About Stuart Abbott
Former DVSA examiner, driver and operator instructor, and safety boat crew. Here's who you'll be training with.
An examiner's eye, on your side
I'm Stuart Abbott. I run Abbott's Vocational Driver Training (AVDT) from Chudleigh, near Newton Abbot, and I train drivers and plant operators across Devon and Cornwall.
Before AVDT I was a DVSA driving examiner, testing both car drivers and lorry and bus drivers, including three years as a Vocational Examiner. I've seen first-hand what helps people pass and what trips them up, and that shapes how I teach. I've also got over 30 years of driving experience behind me.
Today I deliver on-site forklift and telehandler training on customers' own equipment, LGV and PCV training days for driving schools, C1 training for trainee paramedics and ambulance technicians, and D1 minibus training.
Away from the road, I work as safety boat crew, providing water safety cover for triathlon swims and rowing events with Medical & Water Safety Ltd and Swim Safety Ltd. More about my water safety cover.
- Name
- Stuart Abbott
- Based
- Chudleigh, near Newton Abbot
- Background
- Former DVSA examiner (cars, lorries & buses)
- Driving experience
- Over 30 years
- AITT membership
- 1:55312
- NPORS
- Registered on telehandler
- Covers
- Devon & Cornwall
Straightforward, safe and personal
Honest advice
If you need something I don't offer, such as Driver CPC, I'll tell you and point you to the right place rather than sell you the wrong thing.
Safety first
Every course starts with a risk assessment and an equipment check, and training stops the moment conditions aren't safe.
One point of contact
AVDT is a one-instructor business. The person who quotes your training is the person who delivers it.
Qualifications and memberships
Driver training
- Former DVSA driving examinerCar, lorry and bus tests, including three years as a Vocational Examiner
- Over 30 years of driving experience
Forklift & telehandler
- AITT memberMembership no. 1:55312
- NPORS registeredTelehandler
- HSE L117Training planned in line with the Approved Code of Practice
Water safety
- RYA Safety Boat
- RYA VHF radioShort Range Certificate (SRC)
- STCW basic safety trainingElementary First Aid, Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention & Firefighting, Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities, and Security Awareness (2024)
- RYA Advanced PowerboatCourse completed
Training and services
Forklift training
Counterbalance forklift training on your own truck, at your site. Novice, experienced worker and conversion.
Forklift training → J3Telehandler training
Rough terrain telehandler training on your own machine, planned around your working day.
Telehandler training → C · DLGV & PCV driver training
Lorry (C1, C, C+E) and bus (D1, D, D+E) training days for driving schools.
LGV & PCV training → C1C1 for ambulance crews
For trainee paramedics and ambulance technicians, from provisional licence to test day in a hired test vehicle.
C1 ambulance training → D1D1 minibus training
For schools, charities and drivers. Take the free 2-minute licence check to see what you need.
D1 minibus training → WaterEvent water safety cover
Safety boat cover for triathlon swims, open water events and rowing, with STCW and RYA qualifications.
Water safety cover →Let's talk about your training
Tell me what you need and I'll give you a straight answer. I cover Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay, Newton Abbot and the rest of Devon and Cornwall.