Instinct alone is insufficient when it comes to operating heavy vehicles safely. HRETD's "Heavy Vehicle Defensive Driving - Full Skills Training" course provides a robust training framework to prepare drivers for the complexities of handling large vehicles. Topics span from basic vehicle controls to advanced defensive techniques, supplemented by multimedia aids like quizzes, case studies, and videos..
Master the Mass. Controlling a heavy vehicle requires a nuanced understanding of its weight distribution, braking distances, and manoeuvrability. Our hands-on training sessions simulate various road and traffic conditions, enabling participants to practice defensive driving strategies such as hazard identification, safe following distances, and emergency responses.
Safety First, Always. This course is invaluable for organisations aiming to reduce accident rates, lower insurance premiums, and maintain an impeccable safety record.
Entry requirements
A currently valid heavy vehicle national driver’s license with the appropriate code for the class of vehicle being used for practical coaching and exercises.
Advanced driver training
Heavy vehicle defensive driving - full skills training
Freight delivery vehicles
Course content
Introduction to Heavy Vehicle Defensive Driving
In this section, we cover an overview of defensive driving principles, the importance of
defensive driving for heavy vehicle operators, and the key benefits of adopting
defensive driving techniques, such as reduced accident rates, improved fuel efficiency,
and enhanced driver awareness.
Heavy Vehicle Characteristics and Challenges
This module focuses on understanding the unique characteristics and challenges
associated with operating heavy vehicles, such as size, weight, braking distance, blind
spots, and manoeuvrability, as well as the implications of these factors for defensive driving.
Defensive Driving Techniques for Heavy Vehicles
In this section, we discuss specific defensive driving techniques tailored to heavy
vehicle operation, including maintaining a safe following distance, managing speed
and space, anticipating and reacting to potential hazards, and navigating intersections,
lane changes, and tight spaces safely and effectively.
Adverse Weather and Road Conditions
Participants will learn how to adapt their defensive driving techniques to cope with
adverse weather and road conditions, such as rain, fog, snow, ice, and high winds, as
well as the importance of adjusting vehicle speed, following distance, and braking
strategies to maintain safety in challenging environments.
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection
In this section, we cover the importance of regular heavy vehicle maintenance and
inspection, understanding how proper vehicle upkeep contributes to safe operation
and defensive driving, and the key components and systems to monitor and maintain.
Driver Fitness and Fatigue Management
This module emphasizes the importance of driver fitness and fatigue management in
maintaining safe and effective defensive driving performance, including strategies for
staying alert and focused, recognizing signs of fatigue, and managing work and rest
schedules to prevent drowsy driving.
Sharing the Road with Other Users
Participants will explore strategies for safely sharing the road with other road users,
such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and other vehicles, understanding how to
anticipate and respond to their actions, and the importance of maintaining clear
communication and visibility.
Anti-Hijacking and Overcoming Lawlessness on South African Roads
Introduction to hijacking and lawlessness on South African roads, identifying and
assessing risks, anti-hijacking techniques for heavy vehicle operators, responding to
hijacking and lawlessness incidents, legal and regulatory framework, and cooperation
and collaboration with law enforcement.
Assessment methods
We conduct a formative theoretical assessment at the beginning of the course to gauge the learner’s initial understanding (novices only). At the end of the training, a summative theoretical and practical application assessment is conducted, to find if the learner is competent; if not, additional developmental areas are identified and suggested.