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The Hazardous Goods Transportation programme has been developed for the drivers of vehicles carrying inflammable article such as petrol, high-speed diesel, LPG, kerosene and hazardous gases and chemicals. As per CMVR (Central Motor Vehicles Rules)’s rule 9, every driver carrying hazardous goods must undergo this sort of training. This is a three-day training programme which teaches drivers defensive driving, hazchem codes, tremcards and their usage, precautions to be taken while transporting hazardous goods, fire-fighting skills and first aid skills. An extensive on-road test is carried out to evaluate the participant’s driving skills. Refresher training programmes are also conducted for hazardous goods drivers as per statutory norms.
The Safe Forklift Training programme trains forklift operators to safely operate forklifts while observing all necessary precautions. Often, operators use forklifts without sound knowledge of their operation, such as the centre of gravity. If the centre of gravity shifts upwards, which may occur due to various reasons, the forklift can trip leading to dangerous situations. According to Atray, Ace Driving’s forklift training is considered to be very effective.
The E-Learning module has been a recent addition to the Ace Driving suite of programmes. The module is meant for companies that wish to train a large number of employees or vendors who cannot be trained the regular way due to constraints such as travel and training costs. These modules highlight specific issues related to driving. For example, a module on speeding runs for about six to eight minutes and highlights all the related problems and concerns about speeding. The module is supported by films, animation and other visuals. Towards the end of the module, there is a random questionnaire which tests the individual’s knowledge of all the points of the module. A certificate based on the individual’s test score is generated to show the level of understanding.
The Driving Assessment and Audit programme grades drivers as Safe, Low Risk, At Risk and High Risk. The drivers rated At Risk or High Risk are not allowed to drive by their respective companies. These drivers undergo refresher courses and training to improve their skills, and re-take the road test till they are rated as Safe or Low Risk drivers.
The curriculum at Ace Driving combines theoretical knowledge with training in practical skills. Drivers are awarded certifications based on their on-road performance and subject knowledge. Ace Driving is accredited by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), UK to conduct IAM programmes in India. Says Atray, “In 2005, I approached the Institute of Advanced Motorist (IAM), UK for a formal tie-up, and to share our activities with them. IAM is dedicated to train drivers with better driving skills and standards, and to make roads safer. It makes sense to work with a UK based institute as their driving practices are similar to India, which allows us to share knowledge and information effectively. The IAM Managing Director Mark Edward explained details of their operations to me. I took an on-road test with their trainer on a busy London street with the test lasting for almost two-and-a half hours. That was very satisfying and a great learning experience. IAM trained us on ways to evaluate driving skills and grade drivers. Also, we keep getting valuable inputs and upgrades on training practices from them periodically.”
Ace Driving has conducted Driver Training Programmes for Castrol, Shell, DuPont, Hindustan Unilever, BASF, Cadbury, Tata Motors, Abbott, Infosys and Wipro. It has also conducted programmes in other countries such as the UAE, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Atray feels that good driving schools have a major role to play in any corporate sector, especially for companies that intend to adopt international safety standards and practices. Driving is an integral part of many corporate activities – logistics, marketing or just man-machine movement. By giving such training to their employees, companies can show their concern for employees, and also minimise chances of accidents.
Revealing what satisfies him the most, Atray says, “Recently I was driving on the Mumbai–Nashik highway and stopped for a cup of tea. A driver from a nearby parked truck came to me and said that he still remembers the points which I taught him many years back, and explained the 1001 -1002 rule in front of me and my surprised family members. This is the best gift I can get from my profession that is also my passion.”
