Devon County Council

An unmissable experience

Today’s roads present a challenge to the driver. When conditions deteriorate, the challenge intensifies often leaving the driver unprepared. The Devon Drivers’ Centre Skid Prevention and Control Course, using the unique “Skid Car” system, offers qualified drivers the chance to add practical skills to their armoury by experiencing skids in a controlled and safe environment.

The “Skid Car” system consists of a frame which lifts the front and rear of the attached vehicle, taking the weight on the frame’s castors. Different degrees of slipperiness can be controlled, in car, by the instructor.

The standard course is available to any full-licence holder with more than 6 months driving experience (the Pass Plus Plus course embodies a skid prevention and control module tailored to the needs of less experienced drivers). Run by specially trained instructors, the course starts with a short briefing that sets the scene for the practical element of the course; this covers the recognition and control of front, rear and four-wheel skids. As the course progresses, more emphasis is placed on prevention of skids. Participants also have an opportunity to learn how anti-lock braking systems (ABS) operate in an emergency. The course will usually conclude with an “against the clock” skill trial. Participants are presented with a certificate of attendance on completion of the course.

Courses can be run up to a maximum of three participants at a time, and are available on weekdays and Saturdays.

Available to any driver who has attended our standard course is the recently-introduced Advanced Skid Course.

If you would like to book a place on the Skid Prevention and Control Course, please select the button below. Due to the popularity of this course please allow four week's notice to attend.