Location Overview: Gravesend is a historic riverside town in the north-west of Kent, located on the southern bank of the River Thames. It has long been known as an important port, with strong maritime connections dating back to medieval times. The town is perhaps most famously linked to Pocahontas, who is buried at St George’s Church in Gravesend. Today, it offers a mix of traditional markets, modern shopping facilities, and scenic riverside walks. Its close proximity to London and good transport links, including the high-speed rail service, make it a popular place to live for commuters.
Our Range of Courses Available in Gravesend:
We offer a range of bespoke driving courses, which include:
* Business driver training, car and van
* Younger drivers
* Pre-court assessments
* Performance car training
* Confidence training
* Motorhome training
* General advanced and defensive courses
* Motorway training
* UK Familiarisation
We have full UK coverage, and we come to you. All training takes place in your own vehicle, and training, whether for a business or private customer, is bespoke to your specific needs.
Bespoke Driving Course Content:
Although the courses we offer are very different, there are still some generic points we include; the key difference is how we deliver them to the client. For example, boosting confidence for a young driver will look very different to boosting confidence for a driver with 50 years of experience.
Below are some of the common things we look at and develop during our driver training sessions.
* Looking at a driver’s specific day-to-day driving and driving history to make a bespoke training plan
* Looking ahead and developing powers of observation
* Increasing focus on speed and excessive speed
* Modifying attitude towards a safer, more proactive way to drive
* Learning the System of Car Control
* How to avoid road rage situations
* Manoeuvres, reversing, and operating in confined spaces
* Driving safety on the motorway and dual carriageways
* Becoming a safer urban driver – identifying and dealing with pedestrians and cyclists
* Learn how to drive in a more environmentally friendly way
* How to boost driving confidence
* Identifying high-risk driving, such as at night, driving tired or when stressed
The personalised nature of our training means we can vary the time we spend on specific points. It all depends on the driver and what’s best for them.
Discover Our Course Options and Durations:
Our UK-wide courses are available for both van and car drivers. Here’s an overview of the different duration options:
- One Half-Day 3.5hrs – The shortest and most cost-effective option in our range. It’s perfect for companies training multiple drivers, but may be too brief for some individuals.
- Two Half Days – 2 x 3.5hrs – This option is ideal for those who can’t commit to a full day of driving and prefer splitting the training into two sessions for better retention. Drivers often receive “homework” between sessions to practice what was covered, helping reinforce learning. It’s a popular choice for older drivers.
- Full day (7hr) – A full-day course is more economical than two separate 3.5-hour sessions and works well for those with limited time. This option is great if your company has requested the training, or if you feel a full day would be more suitable. For business clients, we also offer the flexibility to split a full day into AM and PM sessions.
- Longer Sessions (3, 4, or 5 x 3.5hrs) – For those with specific driving challenges or who haven’t driven in some time, we offer extended courses spread over several weeks. These are perfect for individuals needing more comprehensive training to address long-standing issues.
Get in touch 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:
- A2 Road (Watling Street): A major route connecting London to Dover, the A2 passes through Gravesend, linking the town to key destinations across the southeast.
- A226 Road: This road runs from Crayford through Dartford and Gravesend to Strood, facilitating local and regional traffic.
- A227 Road: Connecting Gravesend to Tonbridge, the A227 serves as an important route for both commuters and commercial vehicles.
- Bath Street: Located in the town center, Bath Street has recently been upgraded with a dedicated Fastrack bus lane to improve public transport efficiency.
- High Street: A central thoroughfare in Gravesend, the High Street is part of the town’s pedestrianized area, closed to all traffic between 10 am and 8 pm daily, except for delivery vehicles and authorized access.
- Windmill Street: Another key street in the town center, Windmill Street is included in the pedestrianized zone during the specified hours to enhance pedestrian safety and the shopping experience.
- King Street: Situated near the town center, King Street is also part of the pedestrianized area, contributing to the vibrant shopping and leisure environment.
- New Road: Connecting various parts of the town, New Road is included in the pedestrianized zone during peak hours to prioritize pedestrian movement and reduce congestion.
These roads play vital roles in the transportation network of Gravesend, supporting both local and regional travel.
Road Safety – Risks and Hazards in Gravesend
The A226 Gravesend Road, particularly near Shorne Crossroads, has been identified as one of the most dangerous roads in the Gravesend area. This junction, where the A226 intersects with Green Farm Lane and Forge Lane, has a history of accidents. Kent County Council’s assessment ranked it joint sixth out of 148 similar junctions in Kent for collision frequency over the past decade. Residents and local authorities have called for safety improvements such as reduced speed limits, better signage, and pedestrian crossings to address the high crash rate at this location.
In response to safety concerns, Kent County Council implemented a trial to reduce speed limits on the A226 near Chalk and Shorne, targeting accident-prone sections of the road. The initiative aims to enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians in these areas.
While the A226 Gravesend Road is notably hazardous, other roads in the Gravesend area have not been highlighted in recent reports as high-risk locations. However, ongoing monitoring and safety assessments are essential to ensure the continued safety of all road users.