Beyond Driving was recently back in action with North Somerset Council, delivering the BORDA Basic UTV Operator course along the stunning, expansive sands of Weston-super-Mare. This essential, nationally accredited training ensures council operatives are fully equipped to operate Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) safely and effectively in off-road and coastal environments.
The course forms part of our long-standing partnership with local authorities across the UK, helping teams meet HSE requirements and operate confidently across demanding terrain.
Real Training in a Real-World Environment
Set against the dramatic seafront backdrop, this session offered a perfect environment for realistic, site-specific training. From soft sand to shifting dunes, the coastal terrain introduced operators to the types of challenges they may encounter when responding to incidents, conducting inspections or performing maintenance along the coast.
This course isn’t confined to a classroom or a generic test track. By training in situ, participants benefit from practical knowledge that reflects the demands of their day-to-day work, supported by expert instruction from Beyond Driving’s team of BORDA-accredited trainers.
What the BORDA UTV Course Covers
The British Off Road Driving Association (BORDA) Basic UTV Operator course is designed to meet the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), delivering competency in areas such as:
- Safe vehicle start-up and shutdown procedures
- Risk assessment and decision-making
- Navigation of difficult terrain, slopes, and soft ground
- Pre-use checks, maintenance, and fault reporting
- Understanding vehicle dynamics in off-road conditions
Practical Skills, Lasting Confidence
With visibility across the Bristol Channel and the dramatic Weston headlands in the background, participants tackled real off-road scenarios under professional supervision. Working with the Kubota RTV, they explored vehicle handling on soft surfaces, making use of engine braking, four-wheel drive systems and ground pressure considerations.
This hands-on approach not only develops core skills but also promotes long-term confidence and safety awareness, helping reduce the risk of accidents, downtime or equipment damage.
Building Safer Teams for the Future
UTVs play a critical role in local authority operations—particularly in areas like beach management, flood response, waste enforcement and emergency planning. But these versatile machines can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
By completing BORDA-accredited UTV training, North Somerset Council is investing in both staff welfare and public safety, as well as ensuring full compliance with legislative standards.
Train Your Team, Your Way
Beyond Driving delivers off-road and specialist vehicle training nationwide, with options to train at your location or at one of our partner venues. Whether you’re a local authority, emergency service, utility provider or land-based team, our instructors will tailor your training to meet your needs.
To learn more about our BORDA-accredited UTV and 4×4 driver training, visit our BORDA training page or get in touch today to book your session.
