Tel: 01837 83325
e-mail: info@mtf-training.co.uk
Press Release
MTF opens second Driver Training Centre, in the South West.
A major new Off-Road Driver Training facility has recently opened in North Devon. The new purpose built facility at Winkleigh has just been completed after 3 years in the planning and construction.
MTF Training, who have been providing professional driver training courses to Driving Standards Agency levels for 12 years, have responded to a growing demand to provide clients with comprehensive on-site driving and classroom facilities. Trainees will benefit from the new custom built course that will enable them to learn about the abilities of their vehicles safely. The varied nature of the course enables novices or the more experienced to develop their skills.
The classroom facilities adjacent to the course, which looks out over the stunning west Devon countryside with views to Dartmoor, provide a warm and comfortable environment to discover the theory elements of off-road driving. In addition to the driving courses that are structured in levels from basic to Instructor level, MTF also offer courses in winch training and trailer handling. Although set in a stunning rural setting, the new facility is easily reached, being within just ten minutes of the main A30
The MTF team are excited about the features of the new facility, which they believe combine to offer a unique off-road training experience. MTF are teamed with First Four Off Road, the south west off-road vehicle equipment supplier. Together they offer an impressive and comprehensive service to the off-road vehicle industry.
Ian Shacklock, the Managing Director said, “over the years we have enjoyed a good reputation within the industry, training everyone from government agencies such as DEFRA, Trading Standards, the Fire & Rescue services and vehicle manufacturers, through to private individuals. We now hope to develop this further by adding this facility to the course we continue to use in the Midlands for our customers in the north”. When pressed on the secret of their success, Ian described the fact that many of MTF’s customers are reassured by MTF’s Driving Standards Agency and Advanced Driving Institute status. “The fact that all courses are run by a DSA registered instructor does instil credibility right from the start, I think this is confirmed by the amount of repeat business we receive”.
Peter Lamb of First Four said “we are delighted to be involved with the new Centre, and look forward to continuing our work with MTF to help consolidate their position as the UK’s leading off-road driver training provider.
COMMERCIAL DRIVER TRAINING COURSES
COMMERCIAL DRIVER TRAINING COURSES
In addition to training courses for private individuals and groups we also provide commercial Driver Training Courses. Courses are either one or two days, or can be three days if the Winching Course (below) is incorporated. As our highly experienced instructors train government agencies including DEFRA and Trading Standards along with Councils and authorities such as the Police and Fire & Rescue Services, you can be sure that you are receiving the very best in off-road driving tuition. We are probably the only training establishment in the country who provide off-road training to Driving Standard Agency levels. Every course is run by an ADI registered instructor. Safety and environmental issues feature substantially in all our courses, therefore we spend time with trainees discussing where a 4x4 vehicle cannot go as well as where it can.
Courses
can be tailored to individual needs
where required. Starting with the basics such as the mechanical
principles of four wheel
drive systems and correct gear selection, the course progresses through to
dealing with
varying types of terrain and hazards, assessing hills and side slopes and
learning safe descent and ascent procedures, crossing ditches, self recovery methods, and other topics such as
consideration for the environment. A relevant certificate is presented at the end of
each course. We recommend that attendees use their own vehicles for a course, as
they are fully familiar with it, but hire vehicles are available at extra cost if required.
Having
sites in both the South West and the Midlands minimises travelling
time for trainees from all parts of the UK.
Accommodation suggestions can be provided on request.
Please contact us for full details of our range of courses and costs.
The aim of our
Off-Road Driving Instructor courses is to achieve high standards of driving and
instructional
techniques in trainees. Trainees need to have completed the Basic
Driver Training Course or be proficient off-road drivers through previous
experience to take part in an Instructor Course.
A great deal of emphasis is placed on the ability of the trainee instructor to be able to successfully impart their knowledge and experience to trainees. This skill is encouraged, assessed and appraised throughout the course through role reversal techniques.
Over the years
we have trained many instructors who have in turn successfully embarked on
careers instructing others
within their organisations.
At the end of the course instructors will: -
Understand the mechanical principles of four wheel drive vehicles.
Be aware of the limitations of the vehicle.
Be able to demonstrate the correct driving procedures.
Be able to identify and correct pupils driving faults by effective communication methods.
Further details regarding Instructor Courses are available on request. info@mtf-training.co.uk
If you are considering fitting a powered winch to your vehicle, or have one already but need training to learn how to get the best from it and do it safely, we run Winch Training Courses.
The one day course covers topics such as safety related issues, rated line pulls, assessing rolling resistance and gradient, using pulley blocks to carry out double and triple line pulls, mechanical systems and wire rope care.
Using either your own vehicle or our winch equipped Defender you will carry out self recovery and use the winch to winch items towards the winch vehicle. A certificate and a winch use handbook is presented at the end of the course.
Call us for full details, prices and booking information.
The aim of the Trailer Handling course is to train users of off road vehicles to understand the use and handling of trailers to a safe and professional standard.
This popular course is designed to boost the confidence levels of trainees who are towing trailers either on an occasional or regular basis. In addition to the current legislation regarding trailer use and towing vehicle suitability, safety related issues are covered in depth before practical hands on instruction in both correct and safe procedures and manoeuvring in a variety of scenarios.
The
trailer handling course can be run either as a stand
alone course or added to a
driving course.
The objectives of these courses are to;-
Understand the law surrounding the use of trailers.
Recognise the need for good observation and forward planning.
Be skilled in reversing trailers.
Be able to demonstrate safe coupling, loading and use of trailers.
During
the course the following points are discussed.
Pupils then practice under
supervision.
Trailer law and relevant road traffic regulations.
General safety issues.
Coupling the trailer.
Safety procedures.
Discussion of effective reversing techniques.
Discussion considering different types of trailer, variations in techniques of correct use.
Practical trailer coupling and reversing.
For further details on any of our courses please contact us.
© copyright: First Four Off Road 2003