As the national road toll mounts, a new online tool that will significantly improve Kiwi organisations’ ability to manage their drivers’ road rules revision and health and safety training has been launched at www.drivingtests.co.nz.
The update to the already popular website means businesses can now manage driver training and qualifications in one convenient online system. Drivers can take online tests to improve their knowledge of the road rules, driver health and safety and their driving skills, and managers can generate reports to identify areas that need to be addressed.
The release of the new tool comes on the heels of a devastating week on our nation’s roads which saw 15 people lose their lives. There have been 282 deaths on the road this year, which is already higher than last year’s total with seven weeks still remaining in the year.
The Government has announced that the speed limit can go up to 110km/h on some roads.
Road safety campaigner Darren Cottingham of DT Driver Training, the company behind drivingtests.co.nz, says there are benefits to be gained by implementing an increase.
“Our road toll is proving difficult to keep under control. Frustrated drivers contribute to this, and one way to help alleviate it is to remove hold ups that people see as unreasonably constraining them, such as 100km/h limits on sections of motorways which are more than safe enough to accommodate limits of 110km/h or more,” says Cottingham.
He adds that access to driver training and an increased awareness of the Road Code can only have a positive impact on the road toll.
Attracting over 70,000 visitors a month, drivingtests.co.nz has long been the most popular tool for commercial and public drivers to practice for learner licence tests and licence endorsement upgrades, refresh their memory of the road rules, and learn new strategies for advanced driving. It is widely used by a range of organisations, particularly those within the transport and logistics industry, according to Cottingham who expects the new tool to increase the site’s popularity.
The move to provide organisations with reports comes in response to the updated health and safety laws that came into effect in April this year, says Cottingham.
“Organisations now need to document the steps they’re taking to reduce the risks of accidents when driving. They need to be able to provide physical proof that their employee drivers have undergone the necessary training required to ensure this happens.
“The ability for employees to take tests whenever and wherever they want on a smartphone, tablet or computer reduces workplace disruptions normally associated with training. The system also comes with templates for all the essential safety and compliance documents required.
“At only $9 per driver per year, it’s a cost-effective and comprehensive tool to help organisations work towards compliance,” says Cottingham.
He adds that more than 70% of people with a full driving licence can’t pass the learner licence theory test just five years after taking it, despite being required to drive within the law during that time.
“For companies with employee drivers, this can have dire consequences. The new tool means that organisations now have an affordable way of improving driver safety, and reducing the likelihood of receiving road traffic fines and demerit points which could ultimately lead to a very inconvenient licence suspension.”
DT Driver Training is also helping transportation companies address the shortage of class 5 drivers in New Zealand by enabling drivers to practice the theory component as much as they need before sitting their test, which improves their chances of passing first time.
