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Driver development training

Driver training shouldn't stop once you get your license. In 2003 a group of experts including representatives from the trucking industry, training sector and trade associations created a standard for Safe And Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED). Good Practice Guide 2100 was published by the Department for Transport funded Transport Energy Best Practice programme and is available free of charge.

Spring 2003 Ministers funded a one year demonstration project. 275 instructors were trained to deliver SAFED training and they trained 3500 drivers. Training is on vehicles with telematics, which helps to evaluate the improvement and demonstrates how telematics can help drivers use less fuel.

Training comprises one day of off-the-job cab and classroom training. The first drive identifies development issues and a baseline fuel efficiency. A repeat run at the end of the day indicates the potential fuel savings from improved driving techniques. During the first year this exceeded 9% on average.

Spring 2004 Ministers agreed to extend the project - Government gives more help to hauliers - funding is available to train a further 100 instructors 2500 drivers, to help embed driver development training into normal business practice. This will be achieved by local training providers creating a training market by promoting and delivering training to a standard that the industry recognises. It is envisaged that this type of training will be consistent with the new directive that will require minimum periods of training over a three period.

Safe driving is fuel efficient and fuel efficient driving is generally safe. Even a 5% fuel saving will increase an operators profits and the safety improvements could be priceless.

Department for Transport funded training is strictly limited. To register for it, or for more information, contact the programme co-ordinator:

Tel:

01235 436 666

Fax:

01235 433 536

Email:

safed@aeat.co.uk

Web:

http://www.safed.org.uk/

For a free copy of Good Practice Guide 2100, or any other best practice publications, contact:

Tel:

0845 602 1425

Web:

http://www.transportenergy.org.uk/tools/publications/