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Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Postal workers discussion forum. Discuss the day to day life in a Blue Shirt.
tragictramp
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Joined: 19 Dec 2008, 18:02
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Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Post by tragictramp »

Tomorrow i have got to do a defensive driving course, this is because i got a van to break down after driving through a flood.

Basically i want to know what it entail?, no one in my office have had this, all i know is that it will take 4 hours, I only wish to get back onto driving due to having my rotating day taken off me and having the usual tuesday off for reserves.
On a sidenote only this week my duty has apparently been setup as a hybrid with the walk prepped for someone on a 30 hour contract to deliver then do collections directly after, if i pass this driving training, i think my next fight will be to get my walk back as a delivery only.

:nana
krussel
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Re: Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Post by krussel »

Not totally sure :hmmmm

I did a driving aware test on the doms pc a few years ago and that took about 40 mins. It was rather like a theory test and you just repeated the questons till you passed. :hmmmm
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tragictramp
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Gender: Male

Re: Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Post by tragictramp »

krussel wrote:Not totally sure :hmmmm

I did a driving aware test on the doms pc a few years ago and that took about 40 mins. It was rather like a theory test and you just repeated the questons till you passed. :hmmmm

I have done that before, this is an instructor based training, a few newer starters have had to do 4 hour driving assessments but apparently they have just been asked where they fancy driving and drive 100 odd miles and back whilst having lunch in a different city, ill update this tomorrow in case anyone in the future wants to know.
DGP1
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Re: Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Post by DGP1 »

It's basically a bit of classroom information, followed by driving around to assess you and then a bit of training and then another drive around to see if you've learned all the lessons.............basically, just drive like you're driving Miss Daisy and enjoy not delivering for the day :nana
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tragictramp
Posts: 381
Joined: 19 Dec 2008, 18:02
Gender: Male

Re: Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Post by tragictramp »

DGP1 wrote:It's basically a bit of classroom information, followed by driving around to assess you and then a bit of training and then another drive around to see if you've learned all the lessons.............basically, just drive like you're driving Miss Daisy and enjoy not delivering for the day :nana
I can do a miss daisy impression pretty well, i would enjoy not delivering but its my day off, they wouldn't let me do it on a duty day, so its overtime!
TrueBlueTerrier
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Re: Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Post by TrueBlueTerrier »

Defensive driving is basically keeping an eye on the situation around the vehicle and driving appropriately.

http://www.roaddriver.co.uk/content/safety_tip/54/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

10 basic concepts of defensive driving:

Don't start the engine without securing each passenger in the car, including children and pets. Safety belts save thousands of lives each year.
Leave space to escape dangerous situations.
Slow down, especially during inclement weather conditions or at night.
Always adhere to speed limits.
Concentrate on your driving at all times and keep a watchful eye on pedestrians and pets along the roadside.
Expect the unexpected and plan for escape routes.
Never drive if you are impaired by lack of sleep or being under the influence.
Check your mirrors frequently.
Assume that drivers will run through stop signs or red lights and be prepared to react.
Follow the rules of the road. Don't contest the right of way or try to race another car. Be respectful of other motorists.

You too can become a defensive driver

Start practicing now by checking your mirrors constantly.
Always be aware of what is on your right, your left and behind you.
Check the road ahead. What is on the horizon, what is happening in front of the car ahead of you?
Learn to make eye to eye contact with drivers and pedestrians. That way you know they see you.
Look at the front wheels of the cars parked on the side of the road. If you see a car with the wheels turned to the right, is it going to suddenly pull out?
Be prepared for the unexpected
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SF
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Location: Midlands.

Re: Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Post by SF »

They give you a baseball bat to put under your seat.
Lincox
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Re: Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Post by Lincox »

Did one with a previous company. They are very good and as said above it is mainly an awareness of what is going on around you and your position on the road. For instance, if you are going round a right hand bend, you stay to the outside of the bend which provides you with a better and quicker view of oncoming traffic. If you are driving on a motorway, never get stuck in the middle lane with vehicles either side of you, as you have no escape route if their is an incident. Just general good driving tips.
dvbuk55
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Re: Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Post by dvbuk55 »

Lincox wrote:Did one with a previous company. They are very good and as said above it is mainly an awareness of what is going on around you and your position on the road. For instance, if you are going round a right hand bend, you stay to the outside of the bend which provides you with a better and quicker view of oncoming traffic. If you are driving on a motorway, never get stuck in the middle lane with vehicles either side of you, as you have no escape route if their is an incident. Just general good driving tips.
This previous company Lincox...........did it involve security by any chance?
Lateagainpostie
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Re: Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Post by Lateagainpostie »

tragictramp wrote:
DGP1 wrote:It's basically a bit of classroom information, followed by driving around to assess you and then a bit of training and then another drive around to see if you've learned all the lessons.............basically, just drive like you're driving Miss Daisy and enjoy not delivering for the day :nana
I can do a miss daisy impression pretty well, i would enjoy not delivering but its my day off, they wouldn't let me do it on a duty day, so its overtime!
I'd have told them I have my days off booked up for the next twelve months with things planned, they can't make you do anything on your day off, refuse to do it, I'd tell them to take a hike
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youwot!!!!!
MAIL CENTRES/PROCESSING
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Re: Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Post by youwot!!!!! »

tragictramp wrote:
DGP1 wrote:It's basically a bit of classroom information, followed by driving around to assess you and then a bit of training and then another drive around to see if you've learned all the lessons.............basically, just drive like you're driving Miss Daisy and enjoy not delivering for the day :nana
I can do a miss daisy impression pretty well, i would enjoy not delivering but its my day off, they wouldn't let me do it on a duty day, so its overtime!

only do it as overtime if YOU want the o/t.don't feel pressured into working your day off just cos it makes it easier for them.
who the hell invests £2 billion into a servic and makes it worse?????????????
you really couldn't make it up!!!!!!!!!!!
Postal Postie II
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Re: Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Post by Postal Postie II »

Oh nice. It includes little dittied like "keep your wheels straight when indicating a turn".

If you drove defensively as suggested a 4 hour collection round would take 6!
Lincox
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Re: Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Post by Lincox »

dvbuk55 wrote:
Lincox wrote:Did one with a previous company. They are very good and as said above it is mainly an awareness of what is going on around you and your position on the road. For instance, if you are going round a right hand bend, you stay to the outside of the bend which provides you with a better and quicker view of oncoming traffic. If you are driving on a motorway, never get stuck in the middle lane with vehicles either side of you, as you have no escape route if their is an incident. Just general good driving tips.
This previous company Lincox...........did it involve security by any chance?
No, it was for one of the big 4 banks.
dvbuk55
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Re: Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Post by dvbuk55 »

Lincox wrote:
dvbuk55 wrote:
Lincox wrote:Did one with a previous company. They are very good and as said above it is mainly an awareness of what is going on around you and your position on the road. For instance, if you are going round a right hand bend, you stay to the outside of the bend which provides you with a better and quicker view of oncoming traffic. If you are driving on a motorway, never get stuck in the middle lane with vehicles either side of you, as you have no escape route if their is an incident. Just general good driving tips.
This previous company Lincox...........did it involve security by any chance?
No, it was for one of the big 4 banks.
Just sounded familiar in part :wave
Lincox
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Re: Defensive driving course - what does it entail?

Post by Lincox »

It was run by an external company, so I would imagine they do same or similar courses for most businesses.