Dual controls are fitted to driving school cars so that the driving instructor can stop the car in the event of a safety critical incident.
On a manual driving school car, dual controls consist of dual brake and clutch. On an automatic car there is only one dual control which is a brake pedal.
Getting dual controls fitted to a car is a special modification which requires a different type of insurance policy. Although members of the public may be able to get dual controls fitted, they shouldn't do so unless they're a licensed PDI or ADI. It's illegal to give driving instruction for money or monies worth. Having dual controls fitted without being licensed could get you accused of illegal driving instruction and could invalidate your insurance!
There are two types of dual control:
Static
The advantages of static dual controls are; you are less likely to get your foot trapped under them and thus, are safer.
The disadvantage of static pedals are; it can be difficult to tell if the pupil is coasting when dark. This is because you'll not be able to see in the footwell and you'll not be able feel the dual controls move.
Passive
The advantages of passive dual controls are; you can easily sense when the pupil pushes a pedal, even in the dark.
The disadvantages of passive dual controls are; you are more likely to get your foot trapped under them and thus, could be considered as unsafe.
If you're a driving school or driving instructor it is vitally important that you get the best dual controls supplied and fitted at a competitive price.
DoDrive® Driving School asked our network of driving instructors which dual control supply and fit companies they use, why they choose to use them, what car they had them fitted on, and how much they paid for them to be supplied and fitted. From this data we created our A-Z list of recommended dual control suppliers and fitters.
If you have anything to add, then please contact us telling us which dual control supplier and fitter you used, why you choose to use them, what car you had them fitted on, and how much you paid for them to be supplied and fitted.
In alphabetical order;
Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, London, Norfolk, Suffolk
London & Southern Counties
National approved suppliers and fitters
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, London, Norfolk, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex
Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Coventry, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, London, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Plymouth, Sheffield, York
Essex, Kent, London, Surrey, Sussex