Defence School of Transport
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Military Driver Training Squadron (MDTS)
MDTS focuses on military driver training and combat readiness. It plays a crucial role in providing military driver training for Tri-Service students. The training is delivered by civil servants on a range of military wheeled vehicles, including Landrovers, MAN Support Vehicles (6 Tonne), and Enhanced Platform Loading Systems (EPLS).
A notable component of MDTS is Combat Troop, which comprises of military personnel from various cap badges. This troop delivers convoy driving, both on and off-road, night driving, and tactical training.
In addition to its core training programmes, MDTS offers tailored training packages, including the RLC Troop Commanders Course. These bespoke programmes are designed to equip commanders with the skills and knowledge necessary for their roles in the Field Army.
Driver Training Squadron (DTS)
DTS offers foundation and progressive driver training for a range of licences, from car (Cat B), truck (Cat C), truck and trailer (Cat C+E), coach (Cat D) to minibus (Cat D1). This training covers both theory knowledge and practical driving skills.
Contractor Driver Training (CDT) is overseen from a central location in Leconfield, with training also held at DST North and DST South. CDT offers license acquisition training for both vocational and non-vocational drivers, catering to various cap badges. This includes obtaining licenses for driving trucks and trailers (Category C+E) using contractor vehicles. However, military vehicle training is not part of CDT and is instead handled at the unit level or through the Military Driver Training Squadron at DST.
Specialist Transport & Management Squadron
Specialist Transport & Management Squadron delivers a total of 71 specialist training courses to students from all 3 Services, this includes Instructor, Operator and Mechanical Transport (MT) Management courses.
These courses cover a wide range of vehicle types including Quad Bikes, Forklift Trucks, Armoured Vehicles and Fuel Tankers, all these vehicles any many more which personnel can receive training on are utilised for a variety of tasks in support of the UK Armed Forces and UK Government both in the UK and on Deployed Operations overseas.
Mechanical Handling Equipment Section
- Rough Terrain Forklift
Rough Terrain Cargo Handler (RTCH)
MT Management
- ADR HAZMAT
- Defence Transport Manager
- RLC Master Drivers Course
- RLC Transport Specialists
MT Upgraders
- Defence Driving Examiner
- Defence General Service Driver Conversion Instructor
Communication Information Systems (CIS) Squadron
The Communications Information Squadron is a small and technically proficient team which is renowned for delivering courses to an exceptional standard, setting a benchmark for excellence in training within the realm of communication technologies. With a dedicated team of both military and civilian instructors who possess extensive expertise and practical experience, the squadron ensures that every course is meticulously designed to meet the evolving demands of the communication systems. Whether it is imparting fundamental principles or advanced techniques, they employ innovative teaching methodologies and state-of-the-art facilities to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience. Communications Specialists provide essential support to maintain communications at all times. CIS Squadron provide Communication Information support to Combat Service Support (CSS) Regiments. Operate and set up cutting-edge Communication systems in order to deploy anywhere on a digital battlefield. Through rigorous curriculum development and hands-on training exercises, the squadron prepares learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles, contributing to the overall operational readiness and effectiveness of the Army.
CIS Sqn are responsible for the delivery of quality training and advice to all Regular and Reserve CSS Arms personnel. The courses delivered capture students ranging from Private to Captain.
About
The Defence School of Transport (DST) was formed in 1996 as the ‘Centre of Excellence’ for driver training for personnel from the Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines. The school provides over 94 different course types to over 10,000 trainees from all three Services and to personnel from other Government departments.
This size of operation makes DST the largest residential driver training school in the World. In addition to core training of military personnel, DST provides support to current ops worldwide.
Driver training vehicles from the Defence School of Transport cover approximately 4.75 million miles per year. This training commitment is delivered by an establishment of 173 military and 546 civilian permanent staff.
DST also has 10 satellite locations in the UK providing car licence acquisition.
How to find us
By car:
The postcode for satnav users (which should not be solely relied upon) is HU17 7LX. DST is signposted Normandy Barracks and is located three miles north of Beverley on the A164.
Bus:
There is a station in Beverley, bus number 121 passes Leconfield.
Rail:
There is a station in Beverley that is accessible via Doncaster and Hull.
The Defence School of Transport
Normandy Barracks
Leconfield
East Yorkshire
HU17 7LX
Medical facilities
DST’s Medical and Dental Centres are run by dedicated medical staff and have all the facilities you would expect to find in an NHS medical centre or dental practice.
These facilities are available to all military staff.
Sports facilities
The gymnasium and Multi Activity Sports Hall (MASH) are available to staff and students at DST. The gymnasium has a wide range of free weights and resistance machines and extensive selection of modern equipment to aid cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance. The gymnasium also accommodates two squash courts.
Staff and Students have the opportunity to take part in the sports clubs below:
| Basketball | Cross-Country | Cricket |
| Rugby | Football | Hockey |
| Athletics | Golf | Boxing |
| Squash | Cycling | Triathlon |
| Netball | Swimming | Enduro (motor bike) |
| Mountain Biking | Sub Aqua diving | Skiing |
| Mountaineering | Parachuting |
Orienteering |
A number sports pitches and tennis courts and a Trim Trail are also available.
Education facilities
DST has its own staff training team who deliver a wide range of training on site from DIT and DIME to a three-day FAW and Defibulator training to both Military and Civilian Staff. Student development is aided by Deflog Trust who assists in student education and the provision of Modern Apprenticeships (driving)
Free access to the Internet is widely available across DST.
Shopping & Leisure
There is a Londis store within Normandy Barracks for your everyday essentials. Tesco, Asda and Morrison’s stores are located in the market town of Beverley just two miles away.
In addition to the ‘Pay as you dine’ facilities, DST offers a wide range of food outlets throughout the site; you can take advantage of the Costa Coffee and Subway outlets or Bar 202 in the evening. The HUB is also available; there you will find a variety of entertainment, such as a cinema and games room and an internet facility.
Laundrette: The laundrette is open from 7am to 10pm daily.
Welfare Support
As a Defence School, DST has a range of Arms and Cap Badges who may require some form of Welfare Support. DST has an obligation to support welfare to all training personnel from Initial Trade Training (ITT) and Subsequent Trade Training (STT), military and civil service, as well as the enablers, Permanent Staff and their dependants.
To enable this diverse support, the Welfare Team, headed up by the Unit Welfare Officer, comprises of a number of supporting agencies, the Student Focus Team, the Padre, WRVS, HIVE, AWS and SSAFA to name a few. Each supporting agency has received a unique level of training and they ensure that each individual receives the appropriate level of information, comfort and support; all within the code of confidentiality.
DST Safeguarding Red Lines
The DST Safeguarding Red Lines are shown opposite.
TRUK
Trust, Respect, Understanding and Kindness (TRUK) are the core values that the Defence College of Support (DCSp) and its constituent schools should understand, communicate, and strive to deliver every day.
TRUK both underpins and is supported by the wrap of Safety, Welfare, D&I and Wellbeing.
All these initiatives are key to delivering an operationally focussed, effective and efficient training organisation that aims to be both enjoyable to visit and work in.
