Pathfinder

Fantastic experience: Pathfinder exceeded our expectations on every level. What parent could wish for more than to know there are skilled and dedicated people like the Pathfinder team who care enough about keeping our young people safe on the roads that they will volunteer to run these rich, accessible, fun, thought provoking courses. My son’s attention was held throughout the whole week - his driving confidence was transformed and he was still going when they started to pack away the cones. Every teenager who is thinking of learning to drive should start here.

Fantastic experience: All 3 of my children have taken the pathfinder course at Malvern. The course gives them the opportunity to drive in a very safe environment and learn the basics of driving, car control and road safety, with several hours of instruction and demonstrations available through the week. It's great value and given them confidence needed to drive. I have no doubt that they are all better and safer drivers as a result.

Fantastic experience: A huge thank you to Chris, Adrian, Barry and the rest of the team. Special thanks goes to Vince who dedicated his time to teaching my 15year old son who has dyslexia and dyspraxia. Even with his coordination delays Vince got him to a Level 3 pass. My son is in a much better position to continue with driving lessons when he is 17. The opportunities the course provides are not provided by conventional driving lessons. i.e. sitting in lorry's to understand visibility, riding mobility scooters around a coned path to reverse and understand distraction of using a mobile phone and the simulator to see how your senses are impaired when under the influence of drink and drugs.

Fantastic experience: On the final Friday of this week long course my 16 year old daughter spent an hour driving a police traffic officer around. Until the first day she had never sat in the driver's seat of a car. The set up, organisation and progression each day were superb. The instructors were all brilliant. But perhaps the most beneficial aspect wasn't the learning to drive bit. It was all the additional learning around road safety that simply isn't covered in the Highway Code or driving lessons. The daily lunchtime sessions on causes of collisions, impact of collisions and assertiveness were fantastic (and eye opening). But our favourite part of the week was the brake and avoid. Being in the passenger seat whilst my daughter accelerates to over 40 mph towards an obstacle, brakes and is then forced to swerve around the obstacles (jelly cones) and swerve back onto her side of the road was utterly terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure. Knowing she has those skills in her locker is perhaps the reassurance that all parents of young drivers should have. If I hadn't been sat with her all week I wouldn't have believed it. But I was there and within 5 days she went from a standing start to being able to drive a car. After this course I'll be happy to go out on the roads with her as soon as she's 17

Fantastic experience: An excellent, well run, thought provoking and useful course for both driver and passenger. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Fantastic experience: Great learning experience for both student and guardian. My grandson went from never having driven to learning advanced principals in a week well done pathfinder.

Fantastic experience: Really great week learning to drive safely with my 16 year old daughter. Excellent set up, instruction, fun but also emphasis on safe driving. Pathfinder team super supportive and encouraging. I was amazed how my daughter went from never having been behind the wheel day 1 to being able to drive confidently, parallel park, reverse park and answer questions from the instructor on how to approach hazards and drive safely in different situations by day 5. Thank you to the Pathfinder team and the various police forces supporting such an excellent course for 15-17 year olds.

Fantastic experience: What a fantastic week my son and I have had at the Malvern Show ground with Pathfinder. Having never even sat in the driver’s seat of our car he finished the first day out on the course navigating his way through gear changes, breaking and indicating and by the end of day 5 he was able parallel park, reverse bay park and so much more. We both learnt SO much in regard to road safety awareness and loved that he got to learn things like the brake and avoid which wouldn’t happen in a normal driving lesson. All of the instructors, marshals and police who were there giving advice and guidance were fabulous, and if I could give you 6 stars I would !

Fantastic experience: Just attended this event at Malvern with my son and I was so impressed the whole week experience was amazing. My son was amazing and watching him learn to drive and teaching him was fantastic. The work carried out by the instructors, Marshalls, police etc is brilliant cannot thank them all enough for volunteering and making this possible. My son achieved his 3 levels and was also lucky enough to drive some of the volunteers fancy cars which he loved. I would recommend this course to anyone it even opened my eyes and I’ve been driving for 22 years.

Fantastic experience: The course was excellent in every respect. It has really given my son great confidence with his driving. He especially enjoyed the last day driving different vehicles and going in an Aston Martin and Mercedes AMG GT! Thanks to all the team for giving up their time.

Fantastic experience: This course is brilliant and should be mandatory. Since the course, my recently turned 17 year old can drive safely with me on the road and is well on her way to being a great, safe driver!

Fantastic experience: Arriving at the Three Counties Show Ground in Malvern I was more than a little apprehensive at starting this course with my daughter as, like a lot of other 16 year olds, she already knows it all! However my apprehension was short lived as driving was one thing she didn’t know how to do. She started on day one, having never sat in the drivers seat of a car, as a nervous, shy individual to progressing to day five as a confident driver. The team of volunteers instructors gave her so much encouragement and have so much enthusiasm. She finished on the Friday evening having gained her level 1 certificate and would have driven home if she could have. I can’t recommend this course enough to anyone under 17 who wants to get a head start in driving they will get so much experience in a short space of time.

Fantastic experience: This was a super course and I’m definitely going to try and get my younger 2 on it in due course. The volunteers were amazing. As well as my son learning tons it’s been a great reminder for me. I can now coach him confidently whilst we do practice on the road as he has just turned 17.

Fantastic experience: What a fantastic week my son and myself have had at the pathfinder under 17 drivers course. It has really helped my son in the basics of roadcraft. I feel confident and looking forward to teaching him now on the road when he does reach 17. A huge call out to all the brilliant instructors and staff involved in the course.

Fantastic experience: We have just had an amazing week at Malvern Showground doing the Pathfinder course. The week just got better and better and my daughter (and I!) have leant so much. On Monday morning my daughter had never sat in the driving seat of a car, now after just 5 days, she is both confident and competent. Thanks to everyone from Pathfinder.

Fantastic experience: Had a brilliant week at Malvern, such a positive experience, with lots of tips and techniques. Definitely recommend for any young person looking to start driving.

Fantastic experience: Outstanding course with brilliant volunteers. Daughter went from never having sat behind the wheel to being pretty much ready to take her driving test in just 5 days. Roll on Feb when she’s 17, she now can’t wait!

Fantastic experience: My daughter has just completed the Pathfinder course and it was fantastic. The course allowed her to learn how to drive in a safe controlled environment and has given her the confidence to begin her driving journey. The team were amazing and Incan not thank them enough.

Fantastic experience: We have just had an amazing week at South Cerney doing the Pathfinder course. The week just got better and better and my son (and I!) have leant so much. Thank for you all of the experiences you gave us, especially day 5!!!! Your volunteers are a credit to the organisation, you guys have been awesome, such an encouragement to us. Thank you!!!!

Fantastic experience: Great Course, loads of space to practice and interesting when not driving

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend the course. Excellent instruction in good, safe facilities. My daughter’s confidence grew day by day.

Fantastic experience: Meticulously well organised programme. Brilliant team of instructors, marshals and organisers with loads of enthusiasm and an approachable style.

Fantastic experience: Have just spent the last week with my Grandson who will be 17 in June, at Three Counties in Malvern on the U17CC Pathfinder course. He did do some basic driving with the Under Seventeen Car Club before Covid brought a halt to that. So It was a terrific opportunity to drive again and to get him driving properly and safely before going out on the roads in the next few months. By the end of the course which was five days of intense instruction and training, driving on a road layout with many of the hazards that he will meet on the road and plenty of areas laid out to enable him to practice the most complex manoeuvres he was driving as though it was second nature. The highlight of his week was being allowed to drive a Porche, but also to experience a range of vehicles from supercars and police vehicles with all their equipment to HGV articulated lorries where he saw how the roads look to the drivers of these vehicles. It would help any young person to do one of these courses before attempting to drive out there on the roads.

Fantastic experience: Brilliant!! I highly recommend this course for providing young, new drivers with an invaluable platform to become confident safe drivers. Parents/carers will also come away feeling more confident they can go out on the roads as the license holder passenger for their learner driver. Huge respect for the volunteer team running it all and their support from the Police force and others.

Fantastic experience: An excellent 5 days teaching my son to drive. The Pathfinder Course is very well organised and the days are structured effectively. The Pathfinder Team are so helpful, so approachable and so knowledgeable. The opportunities which they create for young people to explore driving provide a fabulous starting point for their future driving careers. Would highly recommend for every under 17!

Fantastic experience: What a brilliant experience for a young driver. I highly recommend this to anyone whose child is approaching 17. The volunteers who give up their time for the youngsters are fantastic. It has given my daughter a great head start to not only the practical side but also the theory and how to stay safe on the road, when she does turn 17 and learns to drive.

Fantastic experience: Well run course, great people giving up there own time! Amazed at the progress in such a short time. Hard work but defiantly worth it

Fantastic experience: My son will be 17 in April so we attended the course last week in Malvern. The course is brilliantly organised and I would recommend it to anyone. From where my son was on the first day to where he was when he finished after day 5 is a massive step forward and will help him hugely when he starts driving in April.

Fantastic experience: This is an incredible experience and great value. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Fantastic experience: Another great week at pathfinders, both my sons know completed this great course, thank you so much for all your great efforts.

Fantastic experience: This is an outstanding experience for both new young drivers and their parents. It's really well thought-through, with excellent external experts brought in (e.g. police drivers), and the staff - who are all volunteers - are amazing. Both firm and clear when they need to be, but also sensitive and compassionate. The instructors are terrific; our daughter progressed from having barely driven a car for more than a couple of minutes to securely navigating the (closed road) circuits confidently and smoothly, parallel parking, reverse slaloms, emergency stops. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely brilliant week at Malvern! A fantastic start to learning to drive. This course is incredibly well organised with the perfect mix of briefings, theory, instruction, opportunities to progress skills and fun, all supported by a fantastic team of instructors. As a parent of a nearly 17 year old & a driving instructor myself I have no hesitation in recommending this course. U17 pathfinders, driving lessons and private practice I think you've got the perfect combo for learning to drive!

Fantastic experience: This is the second time we have been through this week of driving tuition, for both of our daughters. As an ex-instructor I have to say the standard of instruction and the breadth of techniques practiced in the time available is extremely effective. Safe practice areas, professional support and instruction. This time over 30 young people and their parent/associates were driving up to 20 miles a day in complete safety and enjoying themselves. Excellent value and highly professional to assure of the lifelong safety of our young people. Thank You!

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend this course if you want your son or daughter to be a safe driver. Excellent course!

Fantastic experience: First class week, taking u17s mostly non-drivers to being safe, competent drivers with an understanding of advanced driving principles. Letting them see first hand how long braking distances are and learning to brake and avoid. Along the way, a lot of fun with police blue & twos to drive, vans and a wide range of very nice cars as well. Can't rate it highly enough. Just Brilliant.

Fantastic experience: Both of my daughters took part in this course when they were 16 and it was so worth it. I was so impressed with how their confidence grew. They went from never driving a car to being able to reverse bay park by the end of the week. We found the practice theory tests very useful as well. All the adults helping on the course were great. My one daughter is very nervous and she soon got used to having different people observing her driving. I have recommended this course to others.

Fantastic experience: Two of my children have now taken this course. Cannot rate it highly enough. Should be essential training for all new drivers

Fantastic experience: I have taken all three of my children on the Pathfinder course over 6 years and it gave them real confidence on the roads as well as respect for road safety. They were able to learn the basics in a non stressful environment and I really enjoyed the quality time spent with each of them. The course is varied and your child can learn at their own pace. There is plenty of theory test practice and car maintenance knowledge that they would not get anywhere else. The instructors are friendly, professional and generous to give up their time for the safety of our children.

Fantastic experience: An invaluable course. Saves time learning on the road and the emphasis on safety with the talks etc are very good. I learnt a lot! It’s also great fun!

Fantastic experience: Excellent course for my 16yo Son who then went on to do the “5for50” driving sessions before turning 17. He then only needed two official driving lessons before passing his test! Definitely recommend this driving course!

Fantastic experience: My son did this course over at Malvern. I only have an old VW Camper as my car which he could drive, reverse and manoeuvre by the end of the week. This course is loads of fun, interesting and will save you a fortune in driving lessons. He (and I) got to drive and reverse park a Fire Engine, Police Car and souped up Land Rover. Well run and a great confidence booster for any teenager.

Fantastic experience: Both my sons have attended the Pathfinder course. I think this course should be mandatory for all young drivers as the statistics demonstrate that it makes for improved safety for the young person and therefore all road users

Fantastic experience: Helped both my sons at age 16 be ready to drive and pass test within weeks at 17. Gave opportunity to learn vital driving skills in a safe environment not possible on public roads. Instructors were patient and dedicated to the young people learning to drive in a safe way, and how to cope with peer pressure and avoid poor driving habits early on. Wholeheartedly recommend the course it should be available everywhere.

Fantastic experience: My 3 kids all benefited from this great course. Well organised, a good balance between theory and practice and a great opportunity to learn that you can't outrun the cops, how big a lorry's blind spot is and parallel parking! A great opportunity to make the roads safer for all - can't recommend it enough.

Fantastic experience: Can't rate this course highly enough - my daughter and I spent a week with the Pathfinder team. Hugely experienced and passionate people, just wanting to see youngsters enjoy driving and doing so safely and confidently. Lots of fun too with a police driver, fire engine, braking demonstrations and lots of informative teaching sessions and practical driving instruction. Absolutely first class! Huge thanks to all those who give their time to make these courses happen.

Fantastic experience: Pathfinder is a fabulous way to begin to understand the workings of a car and learning to drive in a totally safe environment with the help of instructors….My daughter and I did a week with these folks and it was fabulous..I couldn’t recommend more highly and think every youngster should complete a course like this before taking to the road Under 17’ Car Club,Pathfinder either absolutely invaluable!…..Where can you drive a Police BMW….An ex Camel Trophy Landrover…a pick up truck….all before you pass your test…..Just brilliant..100% appreciation to the organisers and instructors… If you value your kids safety for the future get one one of these courses!!

Fantastic experience: We put our daughter in this course when she was 16, she has now been driving for over 8 years. She is a very confident driver and has never had so much as a speeding ticket. She has found herself in a few awkward moments on the road but dealt with it confidently and effectively. I would recommend all Kids do this course before they start driving in the roads. It helps them with their confidence and also raises their awareness to the dangers of other road users. 100% recommend.

Fantastic experience: I would highly recommend this for any parent with a young person wanting to drive when they turn 17. They get a chance to learn all the essentials before they are out on the roads. They have input from expert advanced drivers with a passion to help young people enjoy driving safely. For both the young driver and their parent/carer it builds confidence in their new roles. Its lots of fun and great balance between a bit of theory and lots of practice. They are a nice bunch of people. And last but not least, it is great value for money. We probably spent 25 hrs behind the wheel.

Fantastic experience: A fantastically will-organised week taking my daughter from never having driven to a flat out sprint in a police car with "blues and twos"! A full and detailed experience including sensible lectures, loads of driving on simulated roads and plenty of obstacle courses, building knowledge and confidence. Thoroughly recommended - indeed should be compulsory!

Fantastic experience: Excellent week. Fabulous instruction. It was as huge confidence builder. My son really enjoyed it and we have signed up to future events with the U17 Car Club as a result. It's such an important thing to teach good safe driving - all teenagers should do this course before taking their test.

Fantastic experience: A brilliant week with my grandson Josh. He went from no driving experience on Monday morning to safely and confidently driving by Friday. An hour a day with an instructor was a great help, lots of useful advice. All of the volunteers and instructors were great, friendly, encouraging, professional. A very valuable, well organised week, thoroughly recommended for any teenager approaching 17. We both really enjoyed the week.

Fantastic experience: A fantastic week of clear instruction, safety advice and plenty of practice in all situations. So grateful for this, can see it will help my daughter be safe on the roads. Thank you all. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: a great place to learn to drive at an early age.

Fantastic experience: This is a brilliant initiative, if only all young people were given the opportunity to take part in this, our roads would be a safer place.

Fantastic experience: My son and I had a fantastic week on a course in Stafford, Easter 2019. My son went from having no previous experience of driving, and being somewhat unconvinced that it was a good idea, to driving a wide range of vehicles at speeds of up to 50 mph. More importantly, he had acquired a good understanding of safety aspects in a non-preachy atmosphere and had had fun. He has now passed his driving test and I feel relaxed (or as relaxed as a mother will ever feel!) when he is out on the road. I was bowled over by the skill, dedication and care demonstrated by the staff, many of whom were using their own annual leave from work to deliver the course and were willing to let these new drivers take control of their expensive, fast cars! I have recommended it to other parents of teenagers and will be returning with my younger son.