They were friendly, professional, and seemed genuinely excited for the drive - especially when they found out I'd be taking the test in a 1.1L, 5-speed manual Kia! My mentor had mentioned that most people who take the IAM Masters course show up in high-powered sports cars. So my setup was already... unique.

I believe the fact that I was relatively young, a full-time student, blue light trained, and in a small manual car, all seemed to make for a pretty intriguing test prospect.

The night before, my test had actually been cancelled. My IAM membership had expired, and I couldn't renew it since the office was closed and their online form wasn't working. However, I kept digging through the website and eventually found the "membership by exemption" page - which let me register instantly. Test back on. It was a clutch moment. Pun intended :)

Starting the Test

We kicked things off with the usual pre-drive checks - eyesight test, paperwork, and I ran through the trusty POWDERY acronym. Then we moved on to a few trivia questions around road signs and markings, speed limits, the System of Car Control, and limit points.

What really seemed to impress the examiner was when they asked me about solid white lines and I enthusiastically over-explained Rule 129 of the Highway Code - including all exemptions, to the smallest details, of when one could cross. We were both laughing as I went into all the details, and this really put things off to a good start - the examiner said was the best answer they had ever received and were looking forward to the drive! Before setting of I threw in a full cockpit drill for good measure - just as the final polish on the bonnet!

The Drive Itself

The test lasted around 90 minutes, and from the moment I pulled out of the services, I slipped into commentary mode - something I find really helps me focus and lets the examiner in on my thought process. As I settled into it, I started to really relax and just enjoy the drive.

My aim from the very start was to make the most of the experience - for both of us. We were here in our free time doing something we wanted to do, and I knew I'd perform best if I was having fun.

Eyes on Full Beam

From the very start, I kept my eyes on full beam always trying to pick out the furthest pieces of information - scanning as far ahead as possible, not just down the road, but through hedgerows, along treelines, and by tracking the direction of telegraph poles to try figure out where the road might be bending next. That kind of (looking for everything!) scanning really helped me link up information and plan ahead.

At one T-junction, for example, I was able to plan my entire exit well before even reaching the give-way line - all from reading the landscape through the hedges on both sides. It's that feeling of being ahead of the car that helped the drive flow.

When cornering, I constantly reminded myself (and the examiner through commentary): "Can I stop in the distance seen to be clear on my side of the road?" That's the question - not "How fast can I go?", because that'll absolutely get you into trouble.

Safety First, Always

Throughout the drive, I kept a strong focus on safety in the commentary. For instance, I held back from overtaking cyclists when there were junctions ahead or potential hazards. I made it clear in my commentary when and why I was doing that - highlighting both restraint and awareness.

In built-up areas, I preemptively scanned pedestrian-controlled lights and anticipated one changing phase as people approached. I'd already begun slowing before the light switched, and came to a smooth stop - a small thing, but the examiner noticed and appreciated it.

I ensured to keep a good buffer between me and the vehicle in front, especially when queued in traffic - which really paid off when an ambulance came up behind us and I was able to easily move over to let them through.

Limit Points, Bends, and the Expected

The concept of limit points - and using them to judge safe speed - featured heavily in my commentary. Every time I approached a bend, I was assessing whether I could stop in the distance seen to be clear, adjusting accordingly, and commenting on how the view was opening or tightening.

One particularly satisfying moment came, after the road had narrowed, and a car came around a bend halfway on our side of the road, not leaving any space for us. Thanks to reading the road and adjusting my position and speed early, I was ready for it - and the examiner later mentioned it as a great piece of anticipation.

The Small Car with less small Moves

Despite driving a 1.1L Kia with a 5-gear transmission, I didn't hold back when opportunities for safe progress came up. One of my favourite moments was a smooth, three-stage overtake on a single carriageway.

I spotted the opportunity developing early, kept good positioning, held back past junctions, and then moved out smoothly when it was safe. All the while, I narrated my thinking. Part of me was thinking, "The examiner's going to be reaaally watching this." Turns out, they were - and they absolutely loved it. In fact, they found it hilarious and impressive that we pulled it off in such a small car without ever exceeding 60mph.

I had read a piece of advice the day before my test: try to get the examiner to experience excitement. Showing the intention for an overtake can definitely do that - keep altering your position to get that view.

There were also two other planned overtakes on cyclists, again with measured positioning, timing, and communication. Every move (or lack of) was always measured and justified, and never compromising the safety of any road user.

Additionally, by reading signs and lane markings early, I chose the lanes of least resistance at junctions and kept to a flexible gear - helping us make progress while maintaining full control. It made the drive more enjoyable and allowed me to show both restraint and maximum progress where appropriate.

The Feedback

We returned to the services and sat down for the debrief.

The examiner gave me the positives first and was really complementary. They really liked my commentary throughout the drive and said it was one of the best commentaries they'd ever had which I still genuinely can't believe.

The improvement feedback? Mini roundabouts. I'd been a little too cautious at one, slowing more than necessary and allowing a van to pull out ahead of me. Something to tidy up.

And then… the result: straight 1s in all 27 assessed categories - the highest possible mark across the board.

I was over the moon!

Reflection

Looking back, I'm incredibly proud of the drive - not just the result, but the whole experience.

Months of practice had led to that moment at that services. Refining commentary, control of the vehicle, reading limit points, controlling speed, positioning for safety and progress, searching out for every observation link possible - and most of all, treating every drive like an opportunity to learn.

My biggest takeaway:

“You can always improve your driving. The moment you think there's nothing left to learn in driving… is the moment you become dangerous.”

I have sat and passed 5 different driving tests now and I am still looking to improve. And especially in the months after passing a test, you need to be even more cautious on the road.

I also hope I've proved that you really don't a high-powered car to drive and have fun.

For anyone looking to take their Masters test: focus on enjoying the drive!

And I'd highly recommend to narrate your thinking - it sharpens your focus and shows the examiner exactly what you're seeing. Next time you're out, pick out that half-second glimpse between trees of a red speed limit sign three bends ahead, behind a hedge, in the snow - you know the one.

Closing

I'm so incredibly happy with this achievement - and thankful to my mentor and the IAM for helping me develop into an advanced driver. Some of the things I found myself saying during my commentaries whilst driving… even surprised me.

My favourite observation link so far?

“We've got a cluster of lampposts in the distance - likely a roundabout ahead.”

Love little things like that.

Distinction? I genuinely cannot believe this.