Belfast Advanced Motorists History

The Belfast Group was founded in 1961, making it one of the oldest groups in the IAM and the first group to be established in Northern Ireland. Initially membership was small and meetings irregular with no fixed venue. However as the group developed a regular meeting place was established together with a programme for recruitment and training. A great deal of thanks is due to the late Charles C. Smith, as regular monthly committee meetings were from then on held in his home, and calorie packed suppers provided by his sister-in-law Mrs. Margaret Laverty, who had taken on the role of secretary, since Charles' passing.

Margaret retired in 2005 after supporting the group for over 17 years, and was awarded with the vice-presidency of the group along with Eddie McMaster, who has been involved with us since 1976. The group also owes a lot to the input of the current Chief Observer, driving instructor Brian McMinn, who has also been with the group for over 20 years. Our current president is Lord O'Neill of Shanes Castle, Antrim.

The group has met at many venues including Harmony Hill Arts Centre in Lambeg, Lisburn Civic Centre, and Lisburn Masonic Hall. In January 2007, the group, wanting to establish a Belfast base, in line with it’s name, moved to the Belfast Boat Club in Stranmillis.

The group has been steadily building up its membership, and increasing test passes every year. In the year 2005/2006, 63 motorists passed their test through the Belfast Group.