BORDA vs LANTRA: What’s the Difference in Off-Road Driver Training?

A clear guide from All Terrain Services Ltd

At All Terrain Services Ltd, we spend a lot of time helping people operate vehicles safely and confidently where roads don't exist. Whether you're a utility engineer trying to reach a remote cabinet, a conservation ranger accessing fragile land, or an archaeologist trying not to drive over something old and very important, off-road driving needs the right training behind it.

Whilst our own certificates of training satisfy an employers Duty of Care under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) and subsequent The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) and provide a record of training and certification from ourselves; many organisers prefer the reassurance of a 3^rd party accrediting body.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recognise both BORDA and LANTRA as the accrediting bodies in our field. If you've ever wondered which one suits your needs — this guide is for you.

Who Are BORDA?

BORDA (British Off Road Driving Association) is the UK’s specialist body for off-road driving standards since 1996. Off-road is all they do.

As BORDA members we are Authorised by the IOPD (International Organisation of Professional Drivers) who are Empowered by Statute 1371, Authorised by the Secretary of State for the Department of Transport to regulate Off-Highway Auto Events.

Think: mud, ruts, gradients, traction, recovery, and the satisfying feeling of not getting stuck.

BORDA courses focus on:

• 4x4 off-road driving

• ATV & UTV handling on varied terrain

• Vehicle-mounted winch use and safe recovery

• Risk awareness and environmental care

Their approach is hands-on, practical, and scenario-driven — perfect for real-world conditions where terrain is unpredictable and the weather has opinions.

Best suited for:

Utility engineers, emergency services, local authority operatives, construction workers, archaeologist, conservation and land management teams and anyone who spends serious time off-road on purpose.

Or anyone that requires compliance, formal certification, or proof of competency.

Who Are LANTRA?

LANTRA is a nationally recognised awarding organisation since 1993 offering a huge range of land-based and workplace training — off-road driving is just one part of their portfolio.

LANTRA qualifications are well-known in the Agricultural and Arboriculture industries that require compliance, formal certification, or proof of competency.

LANTRA courses cover:

• 4x4, ATV & UTV off-road driving

• Winching and recovery (course dependent)

• Workplace safety and safe system operation

• Structured assessment and qualification paperwork

LANTRA training tends to have a more formal assessment structure.

Best suited for:

Large organisations operating controlled safety systems who may already be using LANTRA qualification for other skills such as plant, machinery, hand held tools, animal welfare, pesticides.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	BORDA	LANTRA
Focus	Specialist off-road driving and recovery	Broad training organisation with national qualifications
Training Style	Practical, scenario-based	Structured learning and assessment
Terrain Handling	Emphasised heavily	Covered, but often less in-depth
Recovery Skills	Detailed and technical	Available but varies by course
Best For	Real-world off-road operations & certification needs. Usually lower course prices	Workplace compliance & certification needs. Typically higher accreditation costs
Valid For	3 years unless vehicle type changes or significant skill fade is likely.	5 years unless vehicle type changes, risk assessment changes or significant skill fade is likely, in response to an incident or a near miss.

So… Which Do You Need?

• If your job regularly takes you off the beaten track, where grip is a privilege and formal certification for H&S compliance is required — BORDA is likely the right fit.

• If your organisation drivers require more detailed coverage of Health and Safety Law and Regulations together with in depth theory session — LANTRA may be the better route.

At All Terrain Services Ltd, we offer both. Because real work doesn’t come in one flavour.

Why Train With Us?

• Addressing training needs since 1995

• Lovely people with a passion for what we do!

• Centralised booking office for national coverage

• Qualified instructors with technical knowledge and real-world operational experience

• In depth understanding of a wide variety of vehicles and applications

• A network of regional training centres

• We can come to your workplace or site to deliver training

• A fleet of appropriate modern 4x4 vehicles to use – should you wish

  
  

Get in Touch

Ready to build confidence off-road — and maybe avoid becoming “the one who got it stuck”? Whether you need ATS certificated training, BORDA’s practical skill-building or LANTRA’s formal certification, we’ll help you choose the right training for your team.

Give us a call on 📞01792 680905, drop us an email at ✉️ info@allterrainservices.co.uk, or find more information at www.allterrainservices.co.uk.

All Terrain Services Ltd — keeping your wheels turning where the road ends.🚙