Australia's leading road safety and driver education operation has a new general manager.

Philip Bernadou, 55, takes up the position following the sudden illness of the company's founder and Managing Director, Jim Murcott.

He will take over the day-to-day operations and development of the Centre and its interstate operations.

Philip brings an enthusiasm and dedication to motoring in all its facets.

Appointed Chairman of the Young Motorists RACV, an organisation established in the early 70's by the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, Philip directed the focus of young drivers towards responsible motoring, touring and road safety awareness.

Under his direction, the organisation grew to a membership of several thousand.

Phillip's interest in motoring extends to motor sport, directing and participating in rally events and circuit racing.

In 1987, he was instrumental in founding the Porsche Owners Racing Association (PORA). Through the Association, he became Chairman/Administrator from 1987-1994 of the Australian Porsche Cup, which today remains second only to Formula Ford as Australia's most enduring national motor racing series.

The following year, he was appointed Assistant Clerk of Course of the Challenge division of the Mobil 1 Round Australia Trial.

Philip joins Jim Murcott's Advanced Driving Centre after a number of years in sales and marketing in the graphic design and publishing industries.

Operating for more than 30 years, Jim Murcott's Advanced Driving Centre has established itself as a leader in the field of road safety, safe driving education and driver training from P-plater courses to fleets and motor sport.

The company is a quality endorsed company to ISO 9002 (Standards Australia), a corporate member of the Australian College of Road Safety and an associate member of the Australian Fleet Manager's Association.

Also an accredited Registered Training Organisation, its fleet clients include DASfleet, Vicfleet, Workcover, George Weston Foods, Mars, BHP, Holden, Toyota and Estee Lauder.