Post on 14-Oct-2020
BC Municipal Safety Association
Driver Training Courses
Delivered by Thinking Driver
Driver Improvement/Defensive Driving
Thinking Driver Course (classroom)
The Thinking Driver Course is the only course that addresses fundamentals of defensive driving and
driver attitude in an effective and respectful way. Thinking Driver is interactive. Drivers discuss driving
challenges and solutions based on personal motivation and values.
What your employees will learn:
The attitudinal side of driving
What attitude is and how it affects their driving
How to shift attitudinal gears from harmful, negative and stressful driving attitudes to positive
ones
How to develop and strengthen positive driving attitudes, values and behaviour
How risk tolerance changes with emotional states and stress and how to manage these states to
reduce risk
How to deal with aggression from other drivers, and deal with their own aggressiveness and
rage
How to avoid being drawn into competition and confrontational situations while driving
The 5 Fundamentals of Defensive Driving
1. Think and Look Ahead
a. How to use proper visual techniques to identify problems early
b. How to develop superior visual search skills
2. Anticipate Hazards
a. How to anticipate traffic movements before they happen
3. Keep your Options Open
a. How to calculate and evaluate following distance
b. How to deal with tailgaters
c. How to develop a cushion of space and keep your options open
4. Manage the Risk
a. How to evaluate risk and choose appropriate risk exposure for the situation,
environment, vehicle and driver
BCMSA Driver courses delivered by Thinking Driver
2
b. How to develop, evaluate and choose the most effective option in various situations
5. Control with Finesse
a. How to use brakes and accelerator to balance the vehicle and avoid skids
b. How to use total control steering for precise control
Course length: ½ day
Maximum # of participants: 15
Participant Certificate provided
The course is of special interest to Fleet Supervisors and Managers who are interested in the added
benefit that attitude training provides in fuel savings, reduced vehicle abuse and discourtesy resulting in
complaints against drivers.
Defensive Driving Fundamentals (DDF) (eLearning)
In this video rich, interactive learning environment your employees will learn about The 5 Fundamentals
of Defensive Driving .
1. Think and Look Ahead
a. How to use proper visual techniques to identify problems early
b. How to develop superior visual search skills
2. Anticipate Hazards
a. How to anticipate traffic movements before they happen
3. Keep your Options Open
a. How to calculate and evaluate following distance
b. How to deal with tailgaters
c. How to develop a cushion of space and keep your options open
4. Manage the Risk
a. How to evaluate risk and choose appropriate risk exposure for the situation,
environment, vehicle and driver
b. How to develop, evaluate and choose the most effective option in various situations
5. Control with Finesse
a. How to use brakes and accelerator to balance the vehicle and avoid skids
b. How to use total control steering for precise control
Course length: 90 to 110 minutes
Downloadable manual and certificate provided
BCMSA Driver courses delivered by Thinking Driver
3
Defensive Driving Attitudes (DDA) (eLearning)
Driver attitude is a major reason for risky driving actions and behaviour. Do your drivers understand
how to take personal responsibility for moods, emotions and impulses to act in an unsafe way? This
course explores driver attitudes, stress, personal factors and behavioural triggers by following a
conversation between Thinking Driver President and a group of professional drivers. Learners are
encouraged to participate by completing numerous interactive activities throughout the course.
In this course your employees will learn:
The attitudinal side of driving
What attitude is and how it affects their driving
How personal factors can influence risk tolerance
How to reduce stress and its effects on driving
How to reinterpret other drivers’ actions to avoid becoming angry or aggressive
How to shift attitudinal gears from harmful, negative and stressful driving attitudes to positive
ones
How to develop and strengthen positive driving attitudes, values and behaviour
How risk tolerance changes with emotional states and stress and how to manage these states to
reduce risk
How to deal with aggression from other drivers, and deal with their own aggressiveness and
rage
How to avoid being drawn into competition and confrontational situations while driving
How emotional intelligence affects safe driving…and much more!
Course length: 90 to 110 minutes
Downloadable manual and certificate provided
Defensive Driving Fundamentals and Attitudes (DDFA)
Defensive Driving Fundamentals and Attitudes combine both of the above eLearning courses into one
seamless program.
Hazard Avoidance Training (in-vehicle)
Recognize and understand the RISK, know the DEFENCE and ACT is the key process in accident and
incident avoidance. Preventable incidents occur when drivers fail to practice this.
Identifying and managing risk while driving is critical to accident avoidance. This program targets the
most common risks drivers take that can result in incidents and the underlying factors that may
encourage drivers to take these chances.
What your employees will learn:
BCMSA Driver courses delivered by Thinking Driver
4
How to use The Five Fundamentals to reduce risk in on the road
1. Think and Look Ahead
a. How to use proper visual techniques to identify problems early
b. How to develop superior visual search skills
2. Anticipate Hazards
a. How to anticipate traffic movements before they happen
3. Keep your Options Open
a. How to calculate and evaluate following distance
b. How to deal with tailgaters
c. How to develop a cushion of space and keep your options open
4. Manage the Risk
a. How to evaluate risk and choose appropriate risk exposure for the situation,
environment, vehicle and driver
b. How to develop, evaluate and choose the most effective option in various situations
5. Control with Finesse
a. How to use brakes and accelerator to balance the vehicle and avoid skids
b. How to use total control steering for precise control
Includes evaluation:
Each employee will be coached individually and evaluated on performance
Copies of our evaluation will be provided to your employee and forwarded to management for
personnel or training file
Each evaluation will include recommendations for further practice or training if applicable
Course length: ½ day
Maximum # of participants: 3 drivers
Participant Certificate provided
BCMSA Driver courses delivered by Thinking Driver
5
Driver Evaluation/Assessment
Basic Driver Assessment
Our Basic Evaluation is an excellent way to take a “snapshot” of your employee’s driving, identify weak
areas or bad habits, and correct them through coaching. This evaluation covers basic driving skills and
will be conducted in the vehicle that your employees normally drive.
Feedback/coaching is provided based on the observations of our expert instructor as the driver is taken
through a series of on-road exercises.
Course length: 1 hour per participant
Maximum # of participants: 3 per ½ day
A copy of the Observation paperwork with recommendations, if any, is forwarded to the supervisor.
Detailed Driver Evaluation with Qualification (pass/fail)
This two hour session is a qualification (pass or fail) driving test for organizations that need a
documented driver qualification. Test results are reviewed with the employee and a copy is forwarded
to the supervisor.
Course length: 2 hours per participant
Maximum # of participants: 2 per ½ day
Participant Certificate provided
BCMSA Driver courses delivered by Thinking Driver
6
Four Wheel/All-Wheel Drive and ATV/UTV
Four Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive (classroom)
Do your employees drive pick-up trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUV's) or other four wheel drive vehicles?
Have they been trained in safe and correct four wheel drive operation?
Not all driving is dry paved roads under good weather conditions. Frequently we are required to drive in
adverse conditions or on slippery roads.
Our Basic Four Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive Operation & Safety program addresses the unique
operational characteristics of a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle.
What your employees will learn:
Equipment familiarization
How to engage and disengage 2-wheel, All-wheel, 4-wheel high and 4-wheel low range
Locking transfer cases and axles
Vehicle stability and roll-over risk
Ascending & descending hills
Water crossing
Driving on rough or un-maintained roads
Driving on slippery roads
Handling on hills, curves, ditches
Safe winch use (optional, ½ day)
Course length: ½ day
Maximum course load: 15
Participant Certificate provided
Four Wheel/ All-Wheel Drive Fundamentals (eLearning)
Do your employees drive pick-up trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUV's) or other four wheel drive vehicles?
Have they been trained in safe and correct four wheel drive operation?
Not all driving is dry paved roads under good weather conditions. Frequently we are required to drive in
adverse conditions or on slippery roads.
Our Basic Four Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive Operation & Safety program addresses the unique
operational characteristics of a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle.
BCMSA Driver courses delivered by Thinking Driver
7
What your employees will learn:
Equipment familiarization
How to engage and disengage 2-wheel, All-wheel, 4-wheel high and 4-wheel low range
Locking transfer cases and axles
Vehicle stability and roll-over risk
Ascending & descending hills
Water crossing
Driving on rough or un-maintained roads
Driving on slippery roads
Handling on hills, curves, ditches
*This course is an excellent stand alone or as a blended learning program when paired with Four Wheel
Drive practical)
Course length: 30 to 45 minutes
Four Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive (practical)
The Four Wheel Drive practical course is a natural next step after the theory course or may be taken as a
standalone program covering all the elements in the classroom course in the field:
Equipment familiarization
How to engage and disengage 2-wheel, All-wheel, 4-wheel high and 4-wheel low range
Locking transfer cases and axles
Vehicle stability and roll-over risk
Ascending & descending hills
Water crossing
Driving on rough or un-maintained roads
Driving on slippery roads
Handling on hills, curves, ditches
Safe winch use (optional, ½ day)
Course length: ½ day
Maximum course load: based on equipment and facilities
Participant Certificate provided
All Terrain/Universal Terrain Vehicle (ATV/UTV) Practical
BCMSA Driver courses delivered by Thinking Driver
8
Are your workers Safe? Trained, Tested and Qualified to operate your company ATVs or UTVs? If
not…THEY NEED TO BE.
WorkSafe BC: Part3 Division 3 – General Duties of Employers
115 (e) provide to the employer's workers the information, instruction, training and
supervision necessary to ensure the health and safety of those workers in carrying out their
work and to ensure the health and safety of other workers at the workplace,
We conduct ATV quad and UTV training with the machines that your employees use on-site at your
location, to Canada Safety Council Standards.
What your employees will learn:
Equipment familiarization
Knowing your controls / starting procedures
Shifting Gears / Breaking / Parking
Turning Basics / Sharp Turns / Quicker Turns
Stopping quickly / swerving
Reading the Terrain / choosing proper speeds
Riding over obstacles
Riding on hills
Loading and Unloading Machines
Course length: ½ day
Maximum course load: based on equipment and facilities
Participant Certificate provided
BCMSA Driver courses delivered by Thinking Driver
9
Winter Driving
Winter Driving (Classroom)
Our Winter Driving and Skid Recovery Classroom course is a half day theory program utilizing a unique
blend of fast paced lecture, video and discussion.
What your employees will learn:
How to check, prepare and equip your vehicle for winter including but not limited to:
o Pre-trip inspection
o Emergency kits
o Tire selection
The 6 conditions of winter driving
o Weather condition
o Vehicle condition
o Road condition
o Traffic condition
o Lighting condition
o Driver condition
Fundamentals of traction and control
The 3 principal types of skids and how to recover from them
o Under steer skids
o Over steer skids
o Lock-up on braking
How to correctly use your Antilock Braking System
Electronic stability & Traction Control systems and how they can prevent skidding
This theory course sets the stage for the practical session that includes dynamic hands on skid control
and emergency tactics session. (Practical course not available in lower mainland)
Course length: ½ day
Maximum # of participants: 15
Participant Certificate provided
BCMSA Driver courses delivered by Thinking Driver
10
Winter Driving Fundamentals (eLearning)
Winter Driving can present challenges to both you and your vehicle. Being prepared is imperative!
Explore the main risks associated with winter driving and some simple solutions on how to reduce
winter driving risk. This course includes:
How to check, prepare and equip your vehicle for winter including but not limited to:
o Pre-trip inspection
o Emergency kits
o Tire selection
The 6 conditions of winter driving
o Weather condition
o Vehicle condition
o Road condition
o Traffic condition
o Lighting condition
o Driver condition
Fundamentals of traction and control
The 3 principal types of skids and how to recover from them
o Under steer skids
o Over steer skids
o Lock-up on braking
How to correctly use your Antilock Braking System
(Approx. 20-30 minutes)
Winter Driving/Skid Recovery (Practical)
Our Winter Driving and Skid Recovery practical course is a half day hands-on session that takes the
theory of vehicle dynamics and skid recovery and puts it into action on a closed training area.
Course participants will drive their vehicles into increasingly challenging skid situations and be coached
in advanced skid recovery techniques.
What your employees will learn:
How to move off from a stop without wheel-spin or loss of control
The 3 principal types of skids; what causes them and how to recover from them
Under steer skids
Over steer skids
Lock-up on braking
BCMSA Driver courses delivered by Thinking Driver
11
How to correctly use your Antilock Braking System in an emergency
Emergency brake and avoidance manoeuvres
Driving in deeper snow without getting stuck
Practical methods for getting un-stuck
(Not available in lower mainland)
Course length: ½ day
Maximum # of participants: 3 per ½ day
Participant Certificate provided
BCMSA Driver courses delivered by Thinking Driver
12
Safe Backing
Backing Safety Fundamentals (eLearning)
Backing incidents are costly to organizations, often resulting in property damage and in some cases
injuries or death. The backing fundamentals online course identifies the main risks associated with
backing up a vehicle and offer simple solutions on how to reduce backing risk including the Seven
Fundamentals of preventing backing incidents.
What your employees will learn:
The 7 fundamentals for eliminating backing incidents:
1. Avoid Backing
2. Circle Check
3. Look Back
4. Back Slowly
5. Use a Guide
6. Avoid Distraction
7. Practice
(Approx. 20 to 30 minutes)
*This course is an excellent stand alone or as a blended learning program when paired with Safe Backing
practical)
Safe Backing (Practical)
Backing, parking and slow speed manoeuvring incidents account for over 40% of reportable vehicle
incidents in most operations. Safe Backing targets this situation by teaching drivers how to reduce
backing incidents. Safe Backing is a practical program and is conducted in small groups in a closed
training area. This is a competency based course and varies in duration to a maximum of 4 hours. The
course provides theory and practical learning focused on the reduction of backing incidents by
developing strategies to reduce backing and build requisite skills to back safely when required.
What your employees will learn:
BCMSA Driver courses delivered by Thinking Driver
13
Safe backing in a variety of situations
Backing to sight side and blind side in a non-articulated vehicle
Backing using a guide
Backing using mirrors
Positioning vehicle for sight side and blind side backing
Using mirrors to identify reference points
Identifying pivot points
Judging distance to rear of vehicle
Backing through turns and close quarters
Right angles
Offset lanes
Alley docks
Complex backing manoeuvres where a series of reference points and turns may be required
Close quarters manoeuvring in forward direction
Identifying overhead clearances
Understanding rear wheel off-track
We conduct Safe Backing on-site at your location or at our training location in Surrey and train the driver
in the vehicle that she/he normally drives for work to ensure relevant and effective skills transfer. (A
flat, secure training area 80 X 20 metres is required)
*Completion of Safe Backing Fundamentals (eLearning) is recommended before this course
Course length: ½ day
Maximum # of participants: 3 per ½ day
Participant Certificate provided
BCMSA Driver courses delivered by Thinking Driver
14
Specialty Training
Load Securement
Hand tools, power tools light and heavy equipment, materials; you name it, your workers probably
transport it to and from job-sites using pick-up trucks, trailers, or specialty, purpose built service
vehicles. All of this gear needs to be properly and safely loaded and secured in and or on the vehicle
during transport to be in compliance. This ½ day course is customized on a case by case basis to ensure
that the needs of your organization are fully considered.
What your workers will learn:
What needs to be secured during transport?
Best practises to ensure proper and compliant securement
Course length: ½ day
Maximum course load: variable based on equipment, facilities and desired outcome.
Participant Certificate provided
Trailer towing and backing (light –medium duty <4600 kg)
Trailer towing presents significant challenges for inexperienced and experienced drivers alike. Backing is
especially difficult for the uninitiated. This training is conducted on-site at your facility or at our training
centre using your towing vehicle and trailer or our training equipment.
What your drivers will learn:
Correct and safe hook-up and unhook procedures including
o Electrical
o Safety chains
o Hitch types
o Equalizer hitches
o Tongue weight
o Testing for secure hook-up
Loading and load distribution
Trailer brake types adjustments and operation
Backing
o Sight side
o Blind side
o Backing into dock or load areas
BCMSA Driver courses delivered by Thinking Driver
15
o Avoiding jackknife damage
In-traffic driving
o Compensating for off-track
o Adjusting follow distances for additional weight
* Recommended pre-requisite training before this course:
Safe Backing Fundamentals (eLearning)
Safe Backing practical
Course length: ½ day
Maximum # of participants: 3 per ½ day
Participant Certificate provided
Safe Winching (Vehicle Mounted Winch Operation)
When misused or incorrectly rigged, a vehicle mounted winch can be deadly. Have your workers been
trained and qualified in safe winch operation? This ½ day practical course will prepare workers to safely
prepare and execute a single line pull with a vehicle mounted electric winch.
What your Employees will learn:
Winch components
Winch accessories and correct use
Components and accessory inspection
Winch safety, work plans and precautions
Proper spooling and unspooling of winch cable
Communication and signals
Course length: ½ day
Maximum participants: 9 (with 3 training vehicles)