Eco driving element introduced to the driving test but DriveTech Advantage is ahead of the game

5 September 2008

From Wednesday September 10, everybody sitting a UK driving test will be assessed on their understanding of so-called ‘Eco-safe’ driving techniques.

From then, those who are unable to drive in an economic and ecologically friendly manner will not actually fail their test but the mere fact that such a module is included must point the way to the likely format of the driving test of the future, and driving experts DriveTech are already way ahead of the game.

DriveTech’s Advantage product is an innovative learner driver programme devised by the acknowledged leaders in the corporate driver training field and its curriculum, which already goes way beyond that required to merely acquire a driving licence, has included eco driving techniques since its launch earlier this year.

“We know that most novice drivers just want to get that driving licence as quickly as possible”, says Head of DriveTech Advantage, Steve Fothergill, “but we really wanted to go the extra mile and turn out drivers that are not only a much better than average insurance risk but also ecologically aware with it. Eco-safe driving won’t just help save the planet – it will save new drivers a fortune in the long run.”

The DriveTech Advantage method of learning to drive offers far more than just traditional in-vehicle tuition. There are also three group workshops, one of which contains a specific eco driving module, formal involvement of the parent, guardian or ‘driving buddy’ in the practice sessions between lessons and, finally, the all-important post test training on motorways and night driving techniques.

But what really makes the difference is the quality of the Advantage instructors. Many UK driving instructors are quite legally charging for lessons whilst they are still trainees. There have also been several instances recently of bogus instructors plying their trade illegally.

Drawn from DriveTech’s pool of highly qualified, vastly experienced fleet driver trainers, all Advantage instructors are top grade Driving Standards Agency ‘Approved Driving Instructors’ (ADIs) with additional qualifications that enable them to deliver ‘advanced’ or ‘defensive’ driving techniques in a palatable, customer-friendly manner.

DriveTech Advantage is currently available in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Middlesex, south Surrey and central north Sussex. Customer enquiries should be directed to 0800 840 5105 or advantage@drivetech.co.uk and additional information about the wide range of course options is available at www.drivetech.co.uk/advantage.

For further information, members of the media should contact
Steve Johnson on direct line +44 (0)1789 414700, mobile +44 (0)7894 621134 or on steve.johnson@drivetech.co.uk

Editor's Notes

DriveTech (UK) plc is one of the UK’s leading providers of road risk management, driver assessment and education. We work both with organisations whose employees ‘drive for work’ and with members of the public, who are offered education as an alternative to prosecution by the police.

DriveTech’s vision is ‘working together to eliminate road death and serious injuries’ by providing the most effective and innovative solutions, using education and technology, to minimise risk for all road users.

DriveTech (UK) has won the Institute of Transport Management’s (ITM) ‘Fleet Award for Driver Training’ in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and the ‘European Driver Safety Specialist’ award in 2005. In September 2007, it was named the ITM’s ‘UK Driver Training Solutions Specialist’ for making ‘the most significant impact upon the Driver Training and Safety sector over the past decade’

In 2007, DriveTech (UK) won the South England and South Wales regional award of the Bank of Scotland Corporate ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ of up to £5m, interest-free funding and was runner-up in the national Grand Finale. In addition, the company was named runner-up in the 2007 Thames Valley ‘Business of the Year’ award.