I have completed the relevant training course and I am registered with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) for the purpose of delivering ‘Fleet’ driver training.

This is a course that helps Employers manage the Health and Safety risks associated with their employees who are engaged in driving activities as part of their employment.

There are many aspects to this training, from a basic assessment of the employees driving and thereafter providing the relevant training to either improve or assist them maintain an existing skill.

In addition, there is the potential for reducing the associated ‘Direct Costs’ involved with company vehicles such as;

· Improved fuel efficiency

· Lower insurance premiums

· Reduced vehicle maintenance

· Fewer vehicles off the road

And then there are the potential ‘Indirect Costs’ for example;

· Reduced compensation claims from employees and third parties

· Reduced legal fees

· Lower work related stress

· Fewer lost working days

· Less ‘investigation’ paperwork and associated time

Other issues that may be considered include Drink or Drug related driving, general fatigue and also the use of mobile phones.

Health and Safety legislation is something that both the employer and their employees have a legal duty to comply with and the wider implications, in terms of the overall risks for those involved in the use of motor vehicles during the course of their business or employment cannot and should not be underestimated.

Statistically there is an abundance of evidence available to show that those individuals who, as a result of their employment drive higher than average miles are at a greater risk of being involved in a road collision. This is despite the myth that they may have gained more experience, through their high mileage activities, and the reality is that the fact they are on the roads longer then the greater the risk.This does not mean that those employees who drive much shorter distances should be ignored as the risks on short journeys can be as high.

Add to this the fact that many have not received any training since they passed their initial driving test …ask yourself when did you last read the Highway code or have an assessment of your driving… and suddenly the risks begin to expose themselves.

In simple terms, to the ‘Employer’;

‘Protect the investments you have in your employees and vehicle fleet’

To the ‘Employee’;

‘Ask your employer for training…you know it makes sense…’

Please call to discuss your requirements.

Training can be provided to individuals, on a 121basis or to groups, in respect of the theory phase of the programme followed by individual driver assessment and training.

From this date you are only entitled to drive a motor vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass (MAM) and, depending on the MAM of the vehicle and trailer you may only be able to tow a trailer up to 750kgs.  

To obtain group: B + E on your licence you will need to take a further driving test which is conducted at the DSA HGV test centre facility.

This is not just about your car and caravan…if you tow a trailer at work this still applies. 

Remember …If you do drive and tow a trailer when you have not obtained the correct licence you risk being convicted of several offences including potentially no insurance.

Example – Vehicle Combinations;

A vehicle with an unladen weight of 1.25 tonnes and a MAM of 2 tonnes coupled with a trailer with a MAM of 1.25 tonnes could be driven by the holder of a category B entitlement. This is because the MAM of the combination does not exceed 3.5 tonnes and, the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle. 

Whereas …

The same vehicle with an unladen weight of 1.25 tonnes and a MAM of 2 tonnes when coupled with a trailer with a MAM of 1.5 tonnes would fall within category B+E. This is because although the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is within the 3.5 tonnes MAM limit, the MAM of the trailer is more than the unladen weight of the towing vehicle. 

Therefore, and to comply with the law …

Category B+E allows vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes MAM to be combined with trailers in excess of 750kgs MAM. To obtain this entitlement new category B licence holders have to pass a further practical test for category B+E but you will be pleased to know that there is no category B+E theory test. 

MAM = Maximum Authorised Mass or Gross Weight

Pass Plus is an established training course aimed at new drivers and was designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry.

Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident in the first two years after passing their test, due to lack of driving experience. Pass Plus is not a driving test but a 6 hour course (minimum) that will build on your current skills and knowledge. It will teach you how to anticipate, plan for and deal with all kinds of hazards, and help you become a more confident driver.

A Pass Plus course can be taken at any time, but it’s ideally taken in the first year after passing your driving test.

Pass Plus consists of six modules about driving in different conditions:

Driving around a town

The first module has two parts. It begins with an introduction to Pass Plus, explaining the course aims and the skills and knowledge to be covered.

The second part is a practical session covering the different features of driving in a town, such as complex junctions and public transport.

You’ll focus on:

• observation, judgement and awareness
• eye contact
• consideration for vulnerable road users
• showing caution
• keeping space around your car

All weather driving

This module will be covered as much as possible in a practical session. You’ll focus on correct speed, safe stopping distances, plus seeing and being seen in:

• rain
• sleet, snow and ice
• mist and fog
• bright sunshine

You’ll also look at skidding, and:

• what causes skids
• how to prevent skids
• correcting slow-speed skids
• braking on poor surfaces
• aquaplaning

Driving in the countryside

This module looks at the main differences between town and country driving:

• observing the road ahead
• making progress safely
• bends, hills, uneven roads and dead ground
• keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead
• safe overtaking

It focuses especially on being aware and showing consideration for:

• pedestrians, horse riders and animals in the road
• farm entrances
• slow moving vehicles

It also covers the correct use of a horn, coping with mud and debris on the road and how to use passing places.

Driving at night

This covers the important parts of driving at night, dawn and dusk. You’ll learn about:

• the importance of using headlights correctly
• adjusting to the dark
• judging speed and distance
• the correct use of lights and keeping them clean
• dealing with dazzle
• hard-to-see road users
• parking issues

Driving on dual carriageways

Dual carriageways are high speed roads where the two carriageways are separated by a central reservation. You will need to have particular skills, including:

• effective observation, using your mirrors and checking blind spots
• judgement and planning ahead
• separation distances
• joining and leaving a dual carriageway
• overtaking and lane discipline
• the correct use of speed

Driving on motorways

This should be a practical session if possible. If there is no motorway nearby, it will be covered in a theory session.You should drive on a motorway as soon as you can afterwards so you can put the theory into practice.

The topics covered include:

• journey planning
• joining and leaving a motorway, and using slip roads
• safe speeds in different circumstances
• effective observation
• signs, signals and markings
• overtaking and lane discipline
• courtesy to other road users
• motorway fatigue
• breakdown proceduresuse of lights, including hazard warning lights
• debris on the carriageway
• crosswinds

Source: direct.gov.uk

 My prices reflect the fact that I have an abundance of qualifications and skills which I will use to help all of my pupils and students.  

My aim is to ensure that any individual who has lessons with me has a driving skill for life and, providing that that skill is maintained and practised then hopefully that should be for a long time…

* Training can be provided to 16year olds on ‘Private’ land

Q1 -- Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

• Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)

Q2 -- Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t start the engine)

• Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (you may need to switch ignition on, but do not start engine)

Q3 -- Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

• If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

Q4 -- Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.

• Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Q5 -- Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

• Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

Q6 -- Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

• Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

Q7 -- Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

• Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

Q9 -- Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

• Check is carried out by using control usually on steering wheel. (turn on ignition if necessary).

Q10 -- Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers

• Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary.

Q11 -- Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.

• Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.

Q12 -- Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)

• Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

Q13 -- Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.

• Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

Tell Me Questions

Q14 -- Tell Me Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

• Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Q15 -- Tell Me where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

• Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

Q16 -- Tell Me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

• Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

Q17 -- Tell Me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

• The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Q18 -- Tell Me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

• No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 (three quarters) of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Q19 -- Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)

• Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a “Tell Me” question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)

Q20 -- Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.

• A warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

Mini Countryman

Comments or questions are welcome.

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