Defensive Driver Training









What is defensive driving?
Defensive driving is a proactive style of driving where the driver will be fully aware of their surroundings at all times, will be able to anticipate what might
happen and will always be planning their next move. By positioning their vehicle correctly and driving at a speed that is suitable for the road and traffic
conditions the defensive driver will always have space to manoeuvre safely and without drama.

Why do a defensive driving course?

  • Have you just bought that dream car and want to enjoy it more?
  • Do you want to take an advanced driving test?
  • Do you want to save fuel?
  • Do you want to save money on your car running costs?
  • Do you lack confidence in certain aspects of your driving?

Who is the defensive driving course aimed at?
Anyone.
  • The low mileage private motorist or the high mileage company vehicle user.
  • 17 year old who has just passed the driving test through to somebody who has been driving for 50 plus years.

My advanced driver training course is for anyone wishing to improve their driving skills.

Defensive driving course
On this course, your driving will be assessed and developed to a higher standard. Using the same advanced driving techniques that the Police use, your
general road awareness, anticipation and planning skills will be taken to the next level.

What is covered on this course?

The Driver
  • Driving licence – vehicle category and expiry date recorded
  • Eyesight check – Satisfy Driving Standards Agency check

What affects your ability to drive safely?
  • Stress
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Over the counter medication
  • Fatigue
  • In car distractions (Mobile phones - including hands free. Beware of other devices such as car radios, CD's and sat nav systems.)
  • Other everyday distractions such as thinking about work, home, relationships, health etc.

Vehicle safety checks (POWDER)
  • Petrol or Diesel
  • Oil
  • Water
  • Damage
  • Electrics
  • Rubber (tyres, wiper blades, water hoses and fan belts)

Pre drive checks
  • Route planning
  • ‘Cockpit check’
  • Posture and deportment

System of car control (IPSGA)
  • Understand what is it and how to apply it
  • Understand the benefits of the five phases:
    1.        Information
    2.        Position
    3.        Speed
    4.        Gear
    5.        Acceleration

Observation and hazard perception
  • Developing good hazard perception skills, observation, anticipation and planning skills

Road positioning
  • Positioning for safety
  • Positioning for bends
  • Positioning for hazards

Safe cornering
  • Assessing bends by using the ‘limit points’ technique along with using the system of car control  

Overtaking
  • Using the system of car control and understanding where not to overtake (safe, legal and necessary)

Parking and manoeuvring
  • Understand the dangers of reversing and why we reverse into spaces and choosing safe legal places to park.

Motorway driving
  • Joining and exiting a motorway
  • Lane discipline
  • Understand the benefits of an appropriate following distance
  • Positioning for maximum safety (front, rear and sides)
  • Identify high risk locations such as junctions
  • What to do in the event of a breakdown or emergency (Using the hard shoulder, motorway phones, where to wait)

Personal security - Understand the threat of being assaulted for both men and women
  • What to do if being followed whilst driving
  • How to identify where best to park
  • Security of the vehicle and contents

Highway Code and motoring matters
  • Identify and understand key elements of the Highway Code
  • Understand the safety features fitted to your vehicle
  • Be able to identify road signs and markings

Advice will be given in the following areas
  • Safe vehicle loading
  • Dealing with different weather conditions

Some of the main benefits to you from any of the courses will be:
  •       A reduced risk of being involved in a road traffic collision consequently with lower insurance premiums
  •       Better fuel consumption
  •       Reduced wear and tear on your vehicles
  •       Updated knowledge about new traffic laws for you and/or driving staff

Training location:
The training will be carried at a mutually convenient location

Training vehicle:
The training is usually carried out in the client's vehicles as this is what the driver is familiar with. The vehicle must be suitable, roadworthy, taxed, have an
MOT if applicable and be fully insured. If you don't have a vehicle then I can provide one.

Eye sight, licence checks and other information:
All drivers must hold a valid current licence for the vehicle they will be driving and must be able to read a vehicle registration plate from a distance of 67 feet
(20.5m) If glasses are required then they must be worn throughout the training. If drivers are on medication then this will be noted and the driver should
check with their pharmacist as to whether it is safe to drive whilst taking the medication.
© Rob Sefton 2010