CERAD Blue Light Driving Courses
Take the first step towards a career in emergency response ambulance driving with our Level 3 CERAD driving course (Certificate in Emergency Response Ambulance Driving).
We have worked with
10th August - 4th September
Limited Places
CERAD C1 – Emergency Response Ambulance Driving 10th August – 4th September 2026
15th September - 8th October
Limited Places
CERAD C1 – Emergency Response Ambulance Driving 15th September – 8th October 2026
21st September - 15th October
Limited Places
CERAD C1 – Emergency Response Ambulance Driving 21st September – 15th October 2026
12th October - 5th November
Limited Places
CERAD C1 – Emergency Response Ambulance Driving 12th October – 5th November 2026
26th October - 19th November
Limited Places
CERAD C1 – Emergency Response Ambulance Driving 26th October – 19th November 2026
13th November - 7th December
Limited Places
CERAD C1 – Emergency Response Ambulance Driving 13th November – 7th December 2026
23rd November - 17th December
Limited Places
CERAD C1 – Emergency Response Ambulance Driving 23rd November – 17th December 2026
4th - 28th January
Limited Places
CERAD C1 – Emergency Response Ambulance Driving 4th – 28th January 2027
Level 3 Certificate in Emergency Response Ambulance Driving
The FAQ accredited Level 3 Certificate in Emergency Response Ambulance Driving (CERAD) is the nationally recognised standard for emergency ambulance driving. Whether you’re starting your career in emergency care or progressing into an ambulance crew role, CERAD is essential if you want to drive under blue light conditions as part of your job.
Our CERAD course is structured as a four-week intensive programme, typically delivered Monday to Thursday, with training days running up to 10 hours each. The programme includes both theoretical and practical elements, led by fully qualified DERADI instructors with operational experience in high-pressure emergency response environments.
Fully qualified blue light driving courses
During the CERAD course, you’ll learn to drive safely and effectively in line with College of Policing standards, with full preparation for navigating a wide range of emergency situations on the road. Upon completion, you’ll be qualified to drive emergency ambulances on active duty, including on our own frontline NHS contracts.
The course is designed for individuals who are working or planning to work as emergency ambulance clinical practitioners, Emergency Care Assistants (ECAs) and ambulance support staff.
frequently asked questions
What is the CERAD ambulance driving course?
The Level 3 Certificate in Emergency Response Ambulance Driving, is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares individuals to drive emergency ambulances under blue light conditions.
Developed to meet the operational and legal standards of NHS Ambulance Trusts, it enables drivers to claim exemptions under the Road Traffic Act and meet the Department for Transport’s high-speed driver training regulations. This qualification is a requirement for anyone looking to work as an emergency ambulance driver in both public and private sectors.
What are the key skills covered on the CERAD driving course?
Throughout the course, learners will develop skills in emergency vehicle handling, advanced roadcraft, risk assessment, route planning, defensive driving and adapting to different environments such as night driving, adverse weather and multi-surface roads.
What are the Level 3 CERAD course entry requirements?
To enrol, learners must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Hold a full UK manual driving licence for at least 2 years
- Meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standard (a medical assessment may be required)
- Be working toward or already hold a FREC 3 or higher clinical qualification
Why train with Central Medical Services?
We’re more than just a training provider; we’re a fully operational medical service delivering real emergency and medical care across the UK. Our instructors are not only DERADI-certified but also active emergency responders. That means your training is grounded in reality, focused on what works in the field, and fully aligned with the standards used across NHS and private ambulance services.
What qualification will I receive from the CERAD course?
You’ll graduate with a fully regulated Level 3 qualification, ready to support patient transport and emergency callouts under blue light conditions. This certificate is recognised and respected across the industry and is a core requirement for many ambulance service roles.
What can I expect from the Level 3 Certificate in Emergency Response Ambulance Driving (CERAD) course?
You can expect a highly structured and immersive four-week training programme, typically running Monday to Thursday over 10-hour days. Training is delivered by DERADI-qualified instructors with real emergency response experience.
You’ll split your time between classroom theory and extensive on-road driving under assessment. By the end of the course, you’ll have gained the competence and confidence to operate emergency vehicles safely and professionally, fully prepared to support NHS and private ambulance contracts.
If you already hold a recognised ERD certificate from the Police or Fire Service, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).