Certificate in Emergency Response Ambulance Driving (CERAD) – Level 3
Think you’ve got what it takes to handle an ambulance under pressure?
This immersive 4-week course takes you from confident driver to certified emergency response ambulance operator — blue lights and all.
Whether you’re entering the world of prehospital care or looking to upgrade your qualifications for work in the ambulance or event medical sector, CERAD is the gold-standard qualification that gets you road-ready, legally exempt, and confident behind the wheel.
🔍 What You’ll Learn
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Preparing for advanced ambulance driving
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Route planning & real-time navigation
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Handling emergency response situations safely
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Reversing, manoeuvring, and tight-turn control
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Legal exemptions & road traffic law for emergency vehicles
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Managing pressure and decision-making at speed
🚑 Real Ambulance | Real Equipment | Real Training
📅 Course Structure & Syllabus
This nationally recognised qualification is delivered over 4 intensive weeks, designed to replicate real pre-hospital shift patterns and prepare you mentally and physically for the frontline.
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Weeks 1–3: Monday–Thursday, 08:00–18:00 (10-hour days)
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Week 4: Monday–Tuesday only, 08:00–18:00 (10-hour days)
Each week builds your driving capability in realistic stages — from mastering road craft to operating under blue lights in urban, rural, and motorway environments.
Week 1 – Basic Urban Routes
Laying the foundations of professional ambulance driving
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Course welcome, licence checks & introductions
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Eyesight tests
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Vehicle checks (VDI/PDI) – theory and practical
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System of car control: mirrors, smoothness, attitude
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Tyres on tarmac, braking techniques, line of least resistance
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Driving plans and observation links
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Reversing and low-speed manoeuvres
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Road signs exam & workbook review
Week 2 – Intermediate Module: Rural & Motorway Driving
Level up your skills with high-speed and long-distance routes
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Motorway layout, hazards, signage, lane discipline
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Advanced cornering, limit points, and positioning (P1–P6)
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Road reading & vehicle physics
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Safe overtaking techniques
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Emergency driving law & exemptions
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Navigation and route planning
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Theory exam & consolidation drives
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Workbook and portfolio review
Week 3 – Blue Light Module: Urban & Rural Response
Your first real blue light response training
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Tutor-led demonstration drives under blue light
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Initial coached drives in real-time traffic conditions
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Driving in low-light/night conditions using emergency devices
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Fatigue awareness & night-shift simulation
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A&E navigation drills
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Final workbook review and readiness for assessment
🕒 Seasonal night time drive:
• Winter: 10:00–20:00
• Summer: 14:00–00:00
Week 4 – Final Assessments & Certification
Putting it all together
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Full skill consolidation
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Mock final assessment
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Independent driving assessment
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Portfolio sign-off and course review
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Evaluation and certification
✅ Course Facts
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🕒 Duration: 4 weeks (120 guided learning hours)
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📍 Location: Sentinel Ambulance Service HQ, Manchester
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🎓 Award: Level 3 Certificate in Emergency Response Ambulance Driving
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📘 Awarding Body: Qualsafe Awards (Nationally Recognised & Regulated)
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🚗 Vehicles: Real on-road emergency response ambulances
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👨🏫 Instruction: Delivered by experienced emergency services professionals
💼 Assessment:
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2 x MCQ exams
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1 x workbook
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4 x practical on-road assessments
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👥 Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for:
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Emergency Care Assistants
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FREC 3, FREC 4 & FREUC 5 clinicians
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NHS or private ambulance service applicants
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Event medics and those pursuing a pre-hospital care career
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Anyone needing that all-important “blue light ticket”
🔒 Entry Requirements
To enrol on this course, you must:
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Be aged 18+ on the first day of the course
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Hold a full valid UK driving licence
⚠️ Spaces are limited and demand is high. Early booking is strongly advised.
💬 What Our Learners Say
“The whole team made me feel extremely comfortable and made the learning very fun, understandable, and engaging.” – Madison
“Loved every minute of it.” – Emma
“Amazing course and delivery. Really enjoyed the scenarios — both in theory and on the road. It all came together and boosted my confidence.” – Georgia
“Fantastic trainer; very engaging.” – Holly
“Matt is very supportive and made sure we understood every concept. 10/10.” – Sarah
“Matt and Andrew made learning hands-on, visual, and realistic. Everyone felt included and confident.” – Darcey
📝 Book Today
Ready to accelerate your career and earn your blue light driving qualification?
Secure your place today — limited availability, high demand.