Fleet Driver Training courses throughout Devon.

Beyond Driving provide a comprehensive driver and operator training and assessment service througout Devon and the south-west. With our accredited training courses, along with our DSA and Lantra approved trainers we can provide fully compliant assessment and training for your company car, van, 4×4, ATV and quad bike operators.

Courses:

• Company Driver Training
• Van Driver Training
• SAFED for Vans
• LANTRA 4×4 Off Road Driver Training
• LANTRA Sit-Astride ATV (Quad Bike) Training
• LANTRA Sit-In ATV (Mule, Gator, Ranger) Training
• Driver Assessments (for interview or new employees)
• Fleet Risk Assessments

Venue:

• Driver Training & ATV Training- at your premises.
• 4×4 Training – at our LANTRA approved off road facility.

Accreditation:

• DSA ADI
• Fleet Registered
• SAFED (dependent on course)
• LANTRA (dependent on course)

Contact: info@beyonddriving.co.uk

Phone: 01524 37746

Simply and effectively communicated, it highlights the requirements for:

• Properly planned journeys to avoid fatigue
• Controlling the risks from distractions such as eating and mobile phone use
• Consideration of alternatives to driving, such as train, teleconferencing or video
• Encouragement of ‘near miss’ reporting from employees, in order to learn lessons

It also brought to light the interesting success of ‘group discussions’ among employees, in order to look at improvements to policy and ways of avoiding incidents in the future, along with the use of in-vehicle monitoring systems.

IOSH/TRL Report into Work Related Road Risk (pdf)

Beyond Driving are committed to reducing occupational road risk. We train drivers, work with management, chair discussions, educate and enable individuals, teams and trainers. For more information about how we can help your company reduce its occupational road risk, please get in touch.

info@beyonddriving.co.uk

Covering 4×4 transmission systems, how to operate them on the move, ABS, Traction Control and ESC/ESP, we show drivers how their machines will help give them grip under acceleration and braking, in a straight line and during cornering.

For more information on 4×4 Familiarisation and Winter Driving for company drivers, contact us:

Email: info@beyonddriving.co.uk

Winter Driving Guidance for Company 4×4 Operators

Ensure you know your vehicle, and check it daily:

Knowing how the 4×4 system works on your vehicle is essential. Being able to ensure the best traction in winter conditions can make the difference between a safe journey and a failed journey.

• Always have access to the vehicle manual – we can’t all remember everything about our vehicle, but being able to find details like tyre pressures, jump lead connection points, and the technicalities of the 4×4 system is a must.
• Make sure that your vehicle has been prepped for winter – winter tyres should be fitted, anti-freeze levels should be checked in coolant, and unreliable batteries should be replaced in anticipation for the conditions.

Checking the vehicle over on a daily basis must be done, to ensure that your vehicle won’t let you down.

• Check tyre pressures – low pressures can lead to blow-outs, high pressure can lead to loss of grip
• Check tyre tread depth – in extreme conditions, less than 3mm of tread can dramatically reduce your grip whilst steering and braking
• De-ice all windows, and demist them to give you the best chance of seeing problems in bad visibility
• Remove snow from roof and bonnet – this is a legal requirement, and it’s no fun being behind a 4×4 throwing lumps of hard snow onto our windscreen
• Check warning lights on ignition – many modern 4x4s require the computer systems to function safely – without these, handling can be dangerously compromised. This also helps you to find out whether an unfamiliar vehicle has ABS or Traction Control, helping you to take control of how you drive the vehicle in different conditions
• Check fuel levels – many drivers have been caught out while stuck in snow – ensure you always have at least half a tank of fuel available to you
• Check lighting systems – head and tail lights, brakes, indicators and hazards, reversing and fog lights
• Wipers and screenwash – wipers that work smoothly always help, and de-icing them from the windscreen prior to use will keep them in good condition. In really bad weather, top up screenwash with neat concentrate (as per the manufacturers’ instructions) in order to keep the system from freezing solid.

The vehicle is the responsibility of the driver, and understanding the vehicle, its capabilities, limitations, and condition is essential for safe driving in extreme conditions.

If any faults are found, report them immediately. If there is any doubt about legality or safety – do not drive it.

Advice, information and training are always available if required – if you feel that you don’t fully understand the vehicle you are using, or don’t feel confident in your skills in any situation – ask – don’t put yourself in a situation that makes you feel nervous.

Check your emergency kit:

Even with a vehicle in excellent condition, winter driving is hard on both vehicles and their drivers, and sometimes, events can overtake you unexpectedly. If you always keep a stocked emergency kit, you’ll be able to contact help, and will be safe and more comfortable while waiting for it to arrive.

You are the most important part of the equation, having the following available at all times is essential:

• Good warm clothing and boots – will help with comfort while stranded, and will give you the chance to walk a short distance where necessary to get a phone signal, or pinpoint your location, but remember that searchers will spot a vehicle before they spot an individual in bad weather
• Food, drink and medication – always have emergency rations available, as well as any medication you require, as help can often take a while to reach you in extreme conditions
• Mobile phone, fully charged – this is likely to be your first lifeline in many situations. Letting people know where you are, and what your situation is will help. Keep emergency numbers available  at all times
• Sunglasses – this may seem odd, but low sun in winter, and driving through snowy landscapes can cause real problems. Sunglasses can make a big difference to your ability to drive safely in these situations
• First Aid kit – all vehicles should be provided with these. Make yourself familiar with their contents and how to use them.
• Blanket/Emergency survival bag – these will make the difference between a comfortable long wait, and severe discomfort or possible problems from prolonged exposure

In the event of becoming stranded, or stuck in bad conditions, you should have the following available to help you:

• Warning triangle – place this a reasonable distance from your vehicle, to warn drivers approaching you that you are stranded, and may be an obstruction. Place these on the approach to corners to give drivers as much chance to drop their speed as possible
• Hi-visibility jacket or clothing – Orange stands out much better against snow than yellow. If working around the vehicle this will help other road users spot you early enough to take action to avoid you, and may help you to be spotted from above if stranded.
• Jump leads – having these will give you  a better chance of re-starting a vehicle with electrical problems (which are more prevalent in extreme cold). However, be very aware of the dangers. Modern vehicles must be jump started safely, to avoid damaging batteries and engine management units, or causing fires – check the manual for how to do this safely
• Shovel – often the simplest tool for recovering a stuck vehicle, but be careful of working under the vehicle, and ensure that it cannot move as you dig yourself out.
• Torch – with short days, night will be upon you before you know it if you’re stuck. Being able to see the problem is essential. Also, a torch can be invaluable for signalling to other road users or rescuers

Be prepared, and be equipped for any situation you can reasonably expect to happen.

Check the conditions and your route, and stay in contact:

Knowing what to anticipate will give you every chance to avoid problems. Routes cannot always be changed, but drivers and vehicles with better capabilities for the worst routes can be chosen. Having the information to hand about weather forecasts will allow you to plan for your own safety. Often, you will have to adjust your route due to weather and traffic conditions, but if you’ve not let anyone know about these changes, if you are stranded, it may well significantly delay the arrival of help.

Plan your route:

• Check weather and traffic conditions in your area regularly – this will give you invaluable information that can be used for safe and efficient planning
• Have maps and check your GPS – modern satellite positioning systems can provide us with invaluable information, but if they fail, then maps are essential. Know where you are, and be able to direct help to your position accurately.

Stay in contact:

• File a journey plan where possible, and make sure that if your plans change, you alert colleagues to the changes and your reasons behind the change.
• Use the lone working system where necessary. These systems are simple to use, but do require the operator to work with them. Obviously many areas can be out of mobile phone signal, but lone working in extreme conditions can have high risks, and ensuring that you are safe is essential for both the company and for your safety. Discuss contact times and durations between contact with your line manager is required, and should be based on both the likely risk and sensible pragmatism, but if in doubt – err on the side of caution.

Driving in ice and snow:

Driving in winter conditions is extremely dangerous, and should only be undertaken by drivers who have had the relevant training and information. It relies on individuals understanding how their vehicles will react in different grip conditions, and upon them recognising changes between conditions. These tips are not intended to replace suitable training and experience, but as a memory refresher prior to the first signs of winter setting in.

Remember that 4×4 systems have their limitations. Larger and heavier vehicles are less stable than small, low and light vehicles. Use their capabilities cautiously, but understand the inherent dangers:

• Engage 4 wheel drive as soon as you anticipate grip being lost. If your vehicle can be switched from 2 to 4 wheel drive, find out how to do this while driving, and engage 4wd prior to problems to ensure the best control in slippery conditions.
• Be aware of ice and black ice – if temperatures are reading below zero, you may encounter ice. At extremely low temperatures (below -10C), grit loses some of its effectiveness
• 4 wheel drive does not improve braking. If your ABS (anti-lock braking system) is activating, then grip is being lost – reduce your speed and brake well in advance of hazards and bends
• Dis-engage 4 wheel drive when good grip is regained. Well gritted and clear roads, without ice, will give good grip (ABS will engage much later when braking). In these situations, dis-engaging the 4 wheel drive system, or unlocking the central differential lock (if this is a driver option – many modern crossover 4x4s will do this for you – know how your vehicle works), will reduce the danger of damaging the transmission system. If you don’t understand how your 4×4 system works – ask, read the vehicle manual, and request training
• Always ensure that you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear. If there’s a chance that there could be a hazard around a corner, or on the approach to a junction, ensure that you can stop if you need to. Remember that on narrow roads, where it is difficult or impossible for vehicles to pass, both you, and the oncoming vehicle, will need to stop in half the distance you can see to be clear
• Only change speed in a straight line. Braking in a straight line, will give you much more control of the vehicle. However, many drivers forget that in snow and ice conditions, acceleration can lead to loss of grip (wheelspin) – in these situations, having the vehicle in a straight line will allow you to ease off the throttle to reduce wheelspin, and will minimise the likelihood of losing steering and positional control of the vehicle.
• Reduce speed prior to hazards, junctions and bends. Braking on bends, or while steering is a sure way of ending up in a spin, or in a drift, which could put you in danger from coming off the road, or put you in the path of other vehicles.
• Leave acceleration until past hazards, junctions and bends. Speeding up while steering can lead to spins (especially in rear wheel drive vehicles, like pick-ups and other part-time 4x4s), or drifting wide (especially in front wheel drive vehicles, but also in vehicles operating in 4 wheel drive mode).
• Give other drivers space. Many other drivers on the road will have less experience, less capable vehicles, and less training in how to deal with bad weather conditions. Allowing yourself more space will give you more time to react if they lose control of their vehicle. Ice and snow can lead to braking distances 10 times longer than normal.
• Be aware of condition changes, for example:
  • Under and on top of bridges
  • On exposed hillsides
  • In shaded valleys
  • As weather worsens
  • Temperature drops, especially as evening approaches

Remember that you are responsible for your own safety, but that you have access to information, equipment, training and above all, help, at all times.

In an email from Lantra to all 4×4 trainers on Friday 12th August 2011, we have been informed that Lantra have now decided that all of their 4×4 instructors will need to be DSA registered ADIs. Quoting section 123 of the Road Traffic Act 1998 (and specifically its application ‘…to off road tuition’), they have asked all of their 4×4 trainers, as well as ATV trainers to either provide them with their current ADI registration details, or to give information about whether they intend to undertake the training and stringent DSA examinations in order to qualify for the Register of Driving Instructors.

As far as we know, Lantra are the first and only nationally recognised training body for 4×4 vehicles who have insisted that all of their instructors comply with the legislation. Lantra are determined that all of their trainers will be both legal and competent.

As we have been working with all of the parties to bring the 4×4 training industry in line with the legislation, we give Lantra our full support in what has been a difficult decision. We have lobbied both Lantra and the DSA to give a definite and clear message on trainer legality both to instructors and clients over the last few years. We are very glad that our efforts have finally been acknowledged.

We understand that many organisations may not be able, for economic or other reasons, to train all of their 4×4 instructors to a standard where they can pass the ADI registration examinations. This may mean that the cost of 4×4 training increases, due to reduced numbers of trainers as well as higher qualification standards required.

At Beyond Driving we have been using only Lantra Approved DSA ADIs for several years. We intend to provide trainers with the highest qualifications, most experience and a determination to provide the best professional training achievable, while remaining competitively priced. For example, at the time of writing, the cost for the 2 day Lantra Professional Off-Road Driving course for 3 candidates at our venue in Cumbria is £1000. This includes hire of the 300 acre off road site, conference room, lunches and refreshments as well as the Lantra certification (upon achieving the required standard). Cost per candidate – less than £350. Our main trainer in Cumbria is a Lantra Approved 4×4 and ATV trainer, a DSA registered Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), a SAFED commercial vehicle fuel efficient defensive driving trainer, DSA registered Fleet Driver Trainer and he holds the NEBOSH General Certificate in Health and Safety and is trained in First Aid. He has trained the NHS, the military, police, national park rangers, coastguards and personnel from national and multi-national industry – even the occasional farmer has been through the course and found it useful!

Why should you expect anything less?

Beyond Driving – Driving up standards.

info@beyonddriving.co.uk

]]> http://www.beyonddriving.co.uk/2011/08/17/lantra-4x4-trainers-dsa-adis/feed/ 0 http://www.beyonddriving.co.uk/2011/03/26/driver-assessor-training/ http://www.beyonddriving.co.uk/2011/03/26/driver-assessor-training/#comments Sat, 26 Mar 2011 15:44:38 +0000 Beyond Driving http://www.beyonddriving.co.uk/?p=778

At Beyond Driving we take driver assessment seriously, and all of our assessors are also trained coaches who are able to give feedback and training advice during the sessions we run. However, we are coming across more and more companies who wish to have internal driver assessors in order to help them to keep a close eye on their drivers, and provide a flexible service within their organisations.

We have been running training courses for driving assessors for several years, for companies with large fleets of cars, vans and 4x4s. We don’t run a two-day tick-box courses, but provide a professional and impressive solution to companies who require their assessors to be knowledgeable, systematic and respected by the drivers they work with.

We tailor the courses to the requirements of the client company, but the basic training course follows the pattern of an advanced driving course, with RoSPA certification at the end (we have never had a candidate attain less than a RoSPA Silver award). During this training, we focus on systematic and planned driving, while also giving the candidate an excellent knowledge of the driving legislation they and their employers will be subject to. Our advanced driving trainers are all long-standing Fleet Driver Trainers, as well as being ex-police officers, with an excellent knowledge of roadcraft, the law, and professional driving best practice.

From here, we can add in additional certification, such as the SAFED for Vans course, the Lantra-Awards Professional Off-Road Driving course, or training specific to specialist vehicles such as armoured B6 and B7 vehicles. We also have trainers who are highly experienced working internationally, within the oil and chemical industries, military and security specialists, and expedition and serious incident first aid specialists.

Finally, we run a specific driver assessor course, and apply the training to the requirements of the candidates and client companies, giving them the skills to accurately assess any driver’s skill, knowledge and attitude, diplomatically and professionally. The assessors will also be able to report their findings in a manner which will be useful in improving safety, and efficiency to the company, reducing maintenance, fuel, insurance and liability costs.

• Accreditation – as required
• Duration – from 8 days to 14 days depending upon modules and client’s requirements
• Venue – dependent upon client requirements
• Trainer – DSA Fleet Registered Trainer as minimum, with police, military, Lantra-Awards, SAFED or specialist trainers as required
• Benefits – increased flexibility for companies, targeted use of training budgets
• Cost – for a basic 8 day course with 2 drivers: £2250-£3000 (from £1125/candidate)

For further information on how we can help train your personnel to be professional driver assessors, please contact us:

info@beyonddriving.co.uk

We provide a complete on and off-highway driver training programme for security officers and personnel driving B6 and B7 Armoured Vehicles as well as standard 4×4′s, cars and commercial/military vehicles in hostile environments.

With a wide range of courses for military, oil and gas production industry and NGO drivers, our trainers have a huge amount of experience working across the globe, in challenging and hostile environments. Holding qualifications and experience including DSA ADI, DSA Fleet, Lantra 4×4, Trailer and Winch Operator Instructor, First Aid Trainer, Police Driver Trainer, Military Driver Trainer, Close Protection Officer and Trainer, among many others, our trainers are possibly the highest qualified instructors you will find anywhere.

Courses are all designed around the clients needs in order to fulfil their requirements, and those of the industry standards and best practice – eg: compliance with OGP 365 (the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers guidelines on Land Transportation Safety Recommended Practice).

• Armoured Car – On-road Defensive Driving
• Armoured Car – Off-road Driving Techniques and Safety
• VIP and Chauffeur Driver Training
• Close Protection Driver Training
• Diplomatic and Consular Driver Training
• Hostile Environment Driver Training
• First Aid for Drivers in Hostile and Challenging Environments

If you would like any information on how our trainers can help improve the safety of your personnel when they’re on the move, please contact us:

01524 37746

info@beyonddriving.co.uk

Fleet Driver Training courses throughout Liverpool and Merseyside.

Beyond Driving have run driver training courses across Merseyside for several years. Providing driver assessments and certified car, van, 4×4 and quad bike courses designed to comprehensively fulfil the client’s requirements.

Courses:

• Company Driver Training
• Van Driver Training
• SAFED for Vans
• New Driver Training
• LANTRA 4×4 Off Road Driver Training
• LANTRA ATV (Quad Bike) Training
• Driver Assessments (for interview or new employees)
• Fleet Risk Assessments

Venue:

• Driver Training & ATV Training- at your premises.
• 4×4 Training – at our LANTRA approved off road facility.

Accreditation:

• DSA ADI
• Fleet Registered
• SAFED (dependent on course)
• LANTRA (dependent on course)

Contact: info@beyonddriving.co.uk

Phone: 01524 37746

Unlike many quad courses, we tailor all training to the needs of the client company and the candidates – we will usually travel to your site anywhere in the UK and use your own machines to complete the training – this means that your employees fully understand the bikes, their terrain, and their legal responsibilities precisely as they relate to their job.

Don’t settle for second best, with an “off-the peg” course to tick a box – you may be surprised that the tailored solution is often cheaper and is always more suitable for the rider and the company.

For more information about our courses, see our ATV and Quad Bike Training section.

* Accreditation: LANTRA – government, HSE and industrywide recognised standard.
* Duration: 1 or 2 day courses, depending on the operator’s needs
* Venue: Dependent upon needs – off-road training should be undertaken at suitable venues.
* Trainer: LANTRA Approved Trainer
* Benefits: Ensuring H&S compliance under PUWER regulations. Allows your ATV operators to get the best out of their machines while reducing incident and maintenance costs.
* Cost: From £175/candidate

For more information on ATV and Quad Bike training for drivers, contact us:

Phone: 01524 37746

Email: info@beyonddriving.co.uk

To use an analogy – when you are walking on rough ground you have 2 feet, wear boots with good grip you keep an eye on your footing, and you don’t try to run or you’ll end up on your backside!

4 Wheel Driving takes the same principle – you’ve got 4 wheels, which you’ve booted up with good quality off-road tyres (you wouldn’t wear brogues with leather soles when tramping over the fells, so don’t expect on-road tyres to keep you safe in your vehicle), and you have to keep thinking about where each of those tyres is, and how fast it is moving. Ending up ‘on your backside’ in a 4×4 is not an option!

Look well ahead and plan your route, in order to keep as much grip on each tyre as is possible – it’s sometimes tempting to move out of those bumpy ruts and drive on the grass, but imagine walking up a hill – you would always pick the rocky track over the grass because if you don’t you will slip over – grass really doesn’t have any grip – especially when wet.

It might sound dramatic, but old off-roaders will refer to wet grass as ‘green ice’, and once you have tried to drive up a steep slope on it you start to understand why !

Another good reason not to drive on the grass is the same reason that the Lake District try to discourage walkers from straying from the maintained paths – it scars the environment. A few years ago, the hills in the Lakes had tracks like motorways across them – this is now being rectified by the authorities at great expense – upgrading and maintaining tracks, to encourage people to stick to them. A 4×4 can weigh anything from 1.5 to 6 tonnes, and if you start to spin wheels with that much weight on them, you will see the damage that can be done. Visit http://www.treadlightly.org for more information on responsible 4×4 driving.

Speaking of spinning wheels – avoid it like the plague – 90% of the time it won’t get you anywhere, you will annoy everyone, and you’ll look like an amateur (and yes – we’ve all looked like amateurs at some time or another!). Keeping grip will keep you moving, follow these simple rules and you will get to your destination before the pub closes!

1. Look well ahead, read the track, and plan for grip.
2. Choose the correct gear – moving slow is sometimes necessary, it is better than spinning and not moving at all!
3. Use momentum when you know it is safe – climbing hills will often be easiest when you have momentum, but beware of too much speed, remember – if you can’t see there – don’t go there.
4. Avoid trouble if you have a choice – a 1 mile detour at 4 miles an hour is 15 minutes, getting stuck will often take a LOT more time than this!
5. Let the vehicle do the work – it’s designed for it! By letting a good vehicle do the work you will stay smoother and safer, and you won’t wreck your pride and joy!
6. Follow the GLASS code.

Remember that it doesn’t matter if you are driving for enjoyment, a challenge or as part of your job, we have a responsibility to the landscape and the tracks we follow.

Choose a course:

or contact us for advice or information:

01524 37746

info@beyonddriving.co.uk