Drivex updates
Find out the latest news and what we have been up to here.......
Next Drivex Fleet ADI Course - dates announced!!
Probably one of the best and most comprehensive Fleet ADI Courses available.
Call us now on 01983 810012 to find out more or for a general enquiry about working in the fleet sector.
Click here for direct access to our Fleet ADI Course Prospectus.
This is the ideal course to allow existing D.S.A. Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) to gain entitlement to enter the D.V.S.A. Fleet Instructor Register and to subsequently deliver work-related driver training courses to industry and other sectors. The course is also an ideal way for ADIs to expand their Continual Professional Development (CPD) Portfolio.
Drivex Director Steve Cocks selected as a volunteer for Operation Zephyr 2
In 2022 the Emergency Services Aid Charity embarked on Operation Zephyr, delivering 17 fire engines, ambulances and other much needed clothing and equipment to The Gambia.
In September 2024 they aim to repeat this undertaking with Operation Zephyr 2
The Emergency Services Aid Charity normally selects it's volunteers from serving or retired members of the emergency services and the military. As Drivex Director Steve Cocks does not fit into these criteria, he is thrilled to have been selected as a volunteer for 2024.
Steve says...
2023 Drivex Limited - the first 25 years !!
Drivex aims to deliver high-quality driver risk management and driver training services for businesses and charities. With fully Health and Safety compliant packages and refreshingly modern driver training courses, Drivex has been leading the way in providing a professional solution for UK industry while at the same time maintaining a quality service with a personal touch. However, did you know that Drivex can trace its roots back to 1998 and the creation of The Way Ahead School of Motoring?
The Way Ahead School of Motoring made its public launch in 1998 and quickly became the leading driving school on the Isle of Wight. For example, The Way Ahead was:
- The first driving school on the Isle of Wight to create and produce its own Course Guide and Log Book. This Course Guide and Log Book was even used by the Driving Standards Agency and the Transport Research Laboratory to help develop the next generation of driver training materials.
- The first driving school on the Isle of Wight to introduce driving lessons for 16 year-olds with its famous Headstart driving lessons.
- The first driving school on the Isle of Wight to introduce a Skid-Control training course.
- The first driving school on the Isle of Wight to gain entry onto the ORDIT Register, in other words the only IOW-based driving school to be given official Driving Standards Agency accreditation to train people to become driving instructors AND to train existing instructors up to a higher standard.
- The first driving school on the Isle of Wight to introduce Licence Category B+E Trailer Training Courses.
Drivex can trace its roots back to 1997 and the creation of The Way Ahead School of Motoring.
In 2006 the Directors of The Way Ahead created Drivex Limited, a business aimed at delivering high-quality driver assessments and training for businesses, charities and other organisations who are seeking to manage their exposure to Occupational Road Risk.
At the same time those instructors at The Way Ahead who wished to participate in delivering practical driver training for Drivex Limited successfully obtained their Driving Standards Agency Fleet Certificates at the first attempt.
In 2009 Drivex attained Driving Standards Agency accreditation for its Fleet ADI Course. The DVSA continues to give Drivex high praise for the quality and consistency of the training offered to ADI's, the last reaccreditation being given in February 2022.
In 2011 Drivex introduced its own Driver Risk Profiling System, a low-cost option for businesses and other organisations to identify if the combination of their on-road activities and drivers are presenting a potential risk. This successful tool is now available as a paper based facility or on-line.
In 2014 Drivex carried out its first driver training project in Scotland, returning north of the border again in early 2020.
In 2016 Drivex carried out its first overseas assignment, in The Gambia in West Africa.
During the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, Drivex took the opportinity to invest in new hardware and software to convert all course certification to E-certificates. Also in 2020, Drivex took delivery of two new Ifor Williams BV84 trailers for its expanding BE training courses.
In 2016 Drivex carried out its first overseas project in The Gambia.
In 2020 Drivex started the renovation of its new business premises in Sandown, Isle of Wight. Watch out for details of the public opening early in 2023!
When the UK Government decided to scrap BE testing in September 2021, Drivex was one of the first organisations in the UK to achieve DVSA - accredited status for its BE courses.
In 2022 Drivex carried out its first project in Northern Ireland.
For 2023 we are continuing to deliver our services to a wide range of clients, to those with a handful of drivers to those with several thousand vehicles and drivers.
To this day Drivex continues the pioneering tradition established by The Way Ahead and continues to develop its own reputation for delivering high-quality driver assessment and training services, to such an extent that Drivex now has clients all over the the U.K.
'Drivex continues to deliver high-quality driver assessment and training services across the UK'
Roger Spaven, Steve Cocks and Paul Hayes of Drivex, Las Vegas 2017
To find out more about Drivex contact Steve Cocks or Roger Spaven on 01983 810012.
Click here to return to home page.
September 2022
Monday 19
Drivex Safer Towing Courses achieve DVSA recognition through the NRI accredited towing course scheme.
All of our licence category BE Towing Familiarisation and Towing Safety Courses now include UK Government / DVSA certification.
In response to the UK Government's sudden decision to axe the formal DVSA car and trailer test, Drivex has created a range of courses for those companies, charities and other organisations that have staff who need to tow heavy trailers.
All of our courses are also suitable for clients who need to tow trailers for personal reasons such as caravans, boat trailers, car trailers, horseboxes etc.
''As recently as May 2019, figures from Highways England, the government organisation in charge of the country’s motorways and major A-roads, said around 4,000 accidents a year involved trailers of one description or another. That’s an average of just under 11 per day.''
All courses are DVSA-accredited and fully HSE compliant. They are designed to give delegates an excellent grounding in trailer handling skills and towing safely on the road.
Take a look below and see which of our range of courses best suits your needs...
Trailer Towing Familiarisation Course (one-day)
This 1-day course covers all of the essential skills to enable drivers to work with heavy trailers safely. With a core-skill syllabus and a practical approach this course gives delegates the chance to enhance their knowledge and skills when working with heavy trailers.
Two options are available for this course:
- Use your vehicle and trailer combinations. This gives the advantage of the training and practical skills being tailored to your own real-life situations.
- Using Drivex vehicle and trailer combinations. The ideal solution where your own vehicle(s) and trailer(s) may not be available for training purposes.
''This course is designed to give your business a fully HSE-compliant training solution to enable staff to work with and tow heavy trailers safely and efficiently''
Course Aims:
The Drivex trailer Towing Familiarisation Course is designed to give a practical introduction to towing for drivers who are required to tow heavy trailers for which they have entitlement to drive but not necessarily the knowledge, skill or experience to drive them safely and efficiently. This could be for licence categories BE or C1E.
Delegates will also learn about defensive and eco-safe driving techniques.
Course Objectives:
- Trailer reversing practice
- Trailer coupling and uncoupling practice.
- Full vehicle appreciation including roadworthiness and safety.
- Enhanced hazard perception and awareness skills as required by vehicle type
- Selective use of gears
- Progressive use of accelerator and brakes
- Compliance with speed limits
- Compliance with other changes in Road Traffic Regulations applicable to vehicle type
- Utilisation of engine braking / torque
- Use of cruise control
''The ideal course for those who have driving licence entitlement to tow but who have no previous experience.''
Who should attend?
Anyone who requires introductory training to towing heavy trailers which is significantly different to those with which they are familiar. For example:
- Drivers who have entitlement to tow heavy trailers but have no previous experience of this type of vehicle.
Course Duration:
Normally a full day (Delegate to trainer ratio 1:1) but can be varied to suit individual client circumstances.
Course Location:
South of England, Isle of Wight or customer premises.
Benefits of attending:
- Compliance with Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Compliance with Provision and use of work equipment Regulations 1998
- Improved driver satisfaction
- Less down time due to maintenance and repairs
- Savings on fuel, tyres and spares
- Enhanced company image
Preparatory Work:
All delegates should have a full and UK-valid Driving Licence for the vehicle and trailer combination being driven and be familiar with the latest edition of the Highway Code.
Course Fees:
All courses are individually costed and fees will depend upon course location, course duration, number of delegates and type(s) of vehicles used. To discuss your own individual requirements contact us on 01983 810012.
Trailer Towing Familiarisation Course (two-day for 1 candidate or three-day for 2 candidates)
''This 2-day course is designed to give your business a comprehensive, robust, HSE-compliant training solution to enable staff to work with and tow heavy trailers safely and efficiently. Extensive practice using clients' own vehicle and trailer combinations in a real-world environment''
This 2-day course covers all of the essential skills covered in our Trailer Towing Familiarisation Course (one-day) course and then expands into day two to work with client's own vehicle and trailer combinations in real workplace environments. With an expansive syllabus and a highly practical approach this course gives delegates the chance to enhance their knowledge and skills even further when working with heavy trailers.
This course can be adapted to a three-day course for two candidates. This gives the advantage of a shared learning experience for the candidates and a 25% cost reduction compared to 2 two-day courses!
Typical course structure (two-day):
- Day 1
Using Drivex vehicle and trailer combinations. Our vehicle and trailer combinations are specifically chosen to give a good understanding and practice of the core skills when working with and towing heavy trailers.
- Day 2
Use client vehicle and trailer combinations. This gives the advantage of the training and practical skills being tailored to clients' own real-life situations including various vehicle and trailer combinations as well as site and road situations staff will come across in their work role.
Course Aims:
The Drivex trailer Towing Familiarisation Course (two-day) is designed to give a highly practical introduction to towing for drivers who are required to tow heavy trailers for which they have entitlement to drive but not necessarily the knowledge, skill or experience to drive them safely and efficiently. This could be for licence categories BE or C1E.
Delegates will also learn about defensive and eco-safe driving techniques.
Course Objectives:
''This course is designed to give a fast-track route to gaining extensive towing experience and is the course we recommend!''
- Trailer reversing practice
- Trailer coupling and uncoupling practice.
- Full vehicle appreciation including roadworthiness and safety.
- Enhanced hazard perception and awareness skills as required by vehicle type
- Selective use of gears
- Progressive use of accelerator and brakes
- Compliance with speed limits
- Compliance with other changes in Road Traffic Regulations applicable to vehicle type
- Utilisation of engine braking / torque
- Use of cruise control
Who should attend?
Anyone who requires introductory training to towing heavy trailers which is significantly different to those with which they are familiar. For example:
- Drivers who have entitlement to tow heavy trailers but have no previous experience of this type of vehicle.
Course Duration:
Normally two days (Delegate to trainer ratio 1:1) but can be varied to suit individual client circumstances.
Course Location:
South of England, Isle of Wight or customer premises.
Benefits of attending:
- Compliance with Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Compliance with Provision and use of work equipment Regulations 1998
- Improved driver satisfaction
- Less down time due to maintenance and repairs
- Savings on fuel, tyres and spares
- Enhanced company image
Preparatory Work:
All delegates should have a full and UK-valid Driving Licence for the vehicle and trailer combination being driven and be familiar with the latest edition of the Highway Code.
Course Fees:
All courses are individually costed and fees will depend upon course location, course duration, number of delegates and type(s) of vehicles used. To discuss your own individual requirements contact us on 01983 810012.
DVSA BE Car and Trailer Test equivalence course
'This course is not about proving you can drive, it is about showing that you have the knowledge and skills to adapt your drive to reflect the particular challenges that arise when towing heavy trailers'
This course gives candidates the opportunity to take our own 'in-house' Drivex BE Practical Test. Replicating the exact structure of the original DVSA test, this course gives parity and continuity of standards between those drivers that have gained their BE entitlement via a DVSA test and those that have automatic BE entitlement.
Course Aims:
To give candidates the knowledge and skills to safely tow heavy trailers behind licence category B (cars and small vans up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass) vehicles by passing the Drivex B+E (car and trailer) Practical Driving Test.
Delegates will also learn about defensive driving techniques.
Course Objectives:
- To give drivers the required knowledge and skill to pass the B+E Test.
- Trailer reversing practice
- Trailer coupling and uncoupling practice.
- Enhanced hazard perception and awareness skills
- Selective use of gears
- Progressive use of accelerator and brakes
- Compliance with speed limits
- Utilisation of engine braking / torque
Who should attend?
Anyone who has a requirement to tow heavy trailers that fall within licence category BE and needs to demonstrate a proven ability to safely handle heavy trailers and has the knowledge and skill to drive safely on the road when towing.
Course Duration:
''At every DVSA Test Centre where we presented candidates we achieved PASS RATES WHICH ARE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN THE UK AVERAGE!''
Normally two or three days depending on previous trailer experience (Delegate to trainer ratio 2:1) but can be varied to suit individual client circumstances.
Course Location:
Normally customer premises, Drivex Training Centre in Southampton or on the Isle of Wight.
Benefits of attending:
- Compliance with Road Traffic Acts and Regulations
- Compliance with Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Compliance with Provision and use of work equipment Regulations 1998
- Improved driver satisfaction
- Less down time due to maintenance and repairs
- Savings on fuel, tyres and spares
- Enhanced company image
Preparatory Work:
All delegates must hold a full UK Car Driving Licence (including category BE) and be familiar with the latest edition of the Highway Code.
Additional Information:
Due to the Minimum Test Vehicle Requirements specified for the Drivex B+E Practical Test this course is usually conducted in one of our vehicle and trailer combinations.
This course normally runs on a 1:1 or 2:1 delegate to trainer ratio to suit individual client / vehicle requirements.
Validation
At the end of the course delegates will take a Drivex BE Practical Driving Test replicating the original DVSA test. The test will last four 1-hour and 15-minutes and will include the following elements:
- Vehicle and trailer safety questions (show me / tell me format).
- Reversing exercise.
- Trailer uncouple, safety inspection and recouple exercise).
- On the road drive (including 10-minute independent drive).
The test will be conducted and marked in the same way as a DVSA test with a Pass or Fail outcome.
Course Fees:
All courses are individually costed and fees will depend upon course location, course duration, number of delegates and type(s) of vehicles used. To discuss your own individual requirements contact us on 01983 810012.
Sunday 4 to Saturday 17
A quiet time for director Steve as it was time for a vacation! With the travel restrictions relaxing but ongoing issues with flights being cancelled and baggage being lost, the decision was made to turn a week in the sun into a two-week break with a drive down through France and Andorra and on to Spain.
This might seem like a 'busman's holiday' but driving in Europe can be such a refreshing experience compared to the busy nature of the roads in the South East of England. And so it proved on this occasion.
A two day drive in magnificent sunshine through France led to a stunning third day crossing the Pyrenees through Andorra and into Spain. Extensive use was made of the French mororway network and the free flowing nature of these roads made the tolls worth paying!. It was interesting to see that the Spanish motorway network is becoming toll-free.
As a driving professional, one can't help but notice how different countires differ in their approach to their road network. For example, in the UK roundabouts are generally the most challenging junctions we come across. A combination of inconsistent signs, varying lane protocol and almost infintely variable size and shape, mean that there is always the potential for confusion and therefore risk of a collision. In France, this problem is almost entirely eliminated, since most roundabouts have only one lane on approach and one lane on the roundabout. Consequently, the risk of a collision is vastly reduced since there is hardly ever a situation where two vehicles are side by side.
After a relaxing week in the sun with no driving at all, a four day drive back to the ferry port at Ouistreham followed, this time avoiding the Peage. Steve said ''It was great to finally have a break overseas after the pandemic and to recharge the batteries. Next road trip to France is planned for June 2023 and a visit to the 24 Heures du Mans......hope to see you there!!''
August 2022
Tuesday 9
Another series of van familiarisation courses this week, again in the Ashford area. These courses have the reduction of occupational road risk as their core aim. The courses explore how this risk can be decreased (or increased) by the accumulation of simple changes in the way the drivers and employers look at their on-road activities.
The attributes of a good driver are:
- Driver knowledge
- Driver experience
- Driver skill
- Driver attitude
Equally, these could be the attributes of a poor driver, or in other words, a driver who presents a higher risk to themself, to their colleagues, to their employer and to other road users.
As an example of how road risk is intrinsically linked to the combination of seemingly smaller risk factors, have a look at the picture below:
'Some 75% of breakdowns can be avoided by regular vehicle checks and maintaining vehicles correctly'
All of these items were found within 5 metres of Steve's car in a workplace car park, shared by work vans and private vehicles. All of these items could cause tyre damage leading to punctures. This in turn leads to increased likelihood of....
- Vehicles stranded on the highway, putting the vehicle occupants and the vehicle at risk of a collision.
- Increased costs due to vehicle out of action.
- Increased cost due to vehicle repair.
- Unsatisfied customer as goods or services are delayed.
Indeed, it is estimated that 75% of breakdowns are availdable.
Where poor workplace policies and procedures may be found to be a contributory factor, a business could also face prosecution leading to substantial fines or even imprisonment for those responsible.
An assessment of current polices and procedures, improving workplace practices where issues are identified and raising awareness among staff will reduce the likelihood of driving related incidents.
Are your drivers putting you and your business at risk? Click on the link above to our questionnaire to find out.
To find out more about our Van Familiarisation Courses go to: Drivex Vehicle Familiarisation Courses
Wednesday 3
Both Steve and Roger were conducting Van Familiarisation Courses today for one of our major clients. Steve was in Ashford and Roger was in Orpington. The subjects covered were:
- The main legal differences between driving socially and driving for work
- The main risk factors of a road journey
- Conductiing and documenting vehicle safety inspections as per company policy
- Defensive driving skills on all road types
- Safe reversing in a number of different locations
- Driver knowledge test
- Comprehensive 5-page driver report and risk assessment
The courses were conducted using client vehicles of a type the candidates will use for work. These courses are a proven way of fast-tracking improvements in drivers' knowledge, experience, skill and attitude when driving light commercial vehicles (LCV's). The courses are focused on a highly practical, driver involved syllabus, aimed at increasing driver awareness and reducing the likelihood being involved in road crashes.
An important part of the syllabus is the interpritation of vehicle weight plates and measuring the individual axle weights and the overall weight of the vehicle.
Do your drivers have access to weighbridge facilities and a suitable work schedule to access these facilities?
The weighbridge certificate above shows a van 450kgs over it's Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of 3,500kgs. This could have resulted in a £200 fine for the driver as well as the vehicle demonstrating severely compromised steering and braking performance. On this occasion the payload of the van was reduced before heading out on the road and a valuable lesson learned for the driver.
To find out more about our Van Familiarisation Courses go to: Drivex Vehicle Familiarisation Courses
Tuesday 2
Another 2-day BE familiarisation course successfully completed by Steve this week for a client based in Surrey. Well done to Dan for successfully completing his DVSA-accredited, BE Towing Familiarisation and Safety Course. The subjects covered were:
- Understanding licence category BE
- Preparing the vehicle for towing
- Understanding how to match trailers and towing vehicles
- Trailer safety inspections
- Defensive driving skills on all road types
- Safe reversing in a number of different locations
- Safe hitching and unhitching
The course was conducted using the van and trailer combinations Dan will use for work.
Dan had never towed or worked with trailers before and on completion of the course he said that not only had he learned the necessary skills to tow safely, but had is overall driving skills improved as well.
During the course Dan gained practical experience working with his workplace vehicle and trailer combination, where several electrical faults were identified with the trailer:
- Nearside brake lamp not working
- Nearside tail lamp showing too bright
- Trailer fog rearguard lamps not working
Identifying trailer defects is an important part of towing safely, and features heavily in all of our towing courses.
To find out more about our catefgory BE towing courses go to: Drivex Safer Towing Courses
July 2022
Thursday 28
Safer towing ........... bite size info !!
We are often asked what the 'D' and 'S' figures represent that are found on vehicle towbars, trailer drawbars and trailer coupling equipment. Steve Cocks explains.....
S values
The plate above clearly shows the "S" and "D" values on this Ford Transit
D values
Tuesday 26
After a solid month of van familiarisation courses for one of our major clients, it is back to providing BE familiarisation training for Steve this week in Surrey. Well done to Mark for successfully completing his 2-day, DVSA-accredited, BE Towing Familiarisation and Safety Course. The subjects covered were:
- Understanding licence category BE
- Preparing the vehicle for towing
- Understanding how to match trailers and towing vehicles
- Trailer safety inspections
- Defensive driving skills on all road types
- Safe reversing in a number of different locations
- Safe hitching and unhitching
The course was conducted using the van and trailer combinations Mark will use for work.
To find out more about our catefgory BE towing courses go to: Drivex Safer Towing Courses