October 28, 2022
Abby Nuttall
Articles
Driver training is an essential part of fleet management for any company who have a fleet or require their employees to drive as part of their role. This is regardless of whether driving is the primary function of their job or not.
As a business you have a duty of care to your employees and in terms of fleet management this does not only mean making sure the vehicles are roadworthy and safe but that the drivers know how to operate them and follow the best safety practices.
What are the Benefits of Driver Training?
Studies have shown that providing your drivers with additional driving training can lead to better skills like improved anticipation of potential hazards and road scenarios, a decrease in harsh braking and sudden acceleration as well as improved gear changing.
These changes not only make your drivers safer on the road for themselves and other road users but also reduces the wear to the vehicle through excessive or harsh driving styles which not only keeps the vehicle safe but also reduces the money you’ll spend on maintaining the vehicle.
In the UK once you pass your driving test there’s no requirement for additional training or recertification unless you are driving a particular vehicle like a HGV or need to recertify due to a previous suspension or medical condition. This means that drivers can pass their test at 17 years old and drive for decades without re-education, so they don’t adapt to modern vehicles, updated roads or changes in the law. Providing additional training and support will help boost your drivers’ knowledge and confidence which will help them be legally compliant and safer drivers which is better for everyone.
Who Needs Driving Training?
There will be many different levels of driving confidence and competency within the drivers in your business but we think that it’s important to offer training and additional support for all employees who have the use of a company car or are required to drive as part of their role.
What Types of Businesses Should Offer Driver Training?
The level of training needed may vary between drivers and some may need or ask for additional support which you should be prepared to provide. Other drivers may only need minimal support and simply need an annual refresher or update on the latest legal changes. In order to provide the right support for each of your drivers you’ll want to make sure that
Five Reasons to Invest in Driver Training
1. Safer drivers – with additional training your employees will be safer drivers reducing the risk to themselves and others on the road.
2. Improved vehicle condition – better driving habits will reduce the excessive wear on vehicles reducing the rate that components deteriorate and keeping them in better overall condition.
3. Saves the business money – you’ll have less expenditure on vehicle maintenance and accident repairs because of improved driver habits.
4. Can be tailored to target problem areas – if you have a problem with harsh braking or speed awareness within your fleet then training can be tailored to focus on these issues.
5. Bespoke training – you can opt for a customised training programme that meets each individual driver’s needs whilst still covering the issues that your business wants to tackle.
How to Implement a Driver Training Scheme
Introducing driving training can be a challenge if not managed effectively. The specific approach will vary depending on your business, fleet and drivers but in general there are a few steps we would advise.
The first is that the fleet management team needs to understand the training that’s best suited for their fleet vehicles and drivers and set out some objectives they want the training to achieve. This will need to be in line with the overall future plans for the fleet and business as a whole. These needs and objectives will regularly need reviewing as the training progresses.
Clear communication with employees is the next step. Make sure they are engaged with and receptive to the training they’re receiving to ensure the best results. The approach to this may vary between businesses and even departments but you want to communicate three things:
- Why this training is happening and how it will benefit them
- When this training is happening
- What is expected from them and what they can expect to gain from the training
When choosing a training method you want to make sure that you choose a company that understands your goals and aims with the training as well as educating and the different teaching methods required to engage all learning types.
Wessex Fleet Driver Training
One of our fleet management services is driver training so if you want help in deciding on the best training strategy for your business and implementing this strategy then we’re here to help!
Simply give us a call on 01722 322 888 and one of our team will be able to help you.
Enjoyed this article? Read more of our latest blogs below:
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