Defensive Driving Course Online | £15+VAT

Defensive Driving

This Defensive Driving course online introduces the mindset of Defensive Driving.

Defensive driving is the practice of anticipating potential hazards and making safe, well-informed decisions to reduce the risk of accidents. It’s about being aware of what’s happening around you, not just directly ahead, but to the sides, behind, and even what could happen next.

If your staff driver for work its is likely the most dangerous part of their day. In fact, 137,012 casualties were recorded on UK roads in the 12-months to June 2022.

Employers have a duty to take appropriate steps to protect employees from injury at work.

In this online Defensive Driving training course, your staff will learn how to drive safely, safeguarding their own health, protecting the public, and upholding your company’s reputation.

Defensive Driving Certificate

Written in compliance with the HSE Act 1974 & Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Developed by qualified safety professionals.
Last Updated October 2025
The online Defensive Driving certificate is valid for 3 years.

Course Preview

At Echo 3 we design our courses around how people actually learn. The content is concise, free from unnecessary repetition, and supported by motion graphics to help explain key concepts. This enables workers to train efficiently, stay engaged, and ultimately stay safe at work.

https://vimeo.com/1126852493

Frequently asked Questions

What are defensive driving learning outcomes?

The Echo3 online Defensive Driving course equips learners with the essential knowledge for safe, responsible driving.

The learning outcomes specifically cover.

Proactive decision-making on roads. Learn techniques to think ahead, so you can perceive potential incidents before they happen.
Hazard awareness. Understand the various risks from driving in rural, urban and motorways.
Understanding traffic laws and regulations.
Develop accident-avoidance techniques and cultivating a defensive mindset to anticipate and react to potential risks.
Learners understand the importance of maintaining focus, minimising distractions, and managing emotions while driving.
Develop strategies for navigating challenging road scenarios, and avoiding collisions through proper manoeuvring and spatial awareness.
Additionally, the course often emphasises the significance of courteous and cooperative driving behaviours, fostering respect for all road users.

Ultimately, successful completion of an online defensive driving course will empower individuals to confidently apply these lessons, promoting a safer driving experience for themselves and others on the road.

Who should take this defensive driving training?

All employers who have a duty of care for staff and wish to prioritise safety and responsible driving within the minds of their employees.

In addition, commuters, professionals, and even experienced drivers will find value in learning advanced Defensive Driving techniques to prevent accidents, handle emergencies, and navigate various road conditions.

Anyone seeking to enhance their driving skills should consider an online defensive driving course. Particularly new drivers, individuals seeking insurance discounts, those with traffic violations, and generally anyone wanting to refresh their driving knowledge.

How long is a Defensive Driving certificate valid for?

The Echo3 Defensive Driving certificate is valid for 3 years. The Echo3 system enables administrators to change the validity period.

UK Safety laws require appropriate training. It is the responsibility of employers to determine what training and refresher duration is appropriate. This is done through the risk assessment process.

How much is a Defensive Driving certificate?

The Echo3 Defensive Driving certificate is free with each Defensive Driving course purchased. The Defensive Driving certificate is emailed immediately upon successful completion of the course.

If you wish to receive a posted copy of the certificate that can be ordered HERE for an additional £9.

Course Content

UNIT 1

Introduction

Begins with an overview and its key objectives, followed by an introduction to defensive driving, including its core principles, the benefits it offers, and an overview of the legal responsibilities.

UNIT 2

Safe Driving Practices

Highlights the importance of effective time management, raises awareness of the dangers of fatigue and reinforces safe driving practices such as the 2-second rule and maintaining proper following distances.

UNIT 3

Vehicle Safety

Focuses on vehicle safety and preparedness, covering daily vehicle checks and maintenance responsibilities, the impact of weather and changing road conditions, and how maintain a safe vehicle.

UNIT 4

Driver Mindset & Behaviour

Addresses the human factors in driving while also developing a defensive driving mindset by understanding the psychology behind anticipation and reaction on the road.

UNIT 5

Sharing The Road Safely

Focuses on sharing the road safely by understanding vulnerable road users, applying safe overtaking techniques, interacting responsibly with cyclists and motorcyclists and respecting pedestrians.

UNIT 6

Handling Distractions

Examines the wide range of driver distractions, including common in-vehicle disruptions and explores effective scanning techniques, strategies for managing cognitive load to stay present behind the wheel.

UNIT 7

Adverse Conditions

Prepares drivers for challenging environments by covering techniques for driving in poor weather conditions, strategies for safe night driving, managing low visibility, and navigating difficult terrain.

UNIT 8

Emergency Situations

Equips drivers with the knowledge to handle unexpected situations, including recognising and responding to emergencies, managing mechanical failures and dealing with collisions and accidents.

UNIT 9