SAFED for Vans | Van Driver Training | Fuel Efficient Driving

Van driver training is becoming ever more popular. Although smaller vans can be driven on a car licence, they are quite different from a car in many respects – particularly in terms of dynamics and visibility – and specialist van driver training is both beneficial and advisable. For larger vans, there are also regulatory considerations.

An added problem in this sector is that, by and large, van drivers do not treat their vans with the same level of respect that car drivers do. Fuel is often unnecessarily wasted and the van’s powertrain and braking components come in for a hammering. In addition, mileages and staff turnover are high, ramping up running costs.

For most organisations fuel cost is one of the biggest expenditures they have, so encouraging fuel efficient driving can really help the bottom line. Van driver training can not only help deliver this but also enable the driver to drive with more mechanical sympathy, thus reducing strain on mechanical components and increasing their life.

The Safe And Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED) for vans course, introduced in 2005 and underwritten by the Department for Transport (DfT), is a highly structured form of van driver training and is delivered over the course of a full day.

The SAFED for vans course has clearly demonstrated that fuel savings of 15/16% can be achieved with fuel efficient driving, with no increase in journey times, and Driving Risk Management is accredited to deliver this specialist form of van driver training. Although the prime objective is to promote fuel efficient driving, a welcome by-product is increased safety, so, along with the other savings, van driver training of this kind should pay for itself within a matter of months.

Part funding for the SAFED for Vans course may still be available from the DfT but do check on the SAFED website first.