Off-Road UTV TRAINING

A black off-road utility vehicle in a dense green forest, surrounded by ferns and trees.

Professional, certificated UTV training

Designed for organisations across all sectors using UTVs, our training courses are delivered by experienced, qualified industry professionals to British Off Road Driving Association (BORDA) standards.

Maximises operator & staff safety
Ensures employers meet Health & Safety at Work Act and PUWER obligations
Prevents costly repairs to machines & equipment
Minimises impact on sensitive landscapes

Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs, or side-by-sides) are widely used across many industries. They are invaluable tools — but also among the most dangerous if not used correctly.

UTVs, while lower risk than ATVs, still account for frequent preventable accidents, often caused by a lack of PPE, rollovers and inexperienced operators.

For these reasons, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) requires certificated training for anyone operating ATVs or UTVs as part of their employment.

Full HSE guidance on the use of ATVs & UTVs can be found here - HSE - Safe Use of All Terrain Vehicles.

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What the course covers

Training is tailored to the specific machine type and delivered accordingly. Core content includes:

Safety and legal requirements – Health & Safety at Work Act, PUWER, PPE, insurance and maintenance obligations
Vehicle knowledge – types of UTVs, capabilities and limitations, transmissions, drive systems (2WD / 4WD / differentials / low range)
Daily checks – tyres and pressures, fuel and fluids, brakes, throttle, steering, lights, and controls
Vehicle stability – centre of gravity, rollover awareness, restraint systems and ROPS (UTVs)
Safe operation – LOOK – ASSESS – RIDE/DRIVE techniques, route selection, gradients, ground conditions
Loads and towing – safe carriage, trailer use, load limits, and managing load shift
Environmental awareness – minimising ground damage, working with courtesy to other land users, and protecting habitats
Emergency procedures – communication, lone working, first aid, and fire precautions

TRAINING OUTCOMES

Demonstrate knowledge of safety and legal requirements for UTV use
Carry out pre-use checks to ensure vehicles are safe and fit for purpose
Use appropriate PPE and understand the importance of helmets/restraints
Operate their assigned vehicle type safely and confidently on real terrain
Recognise hazards and apply safe route choice, speed, and driving techniques
Safely manage loads & towing, understanding their effect on stability
Operate responsibly with awareness of environmental impact
Meet employer responsibilities under UK Health & Safety legislation

Delivery

Training can be delivered at your site (if suitable) or at our dedicated training centre in West Dunbartonshire.

VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT

We recommend that trainees use the vehicles that they will be using at work to allow for more complete familiarisation, but we can provide vehicles if required for an additional fee.
All trainees should come dressed for the outdoors, with warm and waterproof layers and sturdy footwear. Those attending an ATV course should also bring suitable PPE including helmet (get in touch for information on minimum requirements). Alternatively, we can provide hire PPE for an additional fee.