On-Road Defensive Driving Course
Our 3.5-hour On-Road Defensive Driving Course is conducted by former Road Traffic Police Officers and is designed for individuals to develop their knowledge of defensive driving techniques.
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This on-road defensive driving course covers the following:
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Reduce road risk
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Improve hazard perception
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Reduce accident rates
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Eco-driving and vehicle empathy
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Improved vehicle control
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Enhanced anticipation
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Space management
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Increase driver confidence
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Reduce traffic violations
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Vehicle maintenance awareness
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We have two defensive driver training periods per day for easy accessibility, available for anyone to complete around their own day-to-day needs.
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Morning Course Period
9.00 AM - 12.30 PM
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Afternoon Course Period
13.00 PM - 16.30 PM
Defensive Driving Course Cost
£ 245.00 plus VAT
Defensive Driving Course Structure
1
Introduction to the Defensive Driving
This section of our course will introduce our defensive driving course to all members, explaining the importance of this course, the individual topics covered, and the meaning of safe driving due to having a defensive driving mindset. This course is conducted by former road traffic police officers to ensure participants are being taught by professionals.
2
Driving Licence Check and Eyesight Test
During this section of our course, we will carry out licence checks and eyesight tests for all students before moving on to the on-road phase. These checks ensure that all of the defensive driver students are fit to drive as a safety and compliance requirement before moving on to the next stage of conducting the necessary vehicle safety checks.
3
Vehicle Safety Checks
The importance of vehicle safety checks and why they are necessary are covered in this section. Checking different vehicle parts such as the tyres or fluid levels can promote a safer journey for drivers and an understanding of your vehicle to reduce further hazard disruption or hinderances.
The checks include tyre checks, different external vehicle lights, fluid levels in the vehicle, the cleanliness of the glass for visibility and more.
4
Assement Drive by Participant
This section offers an assessment drive by the participant, typically lasting around 45 minutes. This assessment will involve the delegate driving as they normally would whilst our consultant assesses them.
Whilst the participant is driving, our consultant will be talking to about safety, observation, anticipation, concentration, and awareness. Our consultant will then complete a demonstration drive for further instruction.
5
Demonstration Drive
This section will provide a demonstration drive for all participants regarding necessary safety and road risk-reduction tactics that will ensure further safe transportation and smoother journeys for all road users. This demonstration drive will be completed by a consultant of the course with a commentary to provide necessary details throughout the session, of what should be checked and at different times.
6
Practical Driving Session
This section of the course will offer a practical driving session by a delegate, behind the wheel, for the remainder of the session. We offer this to respond to any strengths and weaknesses with the participant, where we offer advice to further their knowledge and reduce any unnecessary road hazards. The final element of the course is the driving debrief and Q&A to conclude the defensive driiving on-road practical session and assessment.
Defensive Driving Course learning Objectives
This defensive driver training covers many subjects necessary to promote safe driving for all individuals. These include:
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Human Factors and Driver Behaviour
Safe Driving Behaviours
Driver and Vehicle audits
The importance of journey planning
Pre-road journey checks
Position speed and gear control
Hazard perception and road analysis
Self-analysis and self-criticism
Driver psychology and attitudes
Vehicle space management
Eco-driving and vehicle empathy
Safe driving in difficult conditions
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What is a defensive driving course?
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A defensive driving course is a driver education course intended to teach drivers skills that enhance safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents or road risks. Defensive driving courses teach topics such as hazard recognition, safe braking, vehicle control, speed, and anticipating and responding to other drivers' actions. The course may be taught in the classroom and on the road.
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Our on-road defensive driving course equips drivers with the confidence and security to drive confidently and securely under any road conditions. The course teaches drivers the science of accident prevention, improves response, and allows for control during a crisis. It also teaches awareness, risk assessment, and defensive driving, and drivers become smarter and safer on the highways.
Who is this Defensive Driving Course For?​
​​​​​​​​This advanced driving course is tailored to benefit British drivers who want to improve their road safety and proactive driving skills to reduce the chance of road traffic collisions and accidents. This course is relevant for:
Defensive Driving for New Drivers
Any individual who has recently passed their driving examination would like to develop their defensive driving knowledge and improve confidence on the roads.
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Defensive Driving for Experienced Drivers
Individuals who want to refresh their knowledge and awareness of road safety and driving risks and retain healthy road-safe behaviours and practices.
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Defensive Driving Course for Fleet Drivers
Any company that employs drivers for work purposes might use this course to provide training on defensive driving for their drivers, which will further ensure their driving safety on the road.
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Defensive Driving for Drivers with Traffic Infractions
Individuals who have received a minor traffic infraction may want to reduce the risk of further violations or traffic interference.
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Defensive Driving Course Policy
​​​​​​​​​​​​​At Drive Alive, our policy aims at driver development, regardless of experience level. We want to mature our road safety knowledge and turn reactive driving styles into proactive ones.
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Our programme is focused on giving you an insight into the methodology used to create safer driving habits. This will ensure further road safety for all vehicle users and pedestrians. We hope to help you achieve this objective quickly using our content and course, furthering your awareness and protection.
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DRIVE ALIVE – Defensive Driving Course FAQ’s
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What is a defensive driving course UK?
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Defensive driving courses are commonly referred to as advanced courses in the UK. They are tailored by institutions and available to all licenced drivers in various options. The course aims to enhance driving competence through training in skills such as hazard perception, skilled operation of motor vehicles, and collision avoidance techniques.
A UK defensive driving course is for any road user who wants to improve their awareness of road risk and develop road safety training. These online and on-road courses are offered across the UK to promote techniques and insights to any driver or employer on the importance of vehicle safety and a proactive driving mindset.
How much does a safe driving course cost?
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The price of a safe driving course in the UK will vary according to the company you use, the course length, and the subject matter covered in the individual courses. New driver-safe driving courses will typically range between £100 and £300, whereas an advanced defensive driving course may range between £150 to £350. Advanced courses may involve classroom and on-road driver training with professionals, which can add to the price range. Some of the higher-level classes, such as professional drivers or fleet-driving classes, will usually cost more depending on the company used. Calling around in your local carriers to obtain a quote is advised before selecting one.
Can you fail a safe driving course?
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In short, you cannot fail the course. This is not a formal driving examination, and there is no marking scheme for passing or failing participants. However, you will need to complete the entirety of the course to a satisfactory level to proceed with the qualification. If you leave the course incomplete, you won’t qualify for the course, but there is no passing mark to beat within the course.
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What is the best defensive driving technique?
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The best defensive driving tactic is to remain vigilant and mindful of everything around you. This means anticipating potential road hazards, keeping space between vehicles, obeying traffic laws, and being prepared to react instantaneously in an unforeseen circumstance. Concentration, no distractions, and responding to road conditions by adjusting speed are integral components of being a better defensive driver.
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Who is eligible for a safe and considerate driving course?
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Any individual with a valid driver's license covering the type of vehicle you intend to drive during the course can take a defensive driving course. Most classes are offered to individuals eager to learn and companies with fleet drivers. Defensive driving courses like this are also provided for road offenders needing in-depth learning. Additionally, you should not need any prior academic road knowledge to participate in these courses.
How do I stop being a careless driver?
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Defensive driving courses offer many topics for individuals looking to better their driving habits, including eliminating distractions on the road. A safety road course will provide knowledge on ways to improve attentiveness on the road for the safety of you, your vehicle, and other road users or pedestrians.
What is the most critical skill in defensive driving?
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The most critical defensive driving skill is always being aware of your surroundings. Defensive driving skills are all about situational awareness. Situational awareness is being aware of any potential hazard on the road, including other driver responses, alongside the road and journey conditions. Hazard anticipation for preventive decision-making helps avoid road crashes and ensures safe road use for everyone.
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What is an average driver's reaction time?
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The average driver's reaction time is usually 1.5 seconds. This is the time it takes for a driver to perceive a hazard and react accordingly. Age, experience, fatigue, and distraction can influence reaction time. This means that vigilance and alertness are imperative while on the road.
What questions will I be asked on a defensive driver course?
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A defensive driving course will probably include an examination of traffic laws, hazard identification, defensive driving, and how to prevent accidents and bad weather driving conditions. Depending on what the course offers, it may include following vehicles safely, using mirrors, and preventing collisions on the road.
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What is a good defensive driver?
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A defensive driver is considerate, alert, and attentive on the road. They will continue looking for possible road hazards, remain well aware of other vehicles sighted, and set an acceptable speed according to the current speed limit, road traffic and weather conditions. Defensive drivers remain vigilant and make choices where safety takes precedence, not only for themselves but for all other road users, to exercise safe driving choices.
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Is it worth taking an advanced driving course?
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Yes! Taking an advanced driving course is worth the price if you want to advance your learning on safe driving. It keeps you a safe road user, making you more alert, confident, and attentive. Advanced training reduces accident risk and saves the cost of fuel when it comes to pre-planning journeys. For full-time drivers or short-journey individuals, the benefits of the advanced courses make the price worthwhile.
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How long is a defensive driving course valid for?
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The validity of a defensive driving course may vary with the institution and course used. Defensive driving certifications can be valid for 3 to 5 years, depending on what company you take the course from. However, many institutions recommend taking refresher courses so that experience and current skills can be maintained and managed by all safe road users.
What is a commentary drive?
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A commentary drill is a practice utilised in intermediate and defensive driving training. In it, the driver comments out loud on what he or she observes and thinks on the road. This keeps the drivers attentive, sharpens their anticipation of hazards, and improves situation awareness by requiring them to anticipate potential road hazards and think before deciding how they would like to drive safely.
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What is defensive driving school?
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Defensive driving schools are schools of education that offer personalised learning courses to teach drivers how to anticipate and evade potential road hazards. Such schools teach classroom and on-road driving under this learning and aim to maximise all pupils' driving abilities and overall road safety for all road users.
How long does the defensive driving course last?
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A safety driver training course takes anywhere between 3 hours and half a day, depending on the agency and the nature of the course subjects covered. Our Drive Alive course is 3.5 hours. The courses are either conducted in a day or spaced out into multiple sessions, which can work for customer schedules. More comprehensive courses may take longer if teaching through practical driving is incorporated.
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Who runs defensive driving courses?
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Traffic safety institutions and organisations typically offer defensive driving courses. The classroom section of the course, which covers the subject matter covered and learned by course takers, is typically taught by regular driving instructors who specialise in defensive driving techniques. For some institutions, such as Drive Alive, former traffic police officers teach and assess students' progress throughout the course.