IMI ADAS Course: The Essential Training for Automotive Professionals

ADAS training now available to pre-order.

The automotive industry is at a crucial point where Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have changed from being luxury features to essential safety components. Our soon to be  IMI accredited ADAS Course that is in development is an important training programme created to provide automotive professionals with the necessary skills to work with these complex systems and communicate effectively with customers. 

This IMI-accredited course meets a critical industry demand. Since 2022, ADAS features have become standard in new vehicles, leading to a surge in need for skilled technicians. The training includes: 

• In-depth sensor calibration methods 
• Implementation of safety protocols 
• Advanced diagnostic techniques 
• Practical application examples 

The consequences are serious – mishandling ADAS can result in significant safety hazards. Research by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) predicts a shortfall of 51,000 ADAS-qualified technicians by 2030. This gap underscores why ADAS training is not just an opportunity for career growth for individual technicians and business sense for garages, workshop owners and fleet vehicle managers – it is a vital necessity for automotive professionals dedicated to: 

• Staying competitive 
• Upholding road safety standards 
• Complying with regulations 
• Providing expert vehicle servicing 

Understanding Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) 

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are cutting-edge automotive safety technologies designed to enhance vehicle control, reduce human error, and prevent accidents. These sophisticated systems use a network of sensors, cameras, and radar technology to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and assist drivers in real-time. 

Key ADAS Features: 

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Automatically adjusts vehicle speed to maintain safe following distances 

Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts drivers when unintentionally drifting from their lane 

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects potential collisions and applies brakes if the driver fails to respond 

Blind Spot Detection: Monitors difficult-to-see areas around the vehicle 

Park Assist: Helps drivers navigate tight parking spaces sometimes with automated steering control 

Forward Collision Warning: Alerts drivers to potential front-end collisions 

These safety features have demonstrated significant benefits in real-world driving conditions. Research shows ADAS-equipped vehicles experience up to 40% fewer accidents compared to vehicles without these systems. The technology reduces driver fatigue during long journeys, minimises the risk of human error, and creates a more comfortable driving experience. 

The integration of ADAS has transformed modern vehicles into smart, safety-focused machines. Each system works in harmony to create multiple layers of protection, actively preventing accidents rather than simply protecting occupants during a collision. 

In addition to these advanced technologies, it’s essential for people who work with or around automotive vehicles – and those that employ them, to understand how to maintain their cars properly. 

The Current Landscape of Automotive Safety Training 

The automotive industry is facing a critical shortage of skilled workers, which poses a threat to road safety standards. According to recent reports from the IMI, the sector will require 106,000 technicians qualified in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) by 2030. However, current qualification rates indicate a concerning shortfall of 51,000 trained professionals. 

This gap presents significant challenges: 

Reduced Service Capacity: Many garages lack qualified, trained, and experienced staff to handle vehicles equipped with ADAS. 

Safety Risks: Front of house staff, garage managers and service receptionists working on advanced systems increase the potential for accidents. 

Business Impact: Workshops are losing revenue by turning away work related to ADAS. 

This skills deficit is particularly affecting the body and repair sector. Without employees trained in ADAS businesses are facing: 

• Lost opportunities for work 
• Increased costs for repairs due to outsourcing 
• Issues with insurance validity 
• Non-compliance with Insurance Industry Requirements (IIR) 

Employees must complete regular training hours to maintain their qualifications and stay updated on new developments in ADAS, as well as the specific requirements for working on electric vehicles. 

The Role of IMI in Setting Industry Standards for ADAS Training 

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is the leading authority on professional standards in the automotive industry. Through its rigorous accreditation processes, IMI ensures that training programmes meet strict quality benchmarks, which is especially important in the field of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

IMI’s Role in ADAS Training 

The IMI-accredited ADAS course is widely regarded as the highest standard in technical education. It covers a range of essential topics, including: 

• Calibration procedures for various vehicle manufacturers 
• Safety protocols for handling ADAS components 
• Diagnostic techniques for identifying system malfunctions 
• Practical application of theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios

Significance of TechSafe™ Registration 

When a technician registers on the IMI TechSafe™ register, it signifies their commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development. This certification acts as a trust marker for multiple stakeholders, including: 

• Employers who are seeking qualified professionals 
• Insurance companies that require validated expertise 
• Customers who are looking for reliable service providers 

Importance of Continuous Learning 

To maintain their TechSafe™ status, technicians must consistently update their skills through regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities. This requirement ensures that they stay up to date with evolving ADAS technologies and industry trends. 

By adopting this continuous learning approach, workshops can uphold high service standards while also safeguarding their reputation in an increasingly competitive market. 

The Importance of Sensor Calibration in ADAS 

Sensor calibration stands at the heart of ADAS functionality. Each system requires precise positioning and adjustment: 

Critical Calibration Requirements: 

• Blind spot detection sensors must be aligned within millimetre accuracy. 
• Parking assist cameras need exact geometric positioning. 
• Forward-facing radar systems demand specific height and angle measurements. 

The complexity of these systems varies significantly across vehicle manufacturers. A Mercedes Benz, for instance, uses different calibration protocols than a BMW or Audi. Without proper training those working with ADAS risk: 

• Compromising system performance. 
• Creating dangerous blind spots. 
• Triggering false warnings. 
• Causing system failures during critical moments. 

The Consequences of Improper ADAS Handling 

These risks extend beyond immediate safety concerns. Improper management of ADAS equipped vehicles can lead to: 

• Insurance claim rejections. 
• Legal liability issues. 
• Damaged business reputation. 
• Costly rework and repairs. 
• Customer dissatisfaction.

The precision required for ADAS calibration demands specialised knowledge and equipment. A misalignment of just one degree in a forward-facing camera can result in a significant detection error at longer distances, potentially compromising the entire safety system. 

Our online ADAS training course to be released later this year combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring motor industry personnel develop both understanding of the technology and its associated business liabilities and complications. The curriculum covers sensor types from across all vehicle manufacturers, an explanation of the various ADAS systems, business and personal liabilities and industry best practice.

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