Fleet driver training

It has been estimated that up to a third of all road traffic accidents involve somebody who is driving for work at the time. This may account for over 20 fatalities and 250 serious injuries every week (i.e. over 1,000 per year).

Some employers believe, that provided they comply with certain road traffic law requirements, e.g. company vehicles have a valid MOT certificate, and that drivers hold a valid licence, this is enough to ensure the safety of their employees, and others, when they are on the road. However, health and safety law applies to on-the-road work activities as well as to all other work activities, and the risks should be effectively managed within a health and safety management system.

The above is extracted from HSE/Department for Transport (DfT) guidance notes "Driving at Work".

LDC fleet driver training services and products

LDC Fleet can help you undertake an overall risk assessment of work related driving in your business and formulate a suitable safe driving policy and any necessary procedures, documents or systems. In addition we can provide computerised and in-car driver risk assessments with the follow up options of online training, classroom training or in vehicle training as may be required. Collectively this is sometimes referred to as occupational road risk management or fleet risk management or management of occupational road risk.

Defensive, advanced, corporate, eco-safe driver training

The style of driving taught is often referred to as defensive driving, advanced driving, corporate driving or more recently eco-safe driving. Essentially they are the same and the driver training given is virtually identical.

Energy Savings TrustThere are many techniques which drivers can use to significantly reduce fuel costs, one of the best way for drivers to learn these techniques is to participate in a one hour Eco-driving training session. These sessions have a proven track record and have helped drivers to achieve considerable savings on fuel, as well as reducing accident risk. Drivers are trained by suitably qualified fleet driver trainers. Client Centred Learning Ltd have been appointed by the Energy Saving Trust to carry out this training programme on their behalf.

The Subsidised Eco-driving Training scheme benefits from a grant via the Department for Transport and will run until 31 March 2015. There are 8,500 driver training places available during the current financial year

The key benefits of Eco-driving include:

15% reduction in fuel consumption*

15% reduction in CO2*

DfT figures*

The scheme is open to drivers of cars and vans (not exceeding 3,500kg) with either an manual or automatic transmission

The cost of the session can be as low as £10 (after subsidy) and lasts one hour

The training session costs are all tax-deductible

please note:

  • The Scheme only operates in England
  • Training must take place in England
  • Training is not available to private individuals.

Golden rules to save fuel

  • Anticipate Traffic Flow
  • Maintain a steady speed at low engine speed
  • change up through the gears early
  • Check tyre pressures regularly (at least once a month)
  • Remove roof racks when not in use
  • Drive at an appropriate speed and within the speed limit
  • Remove any unnecessary clutter from the vehicle

The video below will give you some more information