What is Defensive Driving?
Defensive Driving is based on the Police Driving Manual “Roadcraft” which is also seen by many as the bible of the Advanced Driver. Delegates learn how to improve their observation, anticipation and planning skills using the COAST strategy of on-road driver awareness training, so that the vehicle will always be in the right place on the road, at the right time, traveling at the right speed with the correct gear engaged and can always be stopped safely in the distance that can be seen to be clear. This method of driving also incorporates ECO-Safe routines to reduce overall risk, maximize efficiency and fuel savings
What do you do if you decide a driver fails?
The training is not a test. There is no pass or fail. But we will recommend drivers for further training if we feel they are not safe. This might be down to inexperience or lack of confidence rather than outright aggression and poor judgement. A second in vehicle session on a 1:1 ratio is usually sufficient to get the driver up to a safe standard.
What do I need to do to comply with the law?
As a minimum you should have a Management of Road Risk policy as part of your overall Health and Safety Policy and should risk assessing your drivers.
Do we need refresher training?
The HSE Management of Road Risk Guidelines suggests refresher training every two years. Most of our clients go for three years. Refresher training can comprise of a simple half day in vehicle session to remind the drivers of the salient points of Defensive Driving. Or it can be a progression to more advanced driving skills where we run a full one-day course and build on the lessons of the original course. The advanced refresher course is very much Roadcraft based and is a good platform for drivers to sit the Advanced Driving Test should they wish to do so.