Driver Training

Description:

All drivers, regardless of age, experience or maturity, need to be educated on the laws and legal liabilities associated with operating an emergency vehicle. Additionally, all drivers need to have on-going training to keep their skill and knowledge levels high, as well as identify and correct any deficiencies or untoward habits that have developed. This applies to behind-the-wheel training and classroom training.

VFIS recommends that the following training & education criteria be adopted by your emergency service organization (ESO) to reduce the exposure presented by the operation of your emergency vehicles:

1) Successful completion of a recognized emergency vehicle driver training program which should include but not be limited to:

a) A minimum of 4 hours of classroom training concentrating on defensive driving, legal aspects of emergency vehicle operations, physical dynamics and review of departmental emergency vehicle response guidelines (SOG’s). Written competency testing is strongly recommended.

b) 10 hours of documented behind-the-wheel training (each different style of vehicle) and road test with at least 2 training/qualifying officers. To help insure a more objective evaluation, consideration should be given to establishing fixed criteria for these evaluations. The criteria for each evaluation should include, but not limited to the following:

i) A minimum number of right turns

ii) A minimum number of left turns

iii) Two straight line backing exercises

iv) Two right turn backing exercises

v) Two left turn backing exercises

vi) One panic stop exercise

c) Annual re-training until qualified as a front-line driver

d) Annual classroom refresher training with focus on defensive driving, legal aspects of emergency vehicle operations, physical dynamics and review of departmental emergency vehicle response guidelines (SOG’s).

e) Behind-the-wheel re-training and/or re-certification, not less than every 3 years for all drivers.

f) Drivers returning to driving duties from suspension of privileges and/or returning to active status after inactive for more than 6 months should be required to re-certify on the vehicles previously qualified on.

VFIS has multiple training programs available to address the initial and ongoing training needs of the vehicle operator. Copies of these programs are available thru your insurance agent, VFIS Regional Director or directly from VFIS.

Available Resources

• Emergency Vehicle Operations Video Collection on USB
• Emergency Vehicle Driver Training - EVDT
• Street Highway Off Road Driving Evaluation
• Emergency Vehicle Competency Course Scoresheet