Advanced & Defensive Driving Courses Belfast
We offer advanced driving courses in and around Belfast. Our courses are designed for companies that want to lower the road risk of their drivers. Training can be split on a 1:1 or 2:1 basis. We offer training to private individuals too.
A 1:1 basis involves one tutor training one driver for a half or full day. The 2:1 format is ideal for companies that have a number of drivers to train. The 2:1 basis involves training one driver in the morning for 3.5 hours and another for the same in the afternoon, per tutor.
We provide bespoke advanced/defensive driver training to companies and private individuals using our national network of DVSA-registered advanced driving instructors.
What We Train:
We cover a wide range of elements during the training. To start, there is an initial drive, so our tutors can assess the level of the driver’s ability. After a debrief, the training starts, we look at the following:
1. Observation and Anticipation
2. Car control
3. Speed awareness
4. Rules of the road
5. Developing a positive attitude
6. The System of car Control – Used by the Police
7. The Limit Point – and other advanced techniques
Remember – Each driving course is totally bespoke to your own specific needs and requirements. This applies to both our business and private client courses.
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Course Duration:
Whether you are a business client or a private individual – we have a number of specialist courses to increase the skill and safety of a driver. Our courses are available for car and van drivers.
3.5hr – Around 30% opt for this course. The benefits of this course are that it’s the cheapest, and is only 3.5hr, the disadvantages are that for some drivers it’s too short. Ideal mainly for companies training four or more drivers.
2 x 3.5hr – This is advantageous for customers that can’t drive for 7hrs and need the split to reflect. Often a driver gets homework on this session, so they can practice what has been taught in session 1 to help them with session 2. Older drivers often opt for this course.
7hr full day – Although it is hard work for some, a full day is cheaper than 2 x 3.5hr. It’s good for those who are time-poor. Maybe your company has asked you to do this course, or maybe you feel a 7hr will work better for you. Talk with us if you are unsure.
We understand not all drivers want a half, full or two half days. Some need or want longer. That is why we offer 3,4, and 5 x 3.5h sessions. These courses are often run over a few weeks and are mostly designed for drivers who have significant issues, such as a driving phobia, or need confidence training after a serious road traffic collision.
For all our bespoke driving courses in Belfast, we provide training on a range of roads and different areas, which can include:
Motorway training – Four motorways meet in Belfast, the M1, M3, and the M2, which merge into the M5 to the north of the city. These motorways are fast and busy, and many accidents have been seen around the junctions where drivers enter and exit at speed. To use motorways confidently is essential if you need to drive to locations directly and quickly, and learning how to use fast routes can be a struggle for many drivers. With some extra advanced driver training, we can help any driver understand the regulations of motorway driving. With some specific car control techniques as taught to the police and paramedics, such as IPSGA – information, planning, speed, gear and accelerate, this will help with motorways and all other aspects of your driving, whatever road you are on. We have trained many drivers from newly qualified drivers on their first motorway journeys and for drivers who no have to use motorways for work or family purposes.
Rural Roads – There are many miles of rural roads surrounding Belfast, and although they may be very picturesque, they can be dangerous if a driver is unfamiliar with using them. Rural roads have many issues, from seasonal changes, where lanes may be flooded or impassable due to tree falls or ice, and journeys must be well planned in adverse weather conditions. Other problems can be loose animals on the road around farming communities, and it is crucial to be aware of horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians that can be using the lanes as well. Some of the worse areas affected by accidents are B170 towards Bangor and the A43 to Derryboye, and many of these accidents include young drivers who take risks with speed in quiet locations without speed cameras. Rural roads will always have minimal street lighting and few warning signs, so understanding and respecting rural driving is essential.
Urban Training – Belfast is one of the busiest cities in the UK, and the urban network of roads can be hectic, especially during rush hour traffic. Many accidents happen on the ring road of the A12 and the A2, and the streets surrounding the city centre. Urban driving requires good patience, good all-around observations and good indications to ensure other drivers can see your intentions. The main areas where accidents happen on urban roads are the roundabouts and traffic light junctions, where drivers are not paying enough attention and are impatient to get to their destination. Drivers must understand the basics of urban driving, mirrors, signal and manoeuvre. Although urban accidents are (mostly) less severe than motorway collisions, often as there is less speed involved, they can lead to road closures and diversions that could possibly cause more issues for other drivers. If you intend to drive across busy cities and towns regularly, then urban driver training can be very beneficial and can help avoid costly insurance claims.
Talk to us:
You can email or call us – we will ensure your enquiry is dealt with quickly and efficiently. If you have a specific request, please let us know. We have provided courses for a vast range of business and private clients. Furthermore, if you are ready to book, you can do so online at www.advanced-driving.co.uk/book. After booking, a member of our team will be in touch within 1hr during working hours.