Location Introduction – Durham is a cathedral city on the River Wear in the Northeast of England. There is evidence that suggests settlement in the area since roughly 2000 BC, and the present city can be traced back to AD 995 and the Lindisfarne monks. Durham was built upon the symbolic seven hills and is quite a hilly city. Durham Cathedral was constructed between 1093 and 1133 and is one of Europe’s finest examples of Norman architecture. It dominates the skyline on the most central and prominent position high above the Wear. The steep riverbanks of the Wear are densely wooded, adding to the charming beauty of the city. The River Browney joins the River Wear southwest of the city centre. Durham has a vibrant and popular tourism trade and is surrounded by stunning countryside villages all within easy reach of the city. Durham is a World Heritage Site consisting of Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle and the buildings between them.

During an advanced driver session in Durham, we typically look at the following:

* Observation and awareness of the driving environment
* Helping to develop an improved attitude towards driving
* Learning how to become a skilful driver on all types of roads
* Becoming more speed aware
* Motoring law
* Manoeuvres and driving in restricted areas
* Saving fuel through economical motoring
* Learning how to anticipate the actions of other road users
* Coping with adverse and wintery weather systems
* Driving in busy town and urban environments
* Learning why a skid can happen and how to control skids
* Coping and defusing with road rage
* Car control (looking at gears, steering, use of signals)
* Learning to see and not just look when driving

Once the training is complete, a PDF report is sent to you with several things assessed, such as confidence, forward planning, attitude, vehicle control, etc. This report is beneficial as it’s completely bespoke to the driver and provides valuable tips and insights for future safer driving. Each report is thoroughly verified and documented – proof you’ve had driver training with a DVSA-registered professional.

There are many benefits of taking driver training with Drivers Domain UK:

* Handpicked fleet/advanced tutors, all registered with the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency
* Personal account manager
* National coverage
* full and half-day options
* A training is on-road
* We come to you for the training
* Bespoke training based on a driver’s specific needs
* Detailed reporting for each driver – with notes from the tutor who provided the training

The A1 motorway, known as the Great North Road, passes east of Durham. The A167 passes just to the west, and the A690 passes through the city, linking them both. We have taken clients through Advanced Driver training throughout Durham and the surrounding areas, such as Broompark, Shincliffe, Sherburn, Sacriston and Leamside. The fantastic transport routes are ideal for all types of Driver training, including motorways. Our highly skilled Advanced Driving tutors are all handpicked and registered with the DVSA. They will meet you at your home or office address and take you out on the road using your own vehicle, be it a car, van, or campervan.

Whether you are a corporate client training a number of drivers or a private individual – we have a number of bespoke courses to increase the skill and safety of a driver. Our courses are available for both van and car drivers.

* 3.5hr –The benefit of this course is that it is the shortest in the range and the lowest-priced option. The disadvantage is that for some drivers, it may be too short. Ideal mainly for companies training two or more drivers.

* 2 x 3.5hr – This is beneficial for customers who think a full day may be too intense and would prefer to split sessions. Often a driver gets homework in this session, so they can practice what has been covered in in the first session to help them with the next. Older drivers often opt for this course.

* 7hr full day – This can be hard work for some, but a full day is more cost-effective than 2 x 3.5hr and it is suitable for those who are time-poor. Maybe your employers have asked you to take a course, or perhaps you feel a 7hr will work better for you. Talk with us if you are unsure. With business clients, we can split a full day so one driver is trained AM and then one is trained PM.

* We offer longer courses for those with specific issues and offer 3, 4 and 5 x 3.5hr options. These are often taken over several weeks and are great if you have more deep-rooted issues or have not driven for a long while.

Talk to us:

Our team is here to help, and they also offer a non-judgemental approach for those who wish to open up and discuss specific issues. For many nervous drivers, this is the first step in reaching out on their journey to confident driving. Whether you are a business client or a private individual, we can help you. We aim to get back to email enquiries within 2 hours during working hours.

Road Safety Risks and Information – Durham

The city of Durham lies south of Newcastle on Tyne in the northeast of the UK; it is primarily served by the A1 motorway, which runs from Leeds to Edinburgh. This is a bustling route with numerous collision sites, and the route past Durham is no exception. Junction 61, the Bowburn Interchange, is the first junction that links Durham with the A177. Numerous severe accidents are noted at this roundabout, especially on the slip roads. The roundabout links the A688 and the A177 Durham Road and is quite challenging. It is vital to have correct positioning for your lane exit when using large urban interchanges, as it is very easy to be involved in a collision in such areas. Junction 62 to the northeast of Durham connects to the A690, and again, many severe crashes are noted on the roundabout and slip roads. It is always crucial to have good observations when using large roundabouts such as these and to pay attention to the actions of other drivers who may struggle with their directions.

The A690 runs through the centre of Durham, meeting the A167 at Nevilles Cross, and this is a particularly busy route with both rural and residential areas to consider. The majority of accidents along this route are centred around the ring road surrounding Durham Centre, especially Sutton Street, and over the Milburngate Bridge. The Framwelgate roundabout links the A691 and Milburngate Road through the city centre, and some accidents found here are severe, considering the lower speeds. Care should always be taken when using narrow roads near town centres as they are also shared with bus routes. North Street and Silver Street are very similar, with high accident rates and collisions near road crossings and traffic light junctions. Inner city traffic can be very frustrating, especially during rush hours, and with many city centres being pedestrianised, it usually means larger, faster ring road routes and one-way systems to contend with. Drivers who are unfamiliar with the area are likely to be more hesitant, so local drivers need to be aware of this when using routes that tourists also use to the city.

Gilesgate and Sunderland Road is a hectic road that travels through a highly residential area, and the accidents that happen along this route are near bus stops and road junctions. Churchill Avenue and Musgrave Gardens meetings have seen some nasty accidents, and the rates are very similar along Dragon Lane.

If you have any specific roads you travel on in the Durham area and are keen to discover what parts are at higher risk of collisions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer a free-of-charge service to anyone who is interested.