frequently asked questions

What is a Defensive Driver Training Course?

A Defensive Driver Training Course teaches hazard awareness and how to avoid incidents/accidents whilst driving On Road, Gravel Road and Piste and Off Road in Mixed Terrain Conditions. It is the key element in ensuring Your Drivers are aware of their own safety, that of their Passengers, Vehicle and, other Road Users.

Will my Company benefit from this type of Training?

Driver training does help make a difference to safety and costs for any company working at home or abroad. We are happy to discuss your possible requirements. (please contact Paul Sinkinson by email paul@daletrax.co.uk or call 0033 6 29 50 34 44) Our Driver Training methods will enable Your Company to ensure that Your HSE Transport Policy will be in line with the revised OGP guidelines that will come into force during 2008

What do Daletrax Teach on Driver Training Courses?

The specific skills taught will vary depending on the course being taken. We advise that the Defensive Driver Training we carry out is done as an introduction suitable for all skill levels. The Course provides a good general grounding in how to drive in a manner appropriate to the conditions, concentrating at all times on teaching hazard awareness and how to avoid incidents/accidents whilst driving. More specific skills can then be taught depending on requirements. We are flexible and can provide tailored courses designed specifically for an individual client.

Where are the Training Courses located?

We come to you. We believe that these skills should be taught with Your vehicles in Your Driver’s working environment to provide the greatest HSE benefits. Some companies offer pre-training in controlled areas in the driver's home country before they travel to the area in which they will be working but, we do not feel this is the best solution. It is far more productive for the training to take place where Your driver’s will actually be working. This method gives them a much more representative example of how the vehicle performs in real situations that they are likely to encounter on a daily basis.

Are Courses offered in different Languages?

Our Courses are generally taught in English and sometimes French but, we are experienced in training with the use of translators. We use numerous visual aids, finding these the most practical solution to overcome language issues. The majority of our Driver Training contracts take place abroad so our Instructors have a proven ability to cross language and cultural barriers to achieve a clear and positive understanding.

Who should attend the Training Courses?

A driver training course can be of benefit to anyone who is likely to drive Your Vehicles in the course of their work routine. Daletrax specialise in providing training for those driving in more remote areas of the World where the culture and driving conditions can be very different from those experienced by the driver in their home country. Drivers may need to learn a specific skill such as desert driving, driving in mud and snow, or simply need to improve their general driving ability through Defensive Driver Training which is a good starting point for drivers of all skill levels.

Are there any pre-requirements for those attending Training Courses?

To take part in one of our courses an individual must be medically fit and hold a full licence to drive the vehicle in which the training will be taking place.

What percentage of the Training Course is Theoretical?

All of our courses contain a theoretical element where an overview of the skills to be learnt in the practical sessions is given. The theory is generally in visual presentation form and will often include real world examples and video clips showing how driving skills should be used correctly and often the consequences of what happens when a driver does not have the necessary skills or neglects to use them appropriately. The percentage of theory to practical training depends on the individual course. On a basic Defensive Driver Training course it is 50%.

What is the Instructor to Trainee ratio?

This will depend on the client's requirements. Some Training providers carry out the theory session on a defensive driver training course for up to twelve, with the practical sessions run for three persons at a time. However, experience has taught us that both Theory and Practical Sessions are better absorbed by the Trainee if only three Students are under instruction at one time. It allows them to interact and concentrate and, more importantly retain the information and skills.

Do Daletrax offer Training on a One to One Basis?

Our practical sessions are typically for three persons at a time (when training in a car with four seats) as we find this is most beneficial to those being trained. It means that the trainees and trainer can all be in the vehicle together when practical sessions are taking place. This helps to encourage interaction and discussion and often means a more varied set of circumstances and issues are encountered than when training is done one-to-one. Everyone drives differently and it is good to learn from others mistakes as well as their successes.

Do Daletrax issue a Training Certificate?

We do issue certificates but not simply for having attended one of our courses. If the course is passed successfully then a certificate will be issued to show that the trainee has reached the required level of competence to meet our standards and pass the course.

How long will it take to complete a driver training programme?

The length of time it will take to successfully train a team of employees will depend on a number of factors including their previous skill levels and experience. We realise that time is an important concern and are aware that there are often operational constraints to take into account. We also understand the Employee Rotational and Accommodation problems. As a guideline, three people can be trained in On Road Defensive Driving in one day, however, for the more involved safety aspects required in Off Road Driver Training, ,a minimum of two days are required per three drivers. Some Training Companies endeavour to force training through in a lesser period but, our observations have shown that there is a limit to how much information the driver can absorb and retain so, with that and safety being the keyword, a two day allocation will prove more cost effective. Our training sessions are flexible and our instructors are use their initiative to adjust the Training Programme according to the Driver skill levels and also deal with any last minute problems making sure training sessions work around these constraints

If your question has not been answered here please contact us.