Driver and operator training across Devon and Cornwall
On-site forklift and telehandler training at your premises, lorry and bus (LGV and PCV) driver training, C1 for ambulance crews and D1 minibus training, all from one instructor: Stuart Abbott, a former DVSA examiner.
Training for drivers and operators
From forklifts on your yard to lorries, buses and minibuses on the road, every course is planned around you and delivered by me. Prices are tailored to what you need, so get in touch for a quote.
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 →Looking for Driver CPC? I don't deliver it, but here's where to find approved courses. Free guides and checklists are on the Resources page.
Built around you, not a training centre
An examiner's eye
As a former DVSA examiner for cars, lorries and buses, I know what a test looks for and where people lose marks, and I train with that in mind.
Training that comes to you
Forklift and telehandler courses run on your own site and equipment, risk-assessed first. Driver training is planned around your test date and vehicle.
One instructor, direct contact
You deal with me from first enquiry to the end of training. No call centre, no account managers, no handover.
Stuart Abbott
I'm a former DVSA driving examiner for cars, lorries and buses, with over 30 years of driving experience. I run Abbott's Vocational Driver Training (AVDT) from Chudleigh, near Newton Abbot.
Forklift and telehandler training is planned and delivered in line with the HSE Approved Code of Practice L117 and AITT/ABA standards: a risk assessment before every course, a joint equipment check on arrival, and training that stops the moment conditions aren't safe.
Because AVDT is a one-instructor business, the person who quotes your training is the person who delivers it.
- Trading as
- Abbott's Vocational Driver Training
- AITT membership
- 1:55312
- Background
- Former DVSA examiner
- MHE
- Counterbalance · Telehandler
- Driving
- LGV · PCV · C1 · D1
- Business type
- Sole trader
- Area
- Devon & Cornwall
- ICO registration
- ZC212008
Common questions
What areas do you cover?
I'm based in Chudleigh, near Newton Abbot, and cover Devon and Cornwall, including Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay and Newton Abbot.
Do I need to provide the vehicle or equipment?
For forklift and telehandler training, yes: training runs on your own equipment at your own site. LGV and PCV training days use the driving school's vehicle. For C1, I can arrange hire of a vehicle that meets DVSA's test rules (hire cost extra), or use your own if it's suitable. For D1, tell me what you have and I'll explain the options.
How much does training cost?
Every booking is quoted individually, based on the type of training, experience, numbers and travel. Get in touch with what you need and I'll come back with a clear quote.
Do you offer Driver CPC?
Not at the moment. Driver CPC has to be done on an approved course, so see Driver CPC explained for how to find one.
What happens if conditions aren't safe on the day?
A risk assessment is carried out before and during every course. If conditions aren't safe because of weather, ground or site activity, training pauses or stops until they are, or we reschedule.
How do I book?
Use the contact form, call 07807 395913 or send a WhatsApp message with what you need and a few dates that work, and I'll confirm availability.
Ready to book training?
Tell me what you need and a few dates that work, and I'll take it from there. I cover Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay, Newton Abbot and the rest of Devon and Cornwall.