EST launches new Smarter Driving and Vehicle Check training

Energy Saving Trust (EST) has developed a variation of its popular Smarter Driving training that includes a demonstration of both daily and weekly vehicle checks to help enhance driver safety.

The new vehicle check training, which highlights the importance of daily and weekly vehicle checks, helps fleet managers and directors meet their duty of care obligations for their employees. 

Daily vehicle checks include a visual tyre inspection, a check of lights and wipers, and a static brake test, while weekly checks include tyre pressures, fluid levels and a full visual inspection for damage.

The new Smarter Driving & Vehicle Check training includes clear and pragmatic advice to drivers helping them to take responsibility for highlighting vehicle issues and understanding the potential risks of not carrying out daily and weekly vehicle checks. 

The new training programme also includes the EST’s Smarter Driving training, which has already helped more than 35,000 fleet drivers reduce their fuel consumption and carbon emissions by more than 14%.

Recent research by AXA Business Insurance revealed many employers failed to effect regular vehicle checks, with as many as 17% initiating tyre pressure checks only once a year, or less. 

Bob Saynor, Smarter Driving programme manager, said: “Many drivers fail to realise that they as individuals are responsible for undertaking these basic inspections – even in vehicles owned by the company – while some fleet managers and employers overlook that they too could be found partially liable if they have not taken steps to educate their drivers in this field. 

“For some drivers this will serve as refresher training, but for others it will be the first time they’ve learned the specifics of what vehicle checks should entail.

“Our training is realistic and pragmatic, covering the key material while ensuring that we’re not making unrealistic demands on busy drivers.

“Energy Saving Trust checks all driving licences and maintains full records of all drivers trained. Should it be required in the event of an accident or legal action, we would be able to confirm details of a driver’s vehicle check training and when his licence was last checked.” 

Smarter Driving & Vehicle Check training is subsidised by the Department for Transport (DFT) and costs as little as £20+VAT per driver. 

For more information or to book training email smarterdriving@est.org.uk or visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/smarterdriving.