An advanced motoring course is the perfect gift for the car lover in your life

Stock up on driving lessons to improve your partner’s roadworthiness

’Tis the season to be wary: getting schooled up on how to drive will prevent clear and present danger (IAM Roadsmart)

OK, it’s not the latest iPhone or a weekend in Barcelona, but you can always say you’ve saved their life.

True enough, if you observe the declining standard of courtesy and safe driving on our roads, which may of course include some people close to you who might offer you a lift from time to time. Why not make them a safer driver? There’s a lot to be said for enlightened self-interest.

There is no better way of taking the road rage and boy racer out of reckless drivers than gifting them some extra tuition from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) RoadSmart scheme. They are offering a short one-to-one lesson, available for Christmas at a 10 per cent discount, priced at £134 for car drivers and motorcyclists, with no restrictions on age or initial ability (apart from holding a licence).

The charity IAM has been dedicated to making us safer drivers since the 1950s. This is not simply about eliminating bad and dangerous habits, such as tailgating or speeding, but also learning about when and where you should use your car’s acceleration and speed to get to your destination efficiently and in one piece.

The gift voucher is valid for a year, and should be taken in the spirit in which it is offered. Maybe you could make the new iPhone or trip to Barcelona, or both, conditional on getting behind the wheel with an expert driver (just in case any additional incentives are required).

The IAM instructor will advise at a pace that is right for the person behind the wheel, on roads that they, the driver, are familiar with. The assessor will also tackle any issues a person is nervous about or wants extra help to resolve.

The IAM’s qualified experts, a network of thousands of volunteers and 200 local groups, organise the charity’s activities. They help businesses large and small which rely on the skills and safety of their drivers. The IAM also provides a range of risk management and training services, including e-learning, onroad coaching and seminars. We are proud of our achievements but there’s always more to do. In 2015 they welcomed 6,000 more people as full IAM RoadSmart members, and helped 150 achieve “master” driver or rider status.

To qualify for the discount order online at www.iamroadsmart.com/giftvouchers or call 0300 303 1134 quoting “gv10”. The offer ends on Thursday 20 December.