DMAP1 · Defensive Driving

Advanced Driving Course for New Drivers

This one-day course gives recently qualified drivers the road awareness that the test never teaches, equipping them with skills and techniques that will last a lifetime.

Full day, 1-to-1
In your own car
No test, no pass/fail
50+ expert coachesPolice Roadcraft FrameworkCoaches UK-wideWritten report + Skills Map + Certificate

What it is

Everything the Test Left Out

New drivers pass their test knowing how to operate a car and pay heed to basic hazards. What they don't learn is how to read the full environment, anticipate dangers, and stay safe when things go wrong.

This training fills that gap. In one intensive day with a professional driving coach, your young driver will learn to:

  • Spot hazards before they become emergencies: most incidents on the road are avoidable if you see them early enough. We teach drivers how to read the environment, build a plan and react before, not after, a situation develops.
  • Stay calm under pressure: young drivers often panic when something unexpected happens. We build composure and a clear decision-making process so they respond rather than react.
  • Drive with real awareness, not just going through the motions: most new drivers slip into autopilot within weeks of passing. We break that habit and replace it with active, deliberate observation.
  • Handle motorways with confidence: many new drivers avoid motorways entirely. We take the fear out of lane changes, merging, and high-speed driving.
  • Understand the limits of their car: smooth braking, safe cornering, and knowing what the car can and can't do. Cars have limits that need to be understood and respected.

Who it's for

This is your course if…

  • They've just passed and you want give them defensive skills.
  • They've had a bump or a scare and you want to rebuild their confidence.
  • You are concerned about their mindset and managing peer pressure when out with friends.
  • You want them to spend time with an experienced advanced driving professional and get a real world view.

Where it sits in the range

Your day, hour by hour

Learning that will last a Lifetime

09:30
Coffee & Baseline

Relaxed start, chat and agree what good looks like by 16:30. Choose a route and hit the road for a relaxed assessment.

10:30
Core Skills

Introducing 'deliberate' driving - observation, positioning, The System of Car Control. Acting, not reacting.

12:30
Lunch (Provided)

We'll provide a light lunch and time to consider what's been learned so far, before planning the afternoon's activities.

13:00
Putting it Together

Applying "The System" on a variety of more demanding roads, dual carriageways, motorways if available.

16:00
Wind it Down

Most drivers are very tired by this point. Time to review progress and see how far you've moved.

16:30
Wrap it Up

Review the skills map - see how far you've progressed. Consider the takeaways and future learnings.

A full day with an Advanced Driving Expert

Everything That's Included

6 hours+ of the best coaching available
A light lunch and plenty of breaks
Coaching in your own car, on roads you know
Learn 'Roadcraft' - the police driving system
A written report and skills map
Certificate provided at the end of the day
DMAP1 · Defensive Driving

Advanced Driving Course for New Drivers

This one-day course gives recently qualified drivers the road awareness that the test never teaches, equipping drivers with skills and techniques that will last a lifetime.

£495

One Driver · One Instructor · One Day

Book your day »Buy as a gift voucher »
No test, no pass or fail — just coaching
Flexible dates, coaches across the UK
250+ drivers trained
★★★★★

The Difference a Day Makes

⚠ MISSING: reviews.reviews

The best qualified instructors in the UK

Not your Usual Driving Instructor

Our team are all Government approved driving instructors (DVSA ADI), but with decades of advanced experience on top. Many are ex police drivers, have worked with the military or spend their time working with car manufacturers.

We have coverage across the UK, but talent like this is hard to find so please get in touch and we'll see who's local to you.

Paul E.

Paul E.

Mid Wales

DVSA ADI, RoSPA Dip, Dip DI

Specialisms

PoliceFire ServiceAmbulance4x4Pursuit TrainerIce DrivingRoSPAMilitary
30+ YearsView profile
Colin R.

Colin R.

West Lothian

Former Head of Driver Training for Police Scotland

Specialisms

PoliceHead of Driver TrainingPursuit TrainedClose ProtectionMotorcyclist
25+ YearsView profile
David V.

David V.

County Durham

Internationally recognised trainer for emergency services

Specialisms

4x4PoliceClose ProtectionPursuit TrainedAmbulanceJLRFire Service
40+ yearsView profile
View the Team

Your Questions, Answered

DMAP1 is built for new and recently qualified drivers who have passed their test but do not yet feel fully at ease on the road. If motorways, busy junctions, or driving alone still feel daunting, this is the place to start.

You spend a full one-to-one day with a Roadcraft-trained instructor in your own car. The day combines real-world driving on a range of roads with coaching on observation, positioning, and hazard awareness. You drive, your instructor coaches, and you leave with clear next steps.

If possible, yes, depending on geography and logistics. We may ask to meet somewhere mutually convenient.

Yes. You drive your own vehicle throughout, so everything you learn applies directly to the car you use every day.

Learning to drive gets you through the test. DMAP1 develops the judgement and confidence that come after it. The focus is on reading the road and making good decisions, not passing an exam.

In this context, defensive driving is a set of techniques you use to avoid conflict on the roads.

Typically about 100 miles in a day.

Yes, of course. If motorways are your biggest fear for example, we can focus on that.

Our team are not regular DVSA driving instructors - they are advanced driving specialists with decades of experience and we pay them appropriately.

Then there's the VAT... 😕

Ready to take the next step?

This decision will change your life. Talk to us today and make it happen.

Book your day — £495 »Gift vouchers »

★★★★★  4.98 · 59 reviews · No test, no pass or fail · Coaches across the UK