UVV (accident prevention regulations) driver instruction – What you need to know
According to DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance) Regulation 70, every fleet manager is required to have all drivers in the fleet undergo instruction at least once a year. This safety training, for one, serves to ensure the safety of the driver, who is instructed about potential dangerous situations and the lawful operation of their work equipment, and also as legal proof for the fleet manager, should an accident occur.
Without provision of driver training, fleet managers can be held liable in the event of an accident, even if they did not cause the accident themselves. Driver instruction in compliance with the DGUV Regulation 70 guideline is part of a series of basic laws, such as Section 12 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Section 12 of the Industrial Safety Regulation, all of which establish safety at the workplace and the safe operation of work equipment.
Contents of digital driver instruction
The specific contents of the UVV vary from fleet to fleet: the safety regulations for a fleet with mixed vehicles (cars and trucks or construction machines) differs from those for a homogeneous fleet consisting only of passenger vehicles. The size of the fleet is irrelevant, so that both small and large fleets are required to instruct their drivers on a regular basis. The aim of the driver training is safety – both for the driver and the fleet manager. How it is implemented is left to the individual fleet manager. Whereas in the past classroom teaching was the norm, digital courses are now on the rise: they are flexible and offer simple and reliable documentation.
Even if lawmakers specify few guidelines concerning the contents of the UVV, there are nevertheless certain topics which need to be covered in every safety training.
Before each section, it is advisable to clarify the testing modalities: e.g. How often may the instruction be repeated in the event of a failing grade, what percentage of correct answers is considered passing, are aids allowed during the course? If the driver training is carried out personally by the fleet manager, the latter is obliged to clarify the modalities in advance. The same goes for digital learning.
The chapters of the driver instruction and its contents:
The first part of the driver instruction deals with safety-conscious behavior before the start of the journey. Each drive should be prepared in an unhurried manner and the driver should feel physically and mentally rested and capable of driving the vehicle safely. For this reason, the first section deals with the safe starting up of the vehicle, checking the vehicle’s technology, correct light settings, appropriate clothing and a secure and healthy sitting position.
The second part of digital driver training covers safety equipment: What safety-related objects are to be present in the vehicle during each drive and what is their safe handling? The third part examines the driver’s handling of digital devices while driving, the basics of road traffic regulations, correct assessment of weather conditions and appropriate adaptation of driving style as well as the influence of mind-altering substances on the driver.
Safe conduct during an accident situation is dealt with thematically in the fourth section of the UVV driver instruction. Accidents put the driver in an exceptional situation, which makes it all the more important to make sure instructions on appropriate conduct in the such events are provided. For example, digital learning provides step-by-step instructions on measures the driver should take in the event of an accident.
The last section of the UVV driver instruction is the knowledge check. Using a multiple-choice test, information learned from the previous sections is queried. Since there is no fixed time window in which the questions must be answered, there is no test pressure. After the questions have been answered, the driver can submit the test. If the driver passes the test, a certificate will be issued to serve as proof of successful participation in the UVV driver training. If the driver fails, it may be retaken in order to better internalize the information learned and a certificate will then be issued upon passing.
Carano allows the fleet manager the opportunity to view the test results. In the event of repeated fails, a personal interview with the driver may be required and, if necessary, to explain certain information. In addition, the fleet manager can call up upcoming appointments, including missed appointments for driver instruction, coordinate these andemai l reminders to the drivers.
UVV driver instruction via digital learning or in person – a guide for fleet manager
It is still very common, that the UVV driver instruction test is done in the presence of the fleet manager and in the company headquarters. This method may be convenient for some companies but it entails a lot of organization for fleet managers and drivers alike. This extra effort has to be taken into consideration, such as:
- organizing appointments and a specific location
- inviting all participants
- instruction the test according to legal framework
- reminder to all participants, collecting the invites
- guiding through driver instruction and documentation of results
- storing the results according to law
Why UVV driver instruction on a digital learning platform makes sense
Coordinating the UVV for classroom training is a massive undertaking especially with large fleets: The fleet manager is responsible for the preparation of the contents, invitation of the drivers and the subsequent appointment coordination – an onerous undertaking for both drivers and fleet managers. There is also frequently a great deal of uncertainty when it comes to the information to be conveyed: What topics need to be dealt with and to what extent?
Digital learning is a time- and cost-saving way to provide of safety instruction. It allows drivers to be instructed from anywhere and automated documentation lightens the workload of the fleet manager. This has, above all, legal validity, since the fleet supervisor is mandated to prove all drivers in the fleet have successfully completed safety training.
Digital learning also offers a psychological advantage: drivers experience a much more pleasant examination situation, as they have sufficient time to read up on the relevant topics before the test. The aim of every driver instruction is to direct the driver’s attention to possible hazardous situations and to heighten their awareness of potential accidents so as to minimize damages and loss. All this makes digital learning the best and most comprehensive way to train drivers.
Bitte beachten Sie: Die jährliche Fahrerunterweisung per UVV ersetzt nicht die fahrzeugspezifische Einweisung, die bei jeder Fahrzeugübergabe durch den Fuhrparkleiter persönlich durchzuführen ist. Dieser Artikel ist rechtlich nicht bindend.