Driver Development Course

Objective of the course

To improve driver skills with the aim of reducing the risks associated with driving, and coaching on how to become a more economical driver.

Each course will be individually tailored to the needs of your company. In general, the course is run to a ratio of one trainer for every one or two delegates.

For the benefit of the delegates, we advise that they use a vehicle that they are familiar with. However, a vehicle can be provided if required.

Course Content

•  Short Theory Session

This is informal and intended to get delegates thinking in the right direction. It includes discussion of different road situations and the benefits of effective forward planning and defensive driving.

•  Practical

A driving session which covers as many different road situations as practicable. An initial assessment of each driver’s skill level is followed by coaching tailored to the needs of that delegate. The trainer will give a demonstration drive with full commentary if necessary.

•  Feedback

The employer and each delegate receive a full written report and are given the opportunity to discuss any further coaching needs.

Driver risk assessment course

Objective of the course

To provide you with a report detailing the level of risk each delegate represents.

Each course will be individually tailored to the needs of your company. In general, the course is run to a ratio of one trainer for every three delegates. The total time per delegate is about 2 hours. Whilst each delegate is having a driving assessment, the others may return to normal duties.  

For the benefit of the delegates, we advise that they use a vehicle that they are familiar with. However, a vehicle can be provided if required.

Course format

•  Short Theory Session (all delegates together)

This is informal and intended to get delegates thinking in the right direction.   Delegates are set a number of theory questions with multiple choice answers.

•  Risk Assessment of Delegate(s)

Each delegate is assessed in turn by observation over a half-hour driving session taking in as many varied road conditions as is practical.

•  Coaching

Our coaches assess each delegate in turn and provide constructive coaching to rectify any areas of concern.

•  Final Assessment

A final risk assessment and grading of each driver on the road.

•  Feedback

Each delegate is told the grade they achieved and given a full written report for themselves and their company.  The report will advise if further coaching is recommended.   

Safe And Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED) Course

SAFED for vans has been designed as a single course aimed at improving the safe and fuel efficient driving techniques of LCV drivers.

SAFED training has been developed specifically to enable both fleet operators and training providers to implement driver training within the LCV industry. It provides training and development for existing LCV drivers through instruction relating to vehicle and road craft.

The benefits of SAFED

For fleet operators:

By developing the skills of their van drivers, in line with SAFED, employers benefit from:

• Fewer accidents,
• Less vehicle down time,
• Reduced fuel consumption,
• Increased productivity and vehicle utilisation,
• Increased resale value of vehicles,
• Reduced running costs (particularly relating to maintenance and tyres),
• Potential reduction in insurance premiums,
• Reduced environmental impact.

For van drivers:

Drivers develop a skill that promotes their safety and that of the vehicle, their load and other road users. Through fuel efficient driving, drivers raise their levels of professionalism and become a greater asset to their employer. Personal benefits include:

• Reduced risk of accidents whilst driving,
• Reduced stress levels,
• Increased confidence in vehicle control and driving technique,
• Potential financial incentives,
• Job efficiency and professionalism.

Costs

This is a government-subsidised course and is funded according to the number of employees within the company.

Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS)

Minibuses are regularly used to transport all kinds of people, old and young. A failure of understanding, inexperience and skill of the minibus driver can result in high maintenance and repair costs and may even result in injury or loss of life. Added to this, minibus drivers often feel they have been asked to conduct a task for which they are poorly qualified and can lack confidence.

Practical training and assessment is essential for ensuring that anyone who drives a minibus has the necessary knowledge, understanding, capability and attitude to do so safely, reducing the risk to drivers, passengers and other road users. It also increases the comfort of passengers and, particularly important when children are involved, reassures parents that their family is in safe hands. Added benefits include reduced running and maintenance costs, and possibly reduced insurance premiums.

Driver training will normally include:

• Familiarisation with the vehicle;
• Vehicle checks that should be conducted before and after each journey;
• Emergency procedures;
• Passenger care, including disability awareness (if applicable);
• Using passenger lifts or ramps (if relevant);
• Loading, unloading and securing passengers travelling in wheelchairs and stowing wheelchairs not in use during the journey (if relevant);
• Proper use of seat belts, harnesses and other passenger safety equipment;
• On-road assessment on the types of roads the driver is likely to use (e.g. motorways or dual carriageways, urban and/or rural roads).

Nominated Persons Occupational Road Risk Assessor Training

Larger companies may find it more cost effective to have a number of their own employees trained in how to conduct On-Road Driver Risk Assessments. This is a three-day course designed to equip those nominated with all the skills required to carry out such assessments.

Objective of the course

To provide the nominated people with the skills required to accurately assess a driver’s risk and level of driving skill.

The course is split into three modules and to successfully complete the course the delegate must pass all three modules:

§     Module 1- Highway Code knowledge

§     Module 2 - Delegates own driving skills

§     Module 3 – Conducting a risk assessment

Day 1

Introductions

Aims & objectives

Module 1- Highway Code theory and test

Assessment of delegates’ own driving skills

Module 2- Coaching on delegates’ own driving skills

Day 2

Module 2 - Coaching on delegates’ own driving skills

Driving skills test

Module 3 - Coaching on how to conduct a risk assessment

Day 3

Module 3 - Coaching on how to conduct a risk assessment

Risk assessment test

Costs

Costs will depend upon location, number of delegates and need for a vehicle.  To discuss your precise requirements and obtain a quotation, please contact us.

B + E Trailer Towing Courses

If you passed your test after 1997 you might not be licensed to tow a trailer such as a boat or caravan.  The regulations are complex but if you want to know all the details just click the link below to get the most recent information directly from the Driving Standards Agency.

If you are not sure whether you are licensed to tow have a look at your driving licence and see if the letters B+E appear at the bottom.  If they do, you’re OK.  If not, we can help.

We have the facilities and vehicles needed to train people to pass their B+E Test.  If you’ve never towed before we suggest a three-day course; if you have some experience at towing, you may just need two days.

The training is held at Milton Keynes. The course covers driving with a trailer including reversing manoeuvres, coupling and uncoupling, carrying a safe load and generally brings your driving up to an acceptable standard.