IPSGA is the system at the core of Advanced Driving and Riding and stands for:
- Information
- Position
- Speed
- Gear
- Acceleration
IPSGA is based on the police system of vehicle control and forms the foundation of our Advanced discipline. Advanced Driving and Riding is all about the continuous application of IPSGA whenever you are out on the road, which helps you to adopt a systematic approach to any hazard that may arise. If you are thinking of becoming an Advanced Driver or Rider, understanding the basic principles of IPSGA will give you a good start on your journey:
1. Information: Constant gathering and processing of information, as well as giving information to other road users, are essential for negotiating any road situation.
2. Position: Placing your vehicle in the correct position for safety, optimum vision and stability.
3. Speed: Choosing the speed required to safely negotiate the hazard. In bends, you will be taught to make use of the limit point to determine the correct speed and maintain the safe stopping rule.
4. Gear: After determining the correct speed, select the appropriate gear for optimal performance.
5. Acceleration: Finally, use your vehicle’s performance to make safe and efficient onward progress.
IPSGA is at the heart of our Advanced Driver and Rider courses.
Should you choose to become an Advanced Driver or Rider, one of our highly-skilled Observers will show you how to apply the IPSGA framework on every journey, enabling you to plan for hazards and deal with them safely and confidently. You will be shown how continuously applying IPSGA can help you to deal with hazards such as roundabouts, bends, overtaking and motorways.
Example: Applying IPSGA on a right-hand turn
- Information: Assess your surroundings and check your mirrors. Maintain good all-round vision and look for other road users.
- Position: Carefully move your vehicle to the centre of the road, observing lane markings and any potential obstructions.
- Speed: While signalling, brake progressively to a speed that will enable you to complete the turn.
- Gear: Once you’re at a suitable speed, select the correct gear to give you enough power going into the turn.
- Acceleration: The first phase of acceleration is to maintain the speed through the turn. After you’ve made the turn and your wheels are straight again, the second phase is to accelerate away.