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/

Pop Icon Sinitta and Drag Royalty Divina De Campo announced to headline Dartford Pride

Pop Icon Sinitta and Drag Royalty Divina De Campo Announced to Headline Milestone 5th Anniversary of Dartford Pride. Orchard West, in partnership with Dartford Borough Council, is thrilled to announce that 80s pop sensation Sinitta will headline PrideFest: The Party...

Dartford’s Tia Tandy: A rugby star in the making!

My name is Tia Tandy. I have just turned 18, and I am a proud, lifelong Dartford resident. Dartford shaped my rugby journey, and it is where my story in the sport first began. I started playing at just eight years old with Dartford Valley Rugby Club, training on...

Olympian Sally Gunnell OBE becomes Ambassador for Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) ahead of Heli Hike and Family Fun Day in Sussex

Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) is delighted to announce that Sussex-based Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell OBE has become an official ambassador for the charity, marking her support for its lifesaving work across the region. The...

Diagrama Fostering Celebrates Young Talent at Dartford FC Academy Presentation Day

Diagrama Fostering was proud to support and attend the Dartford FC Academy Presentation Day held at Princes Park on Saturday 16 May, celebrating the hard work, dedication and achievements of young players across the Academy. The annual event brought together players,...

Marcus is one of hundreds helped by Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) Patient and Family Aftercare Service

Over the past four years, the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) Patient and Family Aftercare Service has helped hundreds of people following life-changing incidents. Former patient Marcus Bawden, involved in a serious road traffic collision in 2023, is...

Toe-tapping tribute to Len Goodman to be unveiled in Dartford

Dartford Borough Council is pleased to announce that the town’s tribute to Len Goodman will be unveiled in July. After a successful professional dancing career and decades of teaching dance in Dartford town centre, Len Goodman gained worldwide fame as a judge on...

Community Spirit and Future Plans Take Centre Stage at Sutton-at-Hone Annual Parish Meeting

SUTTON-AT-HONE residents gathered at the local library on Thursday evening, May 14th, for the Sutton-at-Hone & Hawley Annual Parish Community Meeting, bringing the locals together for a highly informative event. The event saw a strong turnout, with around 40...

FURTHER CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR DARTFORD’S MAGICAL FAMILY PANTO CINDERELLA

The Orchard Theatre is delighted to announce a sparkling line‑up of stars joining this year’s magical family pantomime Cinderella — a festive spectacular that promises breathtaking visuals, show‑stopping performances, and unforgettable family fun. Musical Theatre star...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2025-26 | SEASON REVIEW

Dartford took on Cray Valley PM on Saturday in what was our last league game of the season. The matchday programme for that fixture featured Chris Palmer's Season Review. For those who missed it, here is the article: As the 2025-26 Isthmian Premier League regular...

Pure Imagination Ignites at The Orchard Theatre: SYP Auditions Draw Local Talent for ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

Acacia Sports Hall was buzzing with electric energy this past weekend as 200 young hopefuls descended for the highly anticipated Summer Youth Project (SYP) auditions. On Saturday, 25 April, local performers aged 9 to 19 showcased their talents in a bid to secure a...