Automotional Coaching Course Structure

Introduction:

Practical, road-focussed driver coaching is available predominantly in full day courses or coaching sessions.

It is available for most classes of vehicle and for drivers of all levels of experience, competence and confidence.

Each course is geared specifically for the individual needs of the driver(s) and will be of benefit to drivers of all levels of expertise.

The aims of the courses are simple and straightforward; to provide the increased levels of driver awareness that are needed to reduce the risks of becoming involved in preventable road traffic or manoeuvring incidents.

In addition to benefits associated with improving driver safety, other effects of the training are:

Greater enjoyment from driving
Reduced stress levels
Improved fuel-efficiency
Improved journey times
Reduced wear and tear on vehicles
Improved residual value of vehicles

Content:

Improving hazard awareness and risk perception
Introduction and development of the Principles of Safe Driving
Providing strategies to address problems associated with low speed manoeuvring whilst parking or driving in confined spaces
Address specific areas of individual concern, as defined by the driver
Refer to and apply any Customer-specific and agreed topics, content or additional information as may from time to time be required
Gain commitment towards ongoing personal development
Driving in a fuel efficient manner

Course Format:

Introductory Presentation

Using appropriate presentation aids, the driving coach will facilitate a discussion on the principles of managing road risk and introduce the themes of concentration, observation and perception. The expectations of the participating driver(s) will be explored and every attempt to quash any pre-course nerves will be made.

Safety Checks

The driving coach and driver(s) will carry out vehicle, licence and eyesight checks. (Note: if, in the opinion of the coach, the 'failing' of any of these checks precludes the continuance of the course, he/she will reserve the right to terminate training at this point).

On-road Practical Coaching

The driving coach will give a short demonstration drive in order to illustrate the benefits and application of the Principles of Safe Driving. If the training is taking place in a privately owned or insured vehicle the coach will not give a demonstration drive.

Much emphasis will be placed on developing the driver(s) expertise in managing the high risk environment of urban driving and reducing the likelihood of being involved in a preventable driving incident. Other road types will be covered dependent on the geographical location of the coaching session and the specific needs of the driver(s).

The coaching session will develop the perceptual skills outlined in the presentation and provide ample opportunities to explore the principles of keeping space, identifying risk and keeping visible and communicating with other road users.

Where two drivers are sharing a course, they will alternate approximately every half hour throughout the session. Both participants will be encouraged to contribute at all times.

Fuel-Efficient Driving

Considerable emphasis will be placed on driving in a fuel-efficient and emissions-reducing manner, by planning further ahead, reducing unnecessary gear changes and advising on other simple 'contributions' that all drivers of all vehicles can make.

Confined Space Manoeuvring

The driving coach and driver(s) will explore the problems associated with parking and manoeuvring in confined spaces. The pivot point theory will be introduced and practical exercises will take place to demonstrate how this system helps with spatial awareness. Both parallel parking and bay parking exercises will also be covered for cars and light commercial vehicles. Simple methods will be introduced, designed to equip drivers with a systematic approach to minimise the risk of being involved in an incident whilst parking or manoeuvring.

Conclusion and Debrief:

Together, the driver(s) and coach will complete the Driver Development Profiles. These highlight areas covered during the coaching session and provide an opportunity for drivers to note down key learning points that they wish to adopt into their driving style in the future. The Profiles provide the platforms from which each individual driver can further refine their commitment to becoming a safer, incident free road user.

Course Arrangements:

Venue

Any pre-arranged location, preferably with an area suitable for delivering the introductory presentation and debrief.

Duration

Typically a full day (7.5 hours)

Requirements

The client must provide a suitable, roadworthy and fully insured vehicle unless other arrangements have been made.

Drivers must hold a valid current licence for the vehicle being driven.

In cases where training is to take place in a non-company vehicle (e.g. private car or one not registered to the client/customer) AND the training is being funded and paid for by the Customer, the driver MUST provide evidence that the vehicle is insured for business use, by presenting on the training day a certificate of insurance or a letter from their insurer stating that the vehicle is insured for business use.

• Please remember that before coaching commences, the driver/participant MUST be fully aware of their responsibility to ensure the safety of themselves and of other road users. It must be stressed that whatever occurs during training, and whatever the driving coach(s) may say, it is the driver's/participant's responsibility as a driver not to do anything which may be deemed to be unsafe, irrespective of anything the coach(s) may say or do.

• The participant/driver should be in no doubt that by applying any of the ideas the coach(s) may present them with during their normal driving, the outcome will be entirely down to the driver/participant, and above all the driver/participant must decide on the safest course of action in any given set of circumstances.