How to Integrate Tachograph Training into Driver Onboarding
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- How to Integrate Tachograph Training into Driver Onboarding
Being able to use a tachograph correctly is vital for any lorry driver in the UK in terms of driving safely and staying on the right side of the law. As such, including training in the use of this kind of equipment in any driver onboarding you provide as a transport manager is a must-do.
In this article, we look at how to you can incorporate this tachograph training into the training you provide to drivers joining your company.
Understanding How Important Tachographs Are
The function of a tachograph is to monitor the amount of time a driver spends behind the wheel and resting. What makes them so important is that they ensure that no driver drives more hours than they should each day.
These driver hours rules are there for very good reasons, as they’re central to preventing driver fatigue and the increased risk that poses to other road users.
Teaching the Basics of Tachograph Use
It’s best not to assume any level of prior knowledge when it comes to the use of tachographs, which is why you should start onboarding with orientation sessions covering the basics of what they are and how they’re used. You should also check understanding of the main differences between analogue and digital systems.
You should also be sure to emphasise the importance of abiding by driver hour rules and tachograph regulations. The penalties for not doing so can be severe, and the fact that infringing these rules compromises safety should be reinforced.
Provide Practical Hands-On Training
While traditional theory training can be effective, this needs to be backed up with some practical, hands-on training. You can offer this via simulations and practical tachograph exercises, particularly as some people learn better in this way.
Proper, real-world context should also be provided via on-vehicle training, which means more hands-on training in actual vehicles equipped with tachographs.
Leveraging Technology to Boost Your Training
Thanks to the increasing popularity of remote, web-based e-learning, you can provide interactive training about how to use tachographs as and when you see fit. By using one of the many digital learning platforms out there, you can also provide supplementary training on aspects like data interpretation and what’s needed to comply with the rules.
That said, both tachograph technologies and the regulations that govern them are constantly evolving, so you must ensure that any changes are reflected in the training you’re providing.
Covering Legal & Compliance Requirements
When tachograph or driver hours rules are broken, it reflects badly on the driver and the company that employs them. As such, your onboarding training should provide education as to what’s required to remain lawful and what happens when someone transgresses i.e. the penalties involved.
Your training should also cover the role that employers have in ensuring their drivers stay compliant and in keeping accurate records.
Fostering a Culture of Compliance & Safety
The best way to ensure that everyone in your company understands and follows tachograph rules is to foster a culture of continuous education in which adhering to the guidelines is viewed as a given. As such, you should make drivers feel comfortable in asking questions and discussing the challenges they face when using a tachograph.
Naturally, the tachograph training you put into place might not be 100% effective from day one, which is why it’s important to continuously evaluate it and gather feedback from drivers for improvement purposes.
The Wisdom of Integrating Tachograph Training with Onboarding
By integrating your tachograph training into your driver onboarding, you ensure that no one slips through the net without having the necessary instruction. This can also be complemented by mentorship programs during which experienced drivers can offer ongoing guidance on tachograph use.
This comprehensive approach combined with real-world practical elements will help all your drivers drive safely and stay within the law while ensuring that they’re prepared for the legal demands of modern truck driving.
