This practical driving refresher course takes the existing level of ability of each driver and aims to improve it where necessary, particularly in the areas of hazard spotting and defensive driving. It is neither a test, nor an assessment – simply an opportunity to refresh your driving skills with an experienced driving instructor alongside.

The driving session (90 minutes) generally takes place on local roads. The cost is £37.50.

In order to take part you must produce your driving licence before the start of the practical session (original – not a copy). If your licence is a photo card licence you must provide both the photo card and the paper counterpart.

If using your own vehicle, it must be insured, taxed and MoT'd where appropriate.

Data protection: The information you provide will only be used for the administration of the driving scheme. It will only be kept for as long as required for that purpose and will only be shared with an appointed driving instructor.

To book an instructor please contact the Road Safety Team.

Community safety drives

These are 90 minute practical driving sessions which take place in your own vehicle on high casualty routes. They are aimed at drivers and riders who travel the routes regularly as commuters, for local businesses whose employees drive the route regularly for work or for those who live along the route. Improving defensive driving and hazard awareness skills are a key component of the session. There is no test and no assessment. The drives are free on a first come first served basis or £25 per hour thereafter. 

The latest community safety drive route is:

B3081/B3092/A30 Shaftesbury/Gillingham/East Stour Triangle (from 1 April 08)

B3157 Chickerell to Bridport (from 1 April 2008)

Next route planned is:

to be confirmed

Previous routes:

A35 - Bere Regis to Bakers Arms, Lytchett Minster

A350/C13 Blandford to Shaftesbury

A37 Dorchester to Yeovil

Parent safety drive

These are similar to community safety drives but are aimed at parents and grandparents who regularly take their children to school and other activities by car. They take place on local roads generally close to home but can include both urban and rural roads. They are aimed at improving and refreshing driving skills and knowledge. The cost is £25 per hour.

You spend an hour in the company of an experienced driving instructor, in your own car if you wish, who will be able to pass on useful defensive driving and hazard awareness advice and tips, using local roads.

Remember - there's no test and no assessment, just friendly constructive advice.

The aim is to help reduce the risk of you and your child passengers becoming another road casualty, and of course it's a rare chance to refresh your skills, perhaps for the first time since you took your driving test.

If you would like to take part in this scheme, please contact the Road Safety Team.

Data protection: The information you provide will only be used for the administration of the driving scheme. It will only be kept for as long as required for that purpose and will only be shared with an appointed driving instructor.

• Name: Road Safety Team
  Email: roadsafety@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 224558
  Fax: 01305 224771
  Full details for Road Safety Team