Would you like to become a safer driver – the IAM can help you improve your driving skills

by | Dec 17, 2024 | Dartford Charities

Driving around Dartford isn’t as simple as you might think. Just consider the different road types in the area – the M25, A roads, B roads and country lanes, single carriage ways and dual carriage ways.

Many drivers are unaware of the ways in which they should adapt their driving styles to the different types of road, and let’s not forget day time / night time driving coupled with different weather conditions! Most road users will pass their DVSA driving test and, over the years, forget good practices learned from an instructor and pick up a few not-so-good practices on the way.

All is not lost, though. IAM RoadSmart is a charity set up to promote road safety, and coaches car drivers and motorcycle riders users in improving their driving techniques.

The South Eastern Group is one of IAM RoadSmart’s oldest Groups. It was formed in 1963 by a small group of local drivers who had successfully passed the Institute’s Advanced Driving Test.  Originally its area covered all of South East London and Kent but as the Institute has grown through the years and new Groups have been formed, it has based itself on South East London and North West Kent.

That small group of 1960’s motorists would probably not have known what their little club would become. Today South Eastern Group has over 300 full members and over 30 associate members in training to take the Advanced Test along with an enviable test pass rate. It holds regular meetings to which all members and associates are welcome and publishes its own quarterly magazine – SEGMENT.

Despite its much increased size, the Group still cherishes its prime ideal of improving road safety by developing individual awareness and responsibility, but in a friendly and inspiring way. Our objective is a smooth driving style which is safe, legal and progressive.

The Group is a registered charity and although it is affiliated to the IAM, it is run entirely independently by volunteers.

Free taster sessions are available for anyone wanting to discover more. Simply visit us at https://iamsoutheasterngroup.org.uk/free-taster-sessions/

WALKING WITH THE DARTS | FEBRUARY EDITION

The February edition of Dartford Living Magazine is out now. However, if you're unable to locate your free copy, here is the latest edition of Walking With The Darts: Hello again, welcome to another edition of Walking With The Darts, a monthly update on all things...

MARVEL FANS ASSEMBLE!

CAPTAIN AMERICA SHIELD AND HULK HAND INSTALLATION COMES TO SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX BLUEWATER  Superhero fans heading to Captain America: Brave New World at Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater will get an extra treat, as an exclusive Marvel installation has...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET SARAH HILL

Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Dartford FC Women attacker Sarah Hill featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article:...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET DUANE OFORI-ACHEAMPONG

Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Duane Ofori-Acheampong featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Since...

Ofsted praises “united and harmonious” Dartford primary school

Temple Hill Primary Academy in Dartford has been praised by Ofsted for being a “friendly and inclusive school” where pupils “value their education” and “aspire to do well”. The Ofsted inspectors judged the academy, which is part of The Golden Thread Alliance Trust, to...

NEW HOBBIES FOR A NEW YEAR, Sing, Strum or Sweat it out in 2025!

We continue to offer plenty of opportunities for the local community to GET INVOLVED with our weekly clubs, all taking place in Acacia Sports Hall, Dartford. We kick off the week with Chair Fit on Mondays, a fully accessible exercise class. Set to popular music, these...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET GABBY HOWELL

Last weekend saw Dartford host Hashtag United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dartford FC Women right-back Gabby Howell featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Gabby Howell signed for...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET DEAN NAYLER

Last weekend saw Dartford host Hashtag United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dean Nayler featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Dean Nayler is another promising player to emerge from the...

Dartford Grammar School celebrates International School Award win on 25th Anniversary of the prestigious prize

Dartford Grammar School Head Teacher, Mr. Julian Metcalf, and their Head of Languages, Mrs. Donna Kane, were delighted to recently attend the 2025 International School Award Ceremony in Westminster to receive their reaccreditation certificate for this prestigious...

HARIBO UK announces date for Bluewater retail store opening

-          Latest HARIBO UK retail store set to open on 12 February 2025 -          Sweet confectionery leader’s 11th retail store will welcome shoppers with free...