Business Details
21 Years
experience
Advanced Driving Training in Bedfordshire
Established in 2005, CAT Driver Training has redefined advanced driver education through its unique fusion of engineering expertise and motorsport experience. As an approved Ford Motor Company training provider, we deliver evidence-based dynamic driving programmes tailored to individual needs, combining technical precision with psychological insight. Our team of DVSA-qualified instructors holds the highest industry accreditations, including specialised coaching certifications that address both vehicle dynamics and human performance. Residing at the world-renowned UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground since inception, we've trained over 8,000 drivers using our proprietary methodology that demystifies complex automotive physics through repetitive, experiential learning.Unlike conventional track days, our structured curriculum builds foundational understanding before progressing to advanced techniques, ensuring lasting behavioural change rather than temporary skill acquisition. With clients ranging from private enthusiasts to multinational automotive engineers, our facility serves as both a technical laboratory and driving academy. The bespoke approach extends to vehicle-specific training, allowing participants to develop mastery in their own cars. This commitment to authentic skill development is underscored by our industry-leading money-back guarantee, reflecting confidence in our transformative approach to driver education.
Services
Advanced Driver Training
Track Performance Optimisation
Skid Control
Grip Limit Mastery
Performance Driving
Vehicle Dynamics Coaching
Safety Driver Training
Autonomous Systems Evaluation
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of engineering and motorsport expertise combined
- Proprietary methodology developed at UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground
- Personalised one-to-one coaching with technical debriefs
- Evidence-based approach with money-back guarantee
- Resident training facility at automotive industry's proving ground
Associations and certifications
- Ford Motor Company
What people say
Excellent instruction
Transformative experience
World-class coaching
Outstanding facilities
Highly recommend
Services
Advanced Driver Training
Our engineering-led driver development programmes combine vehicle dynamics theory with practical application. Through repetitive, evidence-based exercises, participants gain comprehensive understanding of tyre physics, suspension behaviour, and dynamic forces. The curriculum systematically builds competence from foundational principles to advanced techniques, ensuring measurable improvements in control and safety. This approach creates lasting behavioural change rather than temporary skill acquisition.
Track Performance Optimisation
Specialised track day instruction focuses on constructing efficient driving lines and mastering grip limit management. Using Millbrook's circuits, we teach precise speed manipulation and tyre management techniques. The programme develops spatial awareness and cornering strategies through progressive exercises that enhance both safety and performance capabilities on racing circuits.
Skid Control
This critical safety programme teaches recovery techniques for loss-of-traction scenarios. Through controlled skid pad exercises, drivers learn to recognise and correct oversteer/understeer situations. The training develops instinctive responses to emergency situations while explaining the physics behind vehicle instability and recovery mechanics.
Grip Limit Mastery
Our signature programme demystifies the complex relationship between vehicle dynamics and driver inputs. Using advanced telemetry and real-time feedback, participants learn to identify and operate at their car's performance limits. The course combines classroom theory with practical exercises that develop intuitive understanding of weight transfer and tyre adhesion characteristics.
Vehicle Dynamics Coaching
Unique to CAT, this technical programme explains automotive physics through practical application. Participants learn suspension geometry effects, vector forces, and acceleration dynamics in both theory and practice. The coaching develops analytical thinking about vehicle behaviour, enabling drivers to adapt techniques across different cars and conditions.
People
Colin Hoad
Chief Instructor
Automotive engineer and former racing driver with 25+ years' experience. Holds advanced DVSA qualifications and motorsport coaching certifications. Developed CAT's proprietary training methodology combining technical expertise with psychological insight to transform driver behaviour.
Paul
Senior Instructor
Experienced performance driving coach with engineering background. Specialises in translating complex vehicle dynamics into practical driving techniques. Recognised for patient, methodical instruction that builds confidence through structured skill development.
Questions
What makes CAT Driver Training different from regular driving schools?
We combine engineering expertise with motorsport experience, using evidence-based methods at UTAC Millbrook to deliver lasting behavioural change rather than temporary skill acquisition.
Are your instructors qualified to teach advanced driving techniques?
Our team holds DVSA's highest qualifications plus specialised coaching certifications, with backgrounds in automotive engineering and competitive motorsport spanning decades.
Can I train in my own performance vehicle?
Yes, we encourage using your own car to develop specific understanding of its capabilities through our bespoke one-to-one training programmes.
Do you offer training for professional automotive engineers?
We provide OEM-recognised programmes for industry professionals, including safety driver training and autonomous systems evaluation at our Millbrook facility.
What safety measures are in place during training sessions?
Our structured curriculum prioritises progressive learning with comprehensive briefings, while our Millbrook venue provides controlled environments for all driving exercises.
Reviews (5)
Hilary Goy
Jun 12, 2022
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Excellent, exactly what I needed. Superb teaching - I know what I am talking about as I have taught at school and university including on Teacher Training courses. I was a different driver at the end of the day with increased awareness in how to read the road and honed techniques. The crowning triumph is that I can now back seamlessly into a parking space. Thank you CAT and Steve!
Phil Worsley
May 19, 2022
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What an amazing day with the team at CAT! Made to feel welcome from the start. Excellent day's course with varied activities in all aspects of car control, and at one of the most famous test facilities in the world! Get booked and get driving!
Simon Taylor
Apr 07, 2022
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If you want to find the limits of your car safely, this is the place to come. The fact that CAT have access to the whole of Millbrook makes for an amazing day. That combined with Paul's instruction and knowledge of the engineering of cars adds a whole other level of awareness of what is going on with the car, the conditions and you the driver. I'm now much better prepared for track days and will definitely be back for the level 2 course.
Stanley Leask
Apr 07, 2022
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Had a PCGB Performance Driver Track Day event with CAT today. A great experience, the teachers and staff were super friendly, constant and welcome offers of refreshments throughout, great tuition and great facilities. Only wish there was more time to put the theory into practice as there's a lot to learn but if you can take away a few things from the day you can practice somewhere safely and increase your value from the day. It'll be a better way to spend those Sunday morning early drives; practice new skills learned on the day. A particular thank you to my teacher, Steve, who was very encouraging and enthusiastic the whole day, so generous with his knowledge and helpful. Highly recommend CAT Driver Training.
Greg Thomas
Mar 23, 2022
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A very well organised and presented training day. This has helped me understand so much more of how car safety systems work and made me understand their capabilities. Would recommend this to anyone who is looking to improve their knowledge, skill and safety when driving on the road or track. Paul was excellent in balancing theory and getting me to implement it, great day out, many thanks to the CAT driver training team
