Fleet Driver Training FAQ’s | Fleet Vehicle Training Courses Essex

How often should refresher training for fleet drivers take place?
It is recommended that you do some form of refresher driver training every 1 – 2 years. In addition, it is important to check driving licences more often to ensure a driver has not picked up extra points and may benefit from some additional training. It is vital to monitor accident rates and carry out regular risk assessments.

Why should we take fleet driver training seriously?
It is estimated that a third of all road traffic accidents involve someone who is at work at the time. Extensive research has also shown that approximately 20 people are killed each week as a direct result of such accidents.

I already check licences, we have a driving for work policy and the vehicles are all under 2 years old and serviced regularly. Are we not doing enough already?
It’s a good start that you check licences and have a driving for work policy in place and this certainly goes a long way to ensuring your drivers are aware of their responsibilities. When your vehicles are serviced, they will no doubt be in a roadworthy condition. However, who takes responsibility between each service? Are you certain your drivers truly appreciate and carry out their responsibilities when it comes to daily maintenance of the vehicle? We can ensure your drivers truly appreciate this and take responsibility. We can also perform a detailed licence check on all drivers, if required.

I only employ drivers I can trust. They are good drivers and have never had an accident so why would they need a fleet risk assessment?
Every driver within your business can be a potential risk – even the experienced and trustworthy ones. A crash only has to happen once to cause serious injury (or worse) and disruption to your business. If you make the assumption that your drivers are ‘good drivers’ you will never properly identify any risks present in their driving – and as such you will not be able to act to reduce them. In the event of a fatality, your procedures are likely to be investigated and without regular risk assessments, your business will be at risk of prosecution. You must be able to show that you have taken reasonable steps to ensure the safety of your drivers while at work.

Once a risk assessment has been completed, how will I know which areas my drivers should focus on to improve?
We will compile a full, detailed written report on each driver which will clearly highlight all strengths and weaknesses. It will be immediately clear which areas pose a high risk to the driver and to your business. We will include advice for the driver on how to take action to reduce each risk. We will also provide you with an overall company report which will include our advise on what action to take to reduce risk within your fleet. We can revisit to support any action you take, if required.

Is a 10% saving on fuel, following any training realistic?
Absolutely. And it’s very easily achievable, providing your driver follows the advice of our professional trainers. For a car averaging 40mpg, only very simple changes to driving style are required to change the car’s fuel consumption to 44mpg. You’ll very quickly see a difference in your fuel costs.

Will my business benefit in any other way after training?
As well as seeing a significant saving on fuel, consumable items on the car, such as brakes and tyres will last longer. You will have a full written report to show training that has taken place. You will be able to prove you have taken steps to ensure the safety of your workforce while on the road.

I don’t have any company owned vehicles. My staff use their own vehicles and claim mileage through our expenses scheme. Surely they don’t need a risk assessment, as we don’t own their vehicles.
If you are asking your employees to use their own vehicle for work purposes, then the vehicle becomes their workplace. As such, you are responsible for their safety while they are in their own vehicle in the same way you would be if they were on your premises. If their vehicle has a serious defect that results in serious injury or a fatality you could be held responsible. You need to be sure that the vehicle is safe for them to use – they know how to maintain its safety, and that they are licensed and insured to drive it.

Fleet Training FAQ’s

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