ATS Certified 4x4 Safety Awareness Training Course
This is a 1-day combined training and assessment course for up to 3 delegates depending on course content. We aim to include lots of practical time behind the wheel to consolidate safe driving skills. Suitable for those with no prior experience or as an assessment and corrective training of existing skills. Following detailed training needs analysis, we can develop course content to meet the specific needs of an employer i.e., driving in snow and adverse conditions, emergency vehicle tow recovery, vehicle breakdown recovery and basic 4×4 driving with wheel changing etc. Outline course content covering – Briefing • Operator Safety and Environment, the theory of vehicle control, specific vehicle features and specialist controls, transmission and braking issues. • Vehicle Handling and defensive driving. Practical • Vehicle characteristics and checks. • Observation, ground reading, hazard awareness and route planning. • Starting and moving off, stopping and emergency stop, gentle ascents and descents, • Ascents: risk assessment of ascents, stall recovery, loss of traction recovery. • Descents: risk assessment of descents, traction control, braking, loss of control. • Ditches, ridges, ruts, mud and/or slippery surfaces. • Cambers, gullies and side slopes. • Wading *Optional • Towing *Optional • Wheel Changing *Optional • Driving in darkness/ poor visibility *Optional • Returning to the road checks. • Debriefing and assessment results.
ATS Internal Off Road Instructors Course
This 5 day course includes the highest qualification as an off road driver from BORDA and goes on to consolidate driving skills and vehicle systems followed by lesson planning, instructional techniques relevant to off road driver training, fault identification, Analysis and correction before a final assessment. This course is very popular with internal driving schools for emergency services driver trainers. Day 1 – BORDA Professional Higher Level Off Road Driving Course including Loads and Trailers as appropriate Day 2 – continuation of BORDA Higher Level Day 3 – Consolidation of driving skills and ATS Internal ATV Trainer Theory Day 4 – ATS Internal ATV Trainer Practical Day 5 – ATS Internal ATV Trainer consolidation skills and final assessment Subjects covered during the course – Thorough driver training to the most advanced level certificate issued by BORDA. Introduction to Training Presentation skills Demonstration skills Risk Management Teaching and Learning
Dependable-Adventure Expertise
At All Terrain Services Ltd, we’ve been proudly delivering four wheel drive training across Cardiff and throughout the UK since 1995. As a trusted British Off Road Driving Association (BORDA) accredited provider, we specialise in professional off-road driver training for individuals, teams, and emergency service personnel. Our ATS Certified 4x4 Safety Awareness Training Course and ATS Internal Off Road Instructors Course are expertly designed to build real-world skills, from mastering terrain and traction to vehicle recovery and risk management. Each session blends theory with practical experience, ensuring every delegate leaves confident, capable, and ready to face any terrain safely and effectively.
BORDA Training courses (British Off Road Driving Association)
Our BORDA Training Courses are ideal for drivers of all experience levels who want to strengthen their competence and awareness when operating off-road vehicles. Covering everything from basic safety principles to advanced recovery techniques, these courses promote professional standards of safety and precision driving. For businesses and individuals in Cardiff and beyond, BORDA certification demonstrates a trusted commitment to skill and responsibility. Our instructors are experienced, approachable, and deeply knowledgeable, ensuring that every participant gains both confidence and technical expertise. With professional 4x4 off road driver training, drivers protect themselves, their vehicles, and their organisations while maintaining efficiency in challenging environments.
Basic Level 4×4 Training
This course is for 2 delegates over a half day or up to 4 delegates over a full day. This course is designed to give a basic safety awareness of the potential risks involved when using a 4×4 for driving off road. Suitable for drivers operating in mild ground conditions with gentle slopes, around 15 degrees and reasonable traction. The course would include the use of the 4×4 transmission systems together with general off-road driving disciplines. Course content – • Operator Safety and Environment, vehicle checks, vehicle controls, specialist 4WD controls and associated systems, transmission, braking and vehicle limitations. • Driving- observation, risk awareness and assessment, starting, moving off and stopping, emergency stop, mild slopes and securing the vehicle. • Returning to the road checks. • Assessment, feedback and results
​Standard Level 4×4 Training
This course is for 2 delegates over a full day or 3 delegates over an extended day with pre-registration from BORDA. This is our most popular course and what we would recommend for most 4×4 drivers at work. It offers a comprehensive safety awareness of the potential risks when using a 4×4 when driving off road in typical UK conditions including potentially slippery ground with moderate slopes of around 25 degrees. Course content – • Operator Safety and Environment, vehicle checks, vehicle controls, specialist 4WD controls and associated systems, transmission, braking and vehicle limitations. • Driving- observation, surface limitations, risk awareness and assessment, starting, moving off and stopping, emergency stop, mild slopes and securing the vehicle. • Driving up and down moderate slopes- risk assessment of ascents and descents, stall recovery, loss of traction recovery, traction control and braking. • Reversing – up and down moderate slopes • Driving- ditches, ridges and ruts • Driving- side slopes • Returning to the road checks • Assessment, feedback and results
Higher Level 4×4 Training
This course is for up to 3 delegates over a 2-day period. This comprehensive course is for drivers who would operate in remote and varied terrain with unknown conditions who are likely to require a high degree of skill. This level confirms competence at the standard level then extends the drivers skill to cope with situations up to the vehicle capabilities. Training on slopes above 25 degrees which prepares drivers to assess and recognise situations beyond the vehicle’s limits which must be avoided. Also includes disciplines relating specifically to operating on steeper ascents/descents loss of engine braking, self-recovery, changing wheels and driving in darkness. Within this level of course operating with loads and trailers can also be covered. Course content – • Operator Safety and Environment, vehicle checks, vehicle controls, specialist 4WD controls and associated systems, transmission, braking and vehicle limitations. • Driving- observation, surface limitations, risk awareness and assessment, starting, moving off and stopping, emergency stop, mild slopes and securing the vehicle. • Driving up and down moderate slopes- risk assessment of ascents and descents, stall recovery, loss of traction recovery, traction control and braking. • Reversing – up and down moderate slopes • Driving- ditches, ridges and ruts • Driving- side slopes • Steep ascents and decent • Reverse ascent and failed hill climb • Emergency Techniques to cover loss of engine braking and sliding • Self recovery • Tow recovery • Driving in darkness • Returning to the road checks • Changing wheels *Optional • Operating with loads *Optional • Operating with a trailer *Optional • Assessment, feedback and results
Lantra Training Courses
We also provide Lantra Training Courses—including “Principles of Off Road Vehicle Operating” and “Operating Vehicles in Off Road Adverse Conditions”—for those seeking nationally recognised qualifications. These sessions combine classroom learning with hands-on practice to develop safe and competent driving techniques across a range of terrains and weather conditions. Our Lantra programmes are perfect for those wishing to refresh their skills, meet updated health and safety standards, or expand their off-road capabilities. Whether tackling mud, slopes, or snow, participants learn to anticipate hazards, handle vehicles confidently, and make sound safety decisions under pressure.
Principles of Off Road Vehicle Operating
This is a 1-day course for up to 3 delegates. Anyone driving an off-road vehicle will benefit from our targeted courses. You may be looking to update your skills or get on board with the latest health and safety regulations. Perhaps you want to practise driving across challenging terrain or mastering your vehicle in difficult weather conditions. Whatever your needs, our courses will get your off road driving skills up to speed. The courses involve key theory and practical sessions: • Introduction • Health and safety • Attributes of vehicles and systems • Attributes of obstacles • Attributes of operators • Vehicle checks and preparation • Basic operating techniques • Vehicle recovery, safety briefing • Off road to on road checks.
Operating Vehicles in Off Road Adverse Conditions
This is a 2-days course for up to 3 delegates. This is all about mastering more severe tests, including tough weather conditions. It will challenge both you and your vehicle, with a wide range of obstacles to tackle. You’ll also learn how to identify and manage risk safely. The courses involve key theory and practical sessions: • Introduction • Health and safety • Attributes of vehicles and systems • Attributes of obstacles • Attributes of operators • Vehicle checks and preparation • Basic operating techniques • Vehicle recovery, safety briefing • Off road to on road checks.
Trusted-Driven Solutions
At All Terrain Services Ltd, we believe that confidence behind the wheel comes from expert guidance and practical experience. Based near Cardiff, we serve clients nationwide with dependable, thorough, and adventure-focused off-road training. Whether you’re an individual exploring new challenges or a business ensuring workforce safety, our tailored programmes will help you achieve your goals. Let’s take your off-road skills to the next level—contact All Terrain Services Ltd today to book your four wheel drive training or 4x4 off road driver training course and start driving with confidence.
FAQs
How long do the courses take, and do I need prior experience?
Most of our courses run from one to five days, depending on the level and certification required. No prior experience is necessary for beginners—our instructors provide patient, step-by-step guidance. Advanced courses, however, assume basic driving competence and build toward higher-level off-road expertise.
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Are your qualifications nationally recognised?
Yes. We’re accredited by both BORDA and Lantra, ensuring that your certification meets recognised UK industry standards. These accreditations are widely accepted by employers, local authorities, and emergency services.
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Why should I hire professionals for off-road driver training instead of self-learning?
Professional instruction ensures safety, proper technique, and an understanding of vehicle systems that self-learning can’t replicate. We provide controlled environments, recovery equipment, and experienced supervision—reducing risk while accelerating learning.
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