Location Overview: Minehead is a coastal town in Somerset on the Southwest Coast of England. It is known for its picturesque views and for being the gateway to the beautiful Exmoor National Park. Minehead is accessible via the A39 road, connecting to the M5 motorway and other parts of Somerset. We have delivered many advanced driver courses throughout Minehead.

We cater for both business and private clients. Our courses include:

* Confidence training
* Motorhome training
* General advanced courses
* Motorway driver training
* UK Familiarisation
* Company drivers, which include both car and van
* Pre-court courses
* High-performance driver training

We provide nationwide coverage across the UK and deliver on-road training directly at your preferred location using your own vehicle. The training is customised to suit your specific needs, whether you are a business or private client.

Course Content:

During our advanced/defensive driver training, we try and cover a wide range of points depending on the course you want and the specific skills and experience of the driver or drivers who need to be trained. Some of the key points we cover include:

* Creating increased powers of anticipation and planning
* Being aware of speed limits and the need to control your speed
* Improving a driver’s attitude
* Learning safer driving techniques for motorways, rural roads and urban settings
* Educating drivers about rules of the road
* Better understanding the reasons for road rage
* Manoeuvres
* Driving in dangerous weather
* Learning the difference between different skids
* Learning to drive in a more economical way
* How to anticipate the actions of other motorists

These points offer a general overview; some may be more relevant to certain drivers, while others might not. This emphasises the customised nature of our training.

Course Durations:

Our courses are split into 3.5-hour sessions. While some opt for 7-hour sessions, they can be hard for some drivers who are perhaps not used to driving for such a long time. One of the most popular session formats is the 2 x 3.5hr sessions, especially for private clients, as it allows time in between each session to absorb what has been covered.

We also offer 3,4, and 5 x 3.5hr sessions. These tend to be suited to those who have very specific confidence issues or who have not driven in a long time. If you are unsure what course is best, you can opt for one or two 3.5hr sessions and then book more on a pro-rata rate if needed.

Contact us today for more information about how we can help you. Either use the contact form on this page or call us.

Our driver training covers a wide range of roads, some of which can include:

A39 (Atlantic Highway):
The A39 is the primary trunk road that passes through Minehead, connecting the town to the rest of Somerset and beyond.

B3224 (Minehead to Exford Road):
The B3224 is a key road that connects Minehead to the interior of Exmoor National Park.

A396 (Minehead to Tiverton):
The A396 is another important road for traveling out of Minehead toward the inland areas of Somerset.

B3190 (Minehead to Porlock Road):
The B3190 is a local road that connects Minehead to Porlock, a nearby village.

A351 (Minehead to Dunster Road):
The A351 is a short road linking Minehead with Dunster, a historic village located just to the south.

These are the main roads you’ll encounter in and around Minehead, each serving important routes for both local residents and tourists. The A39, being the primary highway, is particularly busy and plays a key role in connecting Minehead to nearby towns and cities.

Road safety – Risks and Hazards in Minehead and the surrounding area:

There are a few roads that can be considered more dangerous due to factors such as narrow lanes, winding paths, high traffic volumes, and challenging weather conditions. While these roads are not inherently dangerous, they pose increased risks, especially when driving unfamiliar roads, in bad weather, or during busy tourist seasons. Here’s a list of roads in and around Minehead that can be considered hazardous under certain conditions:

B3190 (Minehead to Porlock Road):

This is a narrow, winding road that runs along the coastline toward Porlock. It is particularly hazardous due to its steep gradients, tight bends, and limited visibility. The road is often used by tourists who may not be accustomed to the challenging conditions, and some sections are very tight, making it difficult for larger vehicles to pass. There are no major guardrails in some parts of the route, and the road is often surrounded by steep cliffs or drops, increasing the potential risk for accidents.

It’s a well-known accident hotspot, particularly for vehicles not taking the winding roads slowly or for cyclists.

A39 (Atlantic Highway) – Particularly near Minehead:

While the A39 is the main road connecting Minehead to other areas, it can be dangerous, especially during the peak tourist season, due to high traffic volumes. The road is often busy, with tourists unfamiliar with the area, leading to occasional speeding, unsafe overtaking, and sudden braking. Sections of the A39 near Minehead are narrow, and there are several sharp bends, making it more challenging for drivers. Pedestrian traffic near the town centre and along the beach can also pose a risk when drivers do not anticipate walkers or cyclists.

B3224 (Minehead to Exford Road):

This road leads into the heart of Exmoor National Park, and while it offers beautiful views, it can be hazardous due to its narrow, winding nature and steep gradients.

Visibility can be poor in certain sections, especially during foggy or rainy weather, and the road is often slippery in winter. Dealing with slippery roads is one of many points we cover with our range of driving courses.This road is popular with tourists, particularly those heading to Exmoor, but the bends and the rural nature of the road mean that drivers need to be cautious, especially with larger vehicles or when the roads are wet. There are also limited passing places in some sections, so vehicles may have to navigate tight spots.

A396 (Minehead to Tiverton Road):

The A396 is a busy route that leads from Minehead towards Tiverton. The road can be narrow in places, particularly through rural areas, making it difficult for larger vehicles to pass safely. There are sharp bends in some areas, and drivers need to adjust their speed accordingly. The road can also be prone to poor visibility in adverse weather conditions like fog and rain, especially in hilly terrain. This route can also be affected by high traffic volumes during peak tourist seasons, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Station Road (Near the Railway Station):

Although not as rural or remote as some of the other roads, Station Road can be hazardous during busy times due to the traffic congestion near the West Somerset Railway station. There are several tight turns and limited parking areas, which can cause problems, especially with large vehicles or when the road is congested with tourists. During our driving courses, we often spend time helping drivers with reversing and manoeuvres, this is not just relevant for Minehead but all UK locations. The road can also be slippery during rainy weather, and there is pedestrian activity in this area, which increases the risk of accidents involving both vehicles and pedestrians.

Local Roads Around the Town Centre:

The town centre of Minehead, particularly around The Parade and The Esplanade, can become very congested, especially during the summer months. There are narrow lanes, busy pedestrian crossings, and sometimes double parking or illegal parking, which can make driving difficult and increase the chances of accidents. Many tourists unfamiliar with the roads may make sudden stops or turns or fail to observe speed limits, leading to dangerous situations.