Regardless of the number of vehicles you use for business, it is important to provide your drivers with on-going training that helps them stay safe while driving. Driver training can help identify bad driving practices, teach them about high-risk driving situations and encourage them to utilize defensive driving strategies.
Keeping your drivers safe on the road will also reduce your risk of vehicle damage. This will result in lower maintenance costs, higher trade-in values and a better overall experience for your customers.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is a type of driving training that teaches students how to avoid or reduce the risk of a car accident. This type of driver training is particularly helpful for people who are inexperienced drivers or new to the roads.
The basic goal of defensive driving is to prevent or minimize car accidents by avoiding hazards that can cause crashes, such as speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving. It also focuses on how to react quickly in the event of an accident.
A driver with defensive driving skills looks ahead at least ten seconds or a quarter of a mile to scan the road and anticipate potential dangers. They also adjust their driving behavior when road conditions change unexpectedly.
They can use this skill to drive safely in poor weather and keep their eyes on the road even when they are tired or drowsy. They will be able to react fast and avoid accidents.
Drivers can learn more about defensive driving through a variety of online courses. Some of these are free, while others may cost money.
Taking a defensive driving course is a good way to improve your driving skills and increase your knowledge of traffic laws. It also reduces your insurance costs and helps you to lower your driver’s license points.
In addition, many states offer incentives for completing defensive driving courses. For example, in New York, drivers who pass an accredited defensive driving course can save 10% or more on their auto insurance for three years.
Another benefit of defensive driving is that it reduces the risk of injuries and fatalities in a car crash. This includes deaths and injuries related to speeding, alcohol, and distracted driving.
It also reduces the number of vehicle collisions, which can lead to expensive repairs and insurance claims. This makes it a good choice for business owners and commercial fleets looking to save money on auto insurance and increase the safety of their employees.
A defensive driving course can be taken in a classroom or at home. It can be completed in a few hours and can help to improve your skills. It’s important to choose a course that works for you and your schedule. This way you can get the most out of your time.
Advanced Driving
Whether you’re looking to refresh your driving skills or want to improve your confidence behind the wheel, there are a number of advanced driving courses available. They can help you get a better understanding of how to operate your vehicle safely and efficiently, and they can also reduce your car insurance costs.
Advanced driver training helps drivers develop skills that improve their awareness of road conditions and other drivers, and can improve their ability to respond to emergency situations. These are called ‘road safety’ techniques, and they can make a big difference to your level of comfort as a driver.
These courses can be taken for a wide range of age groups, from young drivers to over-70s who may be looking to improve their knowledge of traffic laws. They can also help to prepare you for the job market, as employers will often prefer applicants who can show a strong commitment to upholding the law and road safety regulations.
The majority of advanced driver training takes place in a classroom environment, but some are done in a more hands-on way. These include behind-the-wheel driving schools, where students have the opportunity to shadow experienced drivers for a day.
Many of these schools have been around for years, and they offer the same benefits that other advanced driver training programs do: namely that they are effective at improving driving skills and safety. These programs are based on neurocognitive science and use real-life driving simulations to teach drivers how to avoid those situations that account for 90% of crashes.
You can take a driving course at any time, so it’s never too late to start learning. You can do this at a driving school or by taking online courses, and there are some even designed specifically for older drivers.
IAM RoadSmart’s advanced driving course is a good option for those looking to boost their skills and confidence as a driver. It’s based on the ‘System of car control’, described in the Police Driver’s Handbook and is aimed at helping drivers to be more consistent and systematic in their driving.
Passenger Vehicle Training
Passenger vehicle training is a great way to learn more about driving and the best safety practices. It can also prepare you for a career as a shuttle driver, which involves driving large vans from airports to hotels or other destinations.
One of the most important aspects of passenger vehicle training is learning how to safely handle large passengers in a small space. This includes knowing how to properly load and unload passengers, preparing for roadside emergencies, and maneuvering through traffic.
While there are several types of passenger vehicles, some of the most common include city buses, school buses, shuttles, and tour buses. Each type of passenger vehicle has its own unique set of safety considerations and driver requirements.
Despite their unique features, they all have a few similarities. A passenger vehicle can be a big machine with a lot of moving parts, which means they require specialized inspection and maintenance.
Aside from learning how to inspect your passenger vehicle in accordance with federal safety regulations, you should also know about the latest and greatest technologies for identifying hazards, preventing damage, and protecting people from harm. You should also know about how to handle a variety of weather conditions and avoid sudden road and traffic hazards that can be a hazard for you or your passengers.
The best passenger vehicle training programs should teach you about the latest safety technology, how to recognize a safe lane, and how to navigate complicated intersections. You should also learn about the best practices for securing passengers, how to properly load and unload cargo, and other important passenger vehicle safety tips. You should also learn the right way to operate the most popular safety devices, including a good airbag and braking system.
Commercial Vehicle Training
Commercial driving training is the process of becoming licensed to drive a commercial vehicle. This includes learning about the different types of vehicles and how to operate them safely on the road. It also includes learning about the laws that apply to the trucking industry and how they are regulated.
There are several types of commercial driver’s license (CDL) training programs available, including those offered by community colleges, private truck driving schools and trucking companies. Each type of school has its own specific characteristics and requirements, so prospective students should research each option before choosing one.
CDL training generally involves a few weeks of classroom and hands-on driving instruction before taking the state test to receive a commercial driver’s license. This includes learning about different kinds of trucks, trucking regulations and safety tips.
In addition, the driver must pass a drug screen and have a current DOT physical before taking the CDL exam. In some cases, the student may be required to obtain a waiver from his or her doctor if certain medical conditions prevent him or her from operating a large vehicle.
Many trucking companies offer free or low-cost CDL training in exchange for a commitment to hire the driver upon graduation. This type of arrangement is typically negotiated in writing and is a contract between the trucking company and the trainee.
Newly licensed truck drivers often spend a significant amount of time on the road in the first few months after obtaining their CDL. During this period, they are usually paired with experienced drivers who have to show them the ropes and who help them learn how to handle the different types of truck that are on the road.
A good CDL school should also provide a variety of career services to guide students toward finding employment after graduating from the program. This can include helping them find a trucking company or setting up an interview with a carrier.
The CVTA is the largest association representing commercial driver training schools in the U.S. The mission of the association is to improve and advance the commercial truck driver training industry through advocacy, education and certification. Its members represent over 225 programs in 43 states that train nearly 60,000 drivers annually.