Professional Driver Training Program Development

Creating an effective professional driver training program is crucial for fleet operators in maintaining safety standards and regulatory compliance while maximising operational efficiency. Drawing from the DVSA’s Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness and industry best practices, here’s how to develop a comprehensive driver training program.

Remember that if driver CPC is not required or if you want to augment driver CPC courses, some driver training courses can be done online and can be sourced from other countries that drive on the left, such as New Zealand and Australia. Courses that are not country-specific include driver health and safety (e.g. fatigue management, diet, etc), general defensive driving skills (low-speed manoeuvring, speed management, driving in bad weather, etc) and HGV-specific courses such as rollover training, trailer coupling and tail lift training. You can view driver training courses here.

Core Components

The foundation of any professional driver training program should address three key areas: safety, compliance, and technical competence. Safety training must cover both vehicle checks and driving techniques. Compliance training should encompass operator licensing requirements, drivers’ hours rules, and working time regulations. Technical competence includes vehicle handling, fuel-efficient driving, and understanding modern vehicle technologies.

Initial Assessment and Customisation

Begin by assessing your drivers’ current skill levels and specific training needs. This could involve reviewing driving records, conducting practical assessments, and evaluating understanding of regulations. Use this information to tailor the program to address identified gaps while building on existing strengths.

Structured Learning Approach

The program should combine classroom-based learning with practical training. Classroom sessions work well for regulatory knowledge and theory, while hands-on training is essential for developing practical skills. Consider incorporating simulator training for scenarios that would be dangerous or impractical to recreate in real conditions.

Continuous Professional Development

Driver CPC requirements mandate 35 hours of periodic training every five years, but this should be viewed as a minimum rather than a target (as mentioned above). Regular refresher courses help maintain high standards and address emerging challenges. This is particularly important when introducing new vehicles or technologies to the fleet.

Measuring Effectiveness

Establish clear metrics to evaluate the program’s success. These might include a reduction in incidents, improved fuel efficiency, or fewer compliance infringements. Regular reviews allow for continuous improvement and adaptation to changing needs.

By developing a comprehensive training program that goes beyond minimum requirements, operators can build a more professional, efficient, and safety-conscious driving workforce.