Bristol Under 17 Driving

Pre-driver training · Bristol · Since 1996

Pre-driver training
before 17.

A trusted six-week course for 16-year-olds: evening theory, supervised in-car practice on private roads, and no provisional licence needed.

Learner car on the private road network at Chipping Sodbury
The private road network at Hanson UK, Chipping Sodbury
  • £199 all-inclusive
  • 13.5+ hours across 6 weeks
  • 3 : 1 max per instructor
01 Why pre-driver training Since 1996

A calm, confident start behind the wheel.

The first hours of driving shape a lifetime of habits. Our course builds real car control and safety thinking on private roads, so the first on-road lesson at 17 feels familiar, not frightening.

Run by the North Avon Driving Instructors' Association (NADIA) and supported by South Gloucestershire Council's Road Safety Education Team, trusted by local families for 30+ years.

Download the info PDF
The private road network used for practical sessions
Practical sessions run away from public traffic at Hanson UK, Chipping Sodbury.
Trusted local setup

The course is built around safe first experiences, not quick wins.

Students learn the basics in a controlled environment, supported by local DVSA Approved Driving Instructors and a theory programme focused on real road risk.

  • 30+ yearsrunning locally
  • 13.5+ hourstheory and practical tuition
  • 3 : 1maximum students per instructor

Run by NADIA, with support from South Gloucestershire Council and Hanson UK.

02 The Course 13.5+ hours · 6 weeks
Theory · 7.5 hrs
Students during a theory session

Classroom at Yate Library

Evening sessions that go beyond the Highway Code, covering hazard perception, risk and anticipation.

  • Theory-test prep & the Highway Code
  • Hazard perception & anticipation
  • Weather & voluntary risk
  • Distractions, impairment & seatbelts
Practical · 6 hrs
A student steering on the private training road

Driving at Hanson UK

Real driving on the private road network, with qualified DVSA instructors in dual-controlled cars.

  • Cockpit drills & car controls
  • Moving off & stopping
  • Gears & clutch control
  • Steering & positioning

No provisional licence needed, because practicals run on a private road network, so students can drive before turning 17.

03 Upcoming courses Apply early
CourseStartsAvailability
No. 186 10 Sep 2026 5 left Apply
No. 187Theory dates TBC 5 Nov 2026 7 left Apply
No. 188 7 Jan 2027 9 left Apply
No. 189 25 Feb 2027 8 left Apply

Places change regularly. Availability last checked 20 June 2026; confirm before booking on the official dates page ↗.

05 Questions
Who is the course for?

Young people approaching their 17th birthday, usually 16-year-olds, who want to start driving before their first on-road lesson. Not strictly limited to one age; contact us for advice.

Do I need a provisional licence?

No. Practical sessions run on a private road network, so no provisional licence is needed and students can drive before turning 17.

How much does it cost?

£199 for over 13.5 hours of tuition: 7.5 hours theory and 6 hours of in-car driving. A £99 deposit secures a place; the £100 balance is due at the first theory session.

How is the six weeks structured?

Evening theory at Yate Library plus practical sessions on the private road network at Hanson UK, Chipping Sodbury, on Saturday or Sunday mornings. Exact session times are confirmed by the coordinator.

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Ready to get behind the wheel?

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