12 December 2006

The implementation of a range of initiatives that will enhance Army’s driver training regime, considered to be “second to none” in New Zealand, marks the completion of the Driver Training Review.

The Review found that the Army’s driver training regime delivered a very good standard of instruction and assessment for vehicle operators. The Army system caters to a wide range of levels – from initial driver licensing and Defence Driving Permit (DDPs) qualifications, through to continuation training and vehicles courses conducted in units.

The Army requires all of its drivers and its driver training system to comply with national driver licensing rules and provisions, and our driving instructors, assessors and testing officers are required to hold the relevant national qualifications, in addition to meeting all the required military standards.

The Driver Training Review identified specific areas requiring further investigation. Recommendations were submitted to AGS who then provided guidance on implementing initiatives that would further enhance the training regime.

Some of the initiatives required an adjustment to policy and operating procedures; others will be implemented into courses and training activities. One of the more significant initiatives is the introduction of the provisional DDP (Army) to ensure that young drivers continue to gain driving experience in a supervised environment at the completion of initial driver licensing and vehicle operators’ courses. The DDP (Army) scheme will be introduced initially as a pilot for selected students.

Other initiatives in training include:

• hazard perception training, which will incorporate peer assessment driving as well as computer-based programmes;
• insight training that will take place within a supervised and controlled environment aimed at allowing students to make judgements and decisions whilst driving;
• vehicle dynamics and manoeuvre training to practice students in skills such as cornering and braking;
• influencing attitudes and behaviours towards driving tasks;
• the theory and practice of defensive driving techniques, in particular, observation habits, hazard action plans and systems of vehicle control;
• risk and crash awareness training.

Many of these initiatives are already covered in driving courses so they will either be enhanced or applied more widely. The initiatives will be in addition to existing Army driver training programmes that are well regarded for their emphasis on supervising and assessing students on and off-road.

Initiatives will not be limited to driver training establishments. Units will continue to review their own operating procedures for vehicles and implement improvements. Education and awareness levels are essential to ensure high standards are maintained and personnel are afforded time to continue to gain experience and develop their knowledge and skills.

Increasingly, driving is a core skill for our soldiers and needs to be afforded the same commitments as other core skills such as weapon handling and physical fitness. Safe and responsible attitudes and behaviours towards vehicle operation should become a part of our culture, and consequences for getting it wrong need to be enforced.

Unit driving instructors play a key role in sustaining the required number of qualified and competent drivers, and refresher training and workshops are being designed to assist those responsible for training to remain current themselves. Effort will go into providing resources, policy guidance and packages for unit personnel to use when conducting continuation training.

The efforts of trainers must be complimented by all commanders through supervision – fault checking and monitoring of driving are two examples. Lastly, and most importantly, each driver must be responsible for their own driving performance every time they get behind the wheel. Like weapons, vehicles are quite safe, but will be just as lethal when used incorrectly.

Safe driving!

SURVIVE! SLOW DOWN - Drive to the conditions and your ability. If you are a passenger and the driver is going too fast, tell them to slow down. WEAR YOUR SAFETY BELT - Drivers, as well as front and rear seat passengers, need to fasten safety belts every time they get into a vehicle. It should be a drill...just do it! DRIVE SOBER - Never drink and drive! If your mates have been drinking, don't let them get behind the wheel. If you had a hard night out, remember you may not be in a condition to drive safely the next morning. STAY ALERT - Keep your eyes moving to check for hazards. Get plenty of rest, and if you get tired, pull over. Co-drivers and passengers, keep an eye out for your driver and watch for signs of fatigue. CHECK TWICE AT INTERSECTIONS - Approach intersections with caution and check the way is clear, regardless of whether or not you have the right of way. Obey traffic signs and signals. STOP means stop! Double check before proceeding. LOOK AFTER YOUR SOLDIERS AND YOUR MATES

Image Gallery - Issue 369