Location Overview – Stroud is a historic market town located in the Five Valleys of Gloucestershire, within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has a rich industrial past, particularly in the wool trade, and is now known for its artistic community and environmental initiatives. The town is home to Britain’s first organic café and the headquarters of Ecotricity, a leading green energy company. Every Saturday, Stroud hosts a popular farmers’ market featuring local produce and handmade goods. Visitors can also enjoy scenic walks, cultural attractions like the Museum in the Park, and the town’s many independent shops and cafés.
Our UK-wide Courses – available in Stroud:
Our UK-wide training courses are available to both business and private clients. Each course can be fully tailored to suit drivers of any age or experience level, depending on their specific needs. While some may benefit from a broader, more general approach, others may require more specialised training. Below is a selection of the courses we offer:
Company Vehicle Training – Designed for car and van drivers
Younger Driver Training – Confidence-building sessions for young or newly qualified drivers
Driving Confidence Courses – For nervous drivers or those who have not driven for a while
Pre-Court Driver Training – Designed for those facing speeding or other driving-related convictions
Motorway Confidence Coaching – Helping those who have developed a fear of motorways
General Advanced & Defensive Driving – Bespoke training designed to enhance skill, awareness, and safety
UK Driving Familiarisation – Made for drivers who are new to UK roads
Motorhome Confidence Courses – Bespoke training to build confidence driving large leisure vehicles
High-Performance Vehicle Training – Made to help owners of performance vehicles
Some courses may combine elements from different courses, while others focus on a specific skill or need. When you book with us, you can be assured that each session will be carefully tailored to suit your individual requirements.
More Information on Our Course Content:
There are key elements we teach to make safer, more skilful drivers, regardless of age and experience. The difference is how we apply these elements from driver to driver. While all our courses are bespoke to the driver, below are a number of key points we typically cover:
Key Driving Skills
* Improving anticipation and forward-planning skills
* Practising manoeuvres (including parking) with confidence and accuracy
* Improving your levels of speed awareness and speed planning
* Learning to better anticipate the actions of other drivers and road users
Hazard and Hazard Management
* Mastering safer driving on motorways, rural roads, and urban routes
* Building skills for driving safely in poor weather conditions
* Identifying different types of skids and how to manage them
Driver Behaviour and Awareness
* Improving driver mindset and attitude
* Understanding the causes of road rage and how to manage
* Improving knowledge of road rules and driving regulations
Environmental Awareness
* Adopting fuel-efficient and eco-friendly driving habits, which will save you money and reduce wear and tear on your vehicle.
Duration Overview – What’s Ideal For You?
Our courses are typically divided into 3.5-hour sessions. While some drivers opt for a full 7-hour session, this can be challenging for those who are not accustomed to long periods of driving.
A popular choice is the 2 x 3.5-hour session package, especially among private clients. This format provides a break between sessions, allowing time to absorb and practice what was covered before the next session.
Longer courses – For those with more specific needs, we also offer 3, 4, or 5 x 3.5-hour sessions, which are ideal for individuals facing confidence issues or those who have been away from driving for an extended period. These courses are also ideal for those suffering PTSD-related symptoms after a collision.
If you’re unsure which course suits you best, you can begin with one or two 3.5-hour sessions and, if necessary, schedule additional sessions at a pro-rata rate.
Talk to us today for more detailed information about our courses and how we can help you. Please call or email us.
Our driver training covers a wide range of roads in Stroud, some of which include:
A419 – This primary route connects Stroud to Cirencester and the M5 motorway at Junction 13. It is a major road for traffic heading towards the southwest of England.
A46 – Running from Cheltenham through Stroud and Nailsworth, the A46 continues southward towards Bath. It is a significant route for traffic travelling between these towns.
A417 – This road connects Stroud to Gloucester, providing access to the M5 motorway and facilitating travel towards the northeast.
B4008 – A B-road that starts in Quedgeley and passes through Hardwicke, Stonehouse, and Ebley before reaching Stroud. It offers an alternative route for local traffic.
B4066 – This road runs from Stroud through Selsley Hill and continues towards Nympsfield, providing access to surrounding villages and countryside.
These roads are integral to Stroud’s transportation infrastructure, supporting both local travel and regional connectivity.
Road Safety – Risks and Hazards in Stroud
Stroud, located in Gloucestershire, has several roads known for their challenging driving conditions, often due to narrow lanes, sharp bends, and varying road surfaces. While specific accident statistics for Stroud roads are limited, certain routes have been highlighted in local news for safety concerns:
Claypits Lane (near Lypiatt): Residents have raised concerns about the hazardous road surface, particularly near Heavenswood Cottage. Despite previous repairs, the condition remains poor, leading to vehicle damage and safety risks.
Field Road (near Stroud Hospital): A significant sinkhole has been reported near a blind bend, posing a danger to traffic flow and increasing the risk of head-on collisions. The lack of warning signs has exacerbated the hazard.
B4008 (formerly part of the A434): This B road runs from Quedgeley to Stroud, passing through areas like Hardwicke, Stonehouse, and Ebley. Sections of this route have varying speed limits and traffic flow, making it challenging for drivers.
A419 (Whitminster to Cirencester): While parts of the A419 are dual carriageway, sections near Stroud revert to single carriageway. This transition can lead to sudden changes in traffic conditions, requiring heightened driver awareness.
A417 (Cotswolds area): The Cotswolds region, encompassing parts of the A417, has been identified as a hotspot for accidents. Factors contributing to this include winding roads, varying speed limits, and increased traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons.
For those driving in and around Stroud, it’s advisable to exercise caution on these routes, be aware of changing road conditions, and stay informed about ongoing safety improvements.