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The purpose of this handbook is to make sure that all Driver Skills Limited trainers are aware of our policies and will provide a high standard of service that our customers expect. Remember that all trainers must behave in a professional manner at all times when representing Driver Skills Limited. Remember that failure to do so will result in the company losing business and you getting less work!
Qualifications
All instructors must be fully qualified ADIs and have a Fleet Training Badge. It is the instructors responsibility to ensure that all relevant badges and qualifications are kept current and a copy of each current badge is sent to Driver Skills to be kept on record.
Payments
All on road instructors are paid the same rate, for details of current pay rates please contact our office.
Dress code
Driver Skills Limited expect you to dress in a professional manner. We require our trainers to wear a white shirt or blouse, black trousers and black shoes, plus a Driverskills name badge.
No badges or items of clothing including ties must carry the name of other training organisations.
Travelling and Parking
• Please ensure that you arrive at the venue on time. When planning your journey allow yourself time for unexpected hold ups.
• On arrival at the venue park in spaces reserved for visitors. Driverskills are not responsible for any parking fines!
• Reverse into the parking space. Practice what you preach.
• If your car is sign written please do not park in the customer's car park but instead park away from the customer's premises.
This may seem harsh but clients do not like to see driving school cars in the car park as their staff get the wrong idea about the driving courses.
Meeting the client
Ideally when arranging to meet the delegate, try to meet at a hotel in the reception area or a Little Chef. If you do arrange to meet at their home try to avoid entering their house as you could be at risk of being accused of theft or assault.
Introduction
On meeting a delegate tell the delegate about Driver Skills Limited and how the course is going to be conducted.
Find out a few things about the delegate by asking.
• What sort of car do you drive?
• How many miles do you drive per year?
• What sort of driving do you mainly do?
• What concerns do you have about driving?
• What do you want to achieve from today's course?
Vehicle checks
All vehicles that are to be used for training courses must be legally roadworthy.
• Carry out a vehicle check with the delegate showing them if necessary how to check oil, water, lights etc.
• Any vehicle that is not roadworthy or legal should not be used. However if the vehicle can be repaired on the spot, for example if a tyre is worn and can be replaced with a legal spare, then the trainer should facilitate for this. Also, if the car can be driven safely to a local garage for a minor repair to be carried out, for example a blown light bulb, then again, the trainer should allow for this.
• If a vehicle cannot be made safe or legal and no other vehicle is available then the trainer must inform the office and obtain permission before leaving the venue.
Eyesight checks
Before commencing an on road training session the trainer must ensure the delegate can read a number plate from the required minimum distance with glasses if worn. If the delegate is unable to read a number plate then the trainer must inform the office and obtain permission before leaving the venue.
Document checks
The driver will be aware that he/she needs to produce their driving licence (both halves if the new plastic type) along with Insurance Certificate and MOTC (if applicable)
It is the sole responsibility of the trainer to check that all relevant documentation including Drivers Licence, Insurance Certificate and MOTC (if applicable) are correct and valid.
Liability
In agreeing to providing services to Driver Skills Limited the trainer/sub contractor accepts that he/she does so entirely at their own risk and that no claim whatsoever kind whether arising from negligence or otherwise shall be made by the trainer or on behalf of the trainer against Driver Skills Ltd, or Lionel Firn, their principals, servants or agents and agree to indemnify Driver Skills Ltd, its servants or agents against claims of whatsoever kind whether attributed to the negligence of Driver Skills Ltd its servants or agents.
All instructors/trainers must have their own liability insurance in place. We would recommend joining the DIA as a very cost effective way of obtaining this provision.
Initial assessment drive
Carry out an initial driving assessment to determine what level of risk the delegate poses to themselves or others.
For most delegates, the initial assessment can be like taking a driving test all over again so reassure them that it is not a test and engage them in small talk to help them relax. For example, ask them about their holiday or hobbies. If there are other delegates in the car then engage them in the conversation as well.
• Allow each delegate to drive for approximately 15 to 20 minutes each
• On the assessment drive if it is possible try to use a mixture of different road and traffic conditions
• Do not give feed back until all the delegates have completed their assessment.
• When giving feedback also mention the good points as well as the faults.
• Never get into an argument with the delegate and don't try to lecture them but instead listen to their points of view.
When looking for faults think about what sort of risk level the fault poses and prioritise.
• Driving too close to other vehicles and driving too fast for conditions would be regarded as a high risk and needs to be addressed immediately.
• The delegate crosses their hands past 6 or 12 o clock but has full control of their vehicle. This would be considered very low risk and may only get addressed at the end of the session if all the more serious risk areas have been corrected.
Demonstration drives
Do not give a demonstration drive for these reasons:
• A demonstration can sometimes demoralise the delegate. They see how well you drive and realise they are not as good and can feel very negative
• If you make a noticeable mistake they won't have any confidence in you
• You are not fully insured to drive their car
Practical Training
• Observations & awareness Does the delegate look ahead enough? Is the delegate aware of potential or actual hazards? Does the delegate look for clues such as people waiting at bus stops on the opposite side of the road?
Does the delegate take effective observations at junctions/roundabouts?
• Anticipation & planning Does the delegate anticipate what might happen and does the delegate plan for dealing with hazards?
With awareness, anticipation and planning the use of commentary driving is a good way to develop these skills. To begin with use question and answer techniques and use open questions in order to get the delegate thinking.
• Use of mirrors: Does the delegate check all the mirrors? Are they used before signalling, changing speed/ stopping or changing direction? Does the delegate get taken by surprise by somebody cutting in from behind?
• Use of signals: Does the delegate use the signals when other road users can benefit? If so are the signals properly timed and are they correct? Does the delegate flash or wave other road users?
• Position: How does the delegate position their vehicle? How is the car positioned through bends? How is the vehicle positioned at junctions and roundabouts?
Trainers must never encourage drivers to cross a centre line approaching left hand bends nor should they be encouraged to cut right hand bends even when vision allows. At all times trainers must follow the Highway Code. Also the trainer must emphasise that the car is positioned: 1 for safety 2 for view and 3 for smoothness through a bend.
• Space awareness: What kind of separation gap does the delegate keep from vehicles in front? When stopping behind other vehicles does the delegate leave sufficient space of being able to see the tyres of the car in front and the road? Does the delegate alter the distance when being closely followed or in adverse weather conditions? When passing hazards what kind of space is given?
• Use of speed: Are all speed limits obeyed? How does the delegate control their speed towards hazards and junctions/ roundabouts? Does the delegate make safe progress when conditions are safe?
Delegates must be encouraged to keep to speed limits at all times. However, if a delegate is not comfortable driving at the limit then they should not be forced to. If they are driving too slowly and causing a danger to others then they should be encouraged to a slightly more acceptable speed
• Braking: Are the brakes used progressively and smoothly? When braking is it continuous? Does the delegate finish their braking before arriving at the hazard or bend?
• Use of gears: Does the delegate use the gears correctly and to their advantage? Does the delegate make late gear changes or coast?
Maybe the delegate tries to drive in 30mph zones in 4th or 5th gear with the car chugging or is constantly straying over the speed limit in order to remain in the power band. By using 3rd gear they will probably have better control of the speed as they will develop better acceleration sense. Get the delegate to use the lower gear then ask them what difference to the control of the car they feel?
• Parking & Manoeuvring: Where possible delegates should be encouraged to park using reverse gear. Does the delegate manoeuvre exercising control and taking good all round effective observations?
• Attitude: How is the delegate's attitude towards the training course? Are they trying to do what is required or are they being stubborn? What is their attitude like towards other road users?
During the on road training session, it is important to get the delegate to understand their how their actions and beliefs could cause problems. This is because all drivers have their own values and beliefs.
A driver needs to self discover, so for example, if the delegate is following another vehicle too closely, then ask the delegate why they are driving that close to the vehicle in front. Listen to their reply and then encourage them to hold back to a safer position before asking them what advantage they now feel they have, by positioning away from the vehicle. If the reply is positive then you have changed their attitude.
End of course and reports
At the end of the course, the trainer should make notes on the drivers performance as a reminder of any details. Trainers must then go online and complete the on line report form within 24 hours of completing the course.
Breaks
Trainers should be sympathetic to drivers who smoke and allow for short breaks for the delegate to get out of their vehicles for a smoke. Also allow delegates to have comfort breaks.
• Tea and coffee breaks should last no longer than 15 minutes
• We suggest you mutually agree with client a suitable time to break for lunch at the start of session.
If taken in a pub DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL and if your delegate consumes any alcohol then they must not be allowed to do any more driving for the rest of the day and this must be noted on the driving report
• No payment will be paid to the trainers for their lunch and in most cases the delegate will usually pay for lunch but make sure you have sufficient means to buy your own lunch.
• You are not responsible for the delegates lunch
Breakdowns and accidents
If during the course your vehicle is involved in an accident where someone is injured (including minor injuries) seek medical help. As a trainer you are responsible for your delegates during the duration of the training.
In the event of a breakdown, see if the problem can be fixed. If not then get the delegate to contact their fleet department and at the same time contact our office.
Smoking
Driver Skills Limited operate a strict no smoking in vehicle policy which includes the client's vehicles. Also could be worth discussing the legalities in the new work place smoking laws if necessary
Mobile phones
All mobile phones should be switched off during training including the trainer's. However be sensitive to the delegates needs so if they are waiting for an important call then allow them to keep it switched on but remind them of the laws regarding the use of mobile phones in motor vehicles.
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