The 2021 edition places a much stronger emphasis on self-evaluation and coaching compared to older versions.
Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook (2020/2021 edition) serves as the definitive UK guide for advanced driving, utilizing the IPSGA system (Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration) for hazard management. This edition features updated content on ADAS, electric vehicles, overtaking techniques, and human factors to address modern driving challenges. Learn more on the official Roadcraft website. Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook - Amazon.com
The 2021-available edition of Roadcraft: The Police Driver’s Handbook
serves as a definitive guide for advanced driving, featuring updated content on Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), electric vehicles, and revised overtaking techniques. Central to the handbook is the "System of Car Control," a five-phase approach aimed at maximizing safety and efficiency in all driving scenarios. For purchasing options, visit the official Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook
Roadcraft: The Police Driver’s Handbook is the official gold-standard manual for advanced driving in the UK, used by emergency services and civilian advanced driving groups like IAM RoadSmart The Police Foundation The latest edition was published in
(replacing the 2013 version) to include modern vehicle technology and updated safety standards. Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook How to Access the 2021 Edition
The handbook is a copyrighted publication produced by the Police Foundation and TSO (The Stationery Office). The Police Foundation Official PDF & Digital Versions
: You can purchase an official PDF download or access the digital content through the Roadcraft e-learning platform Roadcraft App
: A dedicated app is available for iOS and Android, offering the full digital handbook, exclusive videos of maneuvers, and a searchable index. Physical Copy : Available at major retailers like or directly from the Official Roadcraft Site Guide to the 2021 Updates
The 2021 edition introduced several key updates to reflect the modern driving landscape: Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook
Many novice drivers confuse the two. Here is the distinction:
| Feature | The Highway Code | Roadcraft (2021) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Audience | All road users (drivers, cyclists, pedestrians) | Police drivers & advanced motorists | | Standard | Legal minimum (pass your test) | Professional mastery (beyond the test) | | Tone | Rules & regulations (must/should) | Psychological & technical principles | | Example | "Do not overtake on a bend." | "How to analyse the limit point on a bend to decide if overtaking is physically possible." |
You cannot pass a police driving course with only the Highway Code; you need Roadcraft. Conversely, you cannot drive legally without the Highway Code; you need both.
Overview
Content & Structure
Strengths
Weaknesses
Practical Use
Overall Assessment
Roadcraft: The Police Driver’s Handbook (2021 Edition) remains the "gold standard" for advanced driving, used not just by emergency services but also by civilian driving instructors and safety-conscious motorists. Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook Core Update: What’s New in the 2021 Edition?
The 2021 edition (released late 2020) was fully revised to address the evolving road landscape, including vehicle technology and modern traffic psychology. Key updates include: Overtaking Overhaul
: A completely revised chapter with distinct sections for passing stationary vehicles, single-stage overtakes, and multi-stage overtakes. ADAS & Electric Vehicles : A new chapter on Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
and a dedicated section on electric vehicles and their unique transmission systems. Advanced Concepts
: Enhanced explanations of "limit points" on left-hand bends and "observation links" to help drivers gather information from cross-views more effectively. Human Factors
: A focus on the psychological aspects of driving, helping drivers manage mental skills, attitude, and fatigue. Amazon.com The "System of Car Control" The heart of the handbook is the System of Car Control , a five-stage decision-making tool for navigating hazards: Roadcraft: the police driver's handbook - Amazon.com
The 2021 edition of Roadcraft: The Police Driver’s Handbook serves as the definitive guide for advanced driving, covering modern vehicle technologies like ADAS and electric vehicle specifics alongside the IPSGA method. Updated with new guidance on complex overtakes and mental preparedness, this resource is crucial for enhancing driver safety. The handbook is available in digital and print formats, with official details found at TSO Shop. Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook
Introduction to Roadcraft
Roadcraft is a driving technique that emphasizes observation, planning, and smooth control of a vehicle to ensure safe and efficient travel. The Police Driver's Handbook, also known as the Roadcraft manual, is a comprehensive guide used by police drivers to develop their driving skills. The 2021 edition of the handbook provides updated guidance on roadcraft techniques, which can benefit all drivers.
Key Principles of Roadcraft
The roadcraft technique is built around four key principles:
Observation Techniques
Effective observation is critical to roadcraft. Drivers should:
Planning and Anticipation
Good planning and anticipation enable drivers to:
Smooth Control
Smooth control of the vehicle is essential to maintain a safe speed and position. Drivers should:
Positioning on the Road
Positioning on the road is critical to maximize visibility and minimize risk. Drivers should:
By applying the principles of roadcraft, drivers can significantly reduce their risk of being involved in an accident and improve their overall driving skills.
Roadcraft: The Police Driver’s Handbook (2020/2021 edition) is the recognized standard for advanced driving, featuring the IPSGA system for managing hazards. It covers modern vehicle technology, improved overtaking techniques, and driver psychology, with a new edition expected in October 2025. Purchase the official digital or hardcopy versions at the TSO Shop.
Roadcraft - the police drivers handbook - Safe Driving For Life
The most significant feature of the 2020/2021 edition Roadcraft: The Police Driver’s Handbook
is its comprehensive update to align with modern vehicle technology and advanced driving methodologies. Safe Driving For Life Key New Features & Updates New Vehicle Technology Chapters : It includes dedicated sections on Electric Vehicles (EVs)
, covering their transmission systems and specific handling requirements, as well as Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) like lane-keeping and collision avoidance. Enhanced Overtaking Guidance
: The overtaking chapter was fully revised to include detailed sub-sections on passing stationary vehicles, single-stage overtakes, and multi-stage overtakes. Visual Learning Tools : The handbook features new full-color 3D illustrations
and diagrams that demonstrate complex concepts such as positioning, limit points on left-hand bends, and observation links. Reflective Practice roadcraft the police drivers handbook pdf 2021
: A focus on "reflective practice" and self-assessment is integrated to help drivers systematically improve their skills and decision-making under stress. Low-Speed & Emergency Response
: New chapters specifically address maneuvering at low speeds and specialized techniques for emergency response driving. Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook Standard "Gold Standard" Elements Roadcraft - The Police Foundation
Introduction
Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook is a comprehensive guide for police drivers in the United Kingdom. The handbook provides guidance on the safe and effective operation of police vehicles, as well as the skills and techniques required for police driving. The 2021 edition of Roadcraft is the latest version of the handbook, which has been updated to reflect changes in road safety, vehicle technology, and policing practices.
Overview of Roadcraft
Roadcraft is published by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) and is used by police forces across the UK. The handbook covers a range of topics, including:
Key Principles of Roadcraft
The handbook emphasizes several key principles, including:
Police Driving Techniques
The handbook covers a range of police driving techniques, including:
Changes in the 2021 Edition
The 2021 edition of Roadcraft includes several updates and changes, including:
Conclusion
Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook is an essential resource for police drivers in the UK. The 2021 edition provides updated guidance on the safe and effective operation of police vehicles, as well as the skills and techniques required for police driving. By following the principles and techniques outlined in the handbook, police drivers can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers, and other road users.
You can find the PDF version of Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook 2021 on the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) website or other online platforms. However, please note that the handbook is primarily intended for police drivers and may not be suitable for public use. The 2021 edition places a much stronger emphasis
The good news is that you can legally obtain the Roadcraft 2021 content as a genuine eBook and also as a physical book. The official publisher (TSO) and major retailers (like Amazon, Google Play Books, and the Police Foundation) sell the digital version.
If you acquire the official digital handbook, here is how to maximise it: