Beyond Driving is once again on the ground in northern Scotland, delivering what we do best: professional, accredited driver training for industry. This time, our instructors are based near Lossiemouth and Elgin, running a series of Lantra 4×4 Operator training days for Balfour Beatty – supporting safer, more competent off-road vehicle operations in demanding environments.
These training days form part of an ongoing programme, with day one marking the start of several weeks of structured delivery. Working with a major infrastructure organisation such as Balfour Beatty, Beyond Driving is proud to support workforce safety, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance through high-quality 4×4 driver training.
Why Lantra 4×4 Operator Training Matters
Four-wheel drive vehicles are widely used across construction, utilities, highways, rail, forestry and environmental sectors. While many drivers may hold a full UK driving licence, off-road and low-traction environments present very different risks to those encountered on the public highway.
Steep gradients, uneven ground, soft surfaces, restricted visibility and vehicle loading all increase the likelihood of incidents if drivers are not properly trained. The Lantra 4×4 Operator course is specifically designed to address these risks, ensuring drivers understand both the vehicle and the terrain they are operating in.
For organisations like Balfour Beatty, where teams regularly work in remote or undeveloped locations, this training is not just beneficial – it is essential.
Meeting PUWER Requirements Through Accredited Training
A key driver behind this programme is compliance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). Under PUWER, employers must ensure that:
“All persons who use work equipment have received adequate training for purposes of health and safety.”
This includes training in:
- The correct use of equipment
- Any risks associated with its operation
- Precautions to be taken
Four-wheel drive vehicles used in off-road settings clearly fall within the scope of PUWER. Simply issuing a vehicle is not enough. Employers must be able to demonstrate that drivers are sufficiently trained and competent.
By engaging Beyond Driving to deliver Lantra-accredited 4×4 Operator training, Balfour Beatty is meeting this obligation in a structured, auditable and industry-recognised way.
Beyond Driving in Lossiemouth: Training in Real Conditions
There is no substitute for real-world training environments. Our instructors are delivering this programme near Lossiemouth and Elgin, using terrain that reflects the conditions drivers actually face during day-to-day operations.
From open ground and uneven surfaces to slopes and limited-traction areas, the location provides the ideal setting for practical, hands-on learning. These are not classroom-only courses – they are immersive training days where drivers gain confidence through experience.
Across multiple days, Beyond Driving instructors are working with Balfour Beatty teams to build skills progressively, ensuring learning is retained and applied correctly.
What the Lantra 4×4 Operator Course Covers
The Lantra 4×4 Operator qualification is nationally recognised and designed for drivers who operate four-wheel drive vehicles as part of their work. The course blends theory with practical driving to ensure drivers understand not just how to drive off-road, but why certain techniques are required.
Key areas covered include:
Vehicle Familiarisation
Drivers learn how 4×4 systems operate, including:
- Drive selection (high/low ratio)
- Differential locks
- Traction aids and driver controls
- Understanding vehicle limitations
Pre-Use Checks
An essential part of PUWER compliance, this section covers:
- Daily vehicle checks
- Tyres, pressures and condition
- Fluids and safety systems
- Load security and vehicle setup
Off-Road Driving Techniques
Practical driving exercises focus on:
- Safe use of momentum
- Gradient ascent and descent
- Side slopes and ground assessment
- Steering, braking and throttle control on loose surfaces
Hazard Awareness and Risk Management
Drivers are trained to:
- Read terrain effectively
- Identify hazards before committing to a route
- Understand when not to proceed
- Apply dynamic risk assessment in remote locations
Environmental Responsibility
Operating off-road brings environmental considerations. The course reinforces:
- Minimising ground damage
- Respecting protected land
- Safe and responsible access routes
Supporting Balfour Beatty’s Operational Needs
Balfour Beatty operates across complex, safety-critical environments where competence and consistency matter. The Lantra 4×4 Operator course provides a common standard of training, ensuring drivers across different teams and locations work to the same benchmark.
By delivering training directly in northern Scotland, Beyond Driving is supporting Balfour Beatty’s teams without unnecessary disruption, keeping travel time down while maintaining training quality.
This local delivery approach also allows instructors to tailor examples and scenarios to the type of work being carried out – making the training directly relevant and immediately applicable.
Professional Instruction, Industry Experience
Beyond Driving instructors are not only qualified trainers; they are experienced professionals who understand the realities of operational driving. This credibility is key when working with experienced staff who may already spend significant time behind the wheel.
Our approach is practical, supportive and professional – building confidence rather than complacency. Drivers are encouraged to ask questions, challenge assumptions and develop a deeper understanding of safe vehicle use.
It is this instructor-led, experience-driven delivery that continues to set Beyond Driving apart.
A Busy Week of Lantra 4×4 Training in Northern Scotland
With another busy week underway near Elgin and Lossiemouth, Beyond Driving is delivering multiple training days back-to-back for Balfour Beatty. Each day builds on the last, reinforcing key skills while adapting to different ground conditions and driver experience levels.
These sessions highlight exactly what Beyond Driving does best: professional driver training delivered where it is needed, for organisations that take safety seriously.
From early starts to full days on varied terrain, the feedback from these courses consistently reflects increased driver confidence, improved vehicle control and a clearer understanding of risk.
Why Choose Beyond Driving for Lantra 4×4 Operator Training?
Beyond Driving works with organisations across the UK, delivering accredited driver training that supports safety, compliance and operational performance.
Clients choose Beyond Driving because we offer:
- Lantra-accredited courses
- National coverage with local delivery
- Experienced, professional instructors
- Training aligned with PUWER and HSE expectations
- Bespoke delivery for industry and infrastructure clients
Whether training is required for construction, utilities, highways, emergency services or environmental organisations, our courses are designed to meet real operational demands.
Looking Ahead
This programme with Balfour Beatty is just one example of Beyond Driving’s ongoing commitment to raising driving standards across industry. With further training days planned, our instructors will continue supporting teams in northern Scotland throughout this series of Lantra 4×4 Operator courses.
If your organisation operates four-wheel drive vehicles off-road and needs to meet PUWER requirements, improve driver competence or reduce operational risk, Beyond Driving can help.
To find out more about our Lantra 4×4 Operator training or to discuss a bespoke programme for your organisation, contact Beyond Driving today.
