Driver induction

Driver induction is your opportunity to confirm health and safety policy, lines of communication and procedures.

It helps new drivers get to grips with the way you like to do things, early on.

Staff induction should follow a documented programme including:

• Details of the company health and safety policy and arrangements
• Vehicle checks and restrictions, e.g. mobile phones, authorised drivers, driving and fatigue
• Guides on what to do in certain situations e.g. accidents, breakdown and reporting of defects

Commercial drivers, including agency and part-time drivers, should take a test drive as part of their induction. And, where appropriate, non-commercial drivers should also take one, particularly young drivers.

The induction gives drivers the information they need in case of emergencies and communicates a sense of responsibility, which will be reflected in driving standards.

The driver's handbook is a key feature in getting these points across. Everyone who drives on company business should be given a copy, which is a key part of the induction. To assist you, we have created an example of a driver's handbook, which applied to cars, light vans and heavy vehicles.

The handbook should be updated from time to time and prefaced with a message from a senior manager / director.

At the end of each Driver Handbook there is a declaration that the handbook has been read, which must be signed and returned to the fleet manager. The vehicle should not be released to the driver unless this form has been completed.

For drivers of commercial vehicles, from car derived vans to the heaviest tractor units, please look at the Goods vehicle drivers handbook / supplement..