Driver training is critical for every transport operator and Scania South Africa’s Dirk Kokemoer joined his colleague in Botswana to train six drivers from the Petrologistics Botswana and Choppies companies.

Kokemoer has been working with Scania for the past four years’ and says training is about making sure drivers achieve optimal use of the vehicle.

“Basically we need to make sure the drivers get the best fuel consumption and maximum uptime from the vehicle.”

During the five-day training the drivers are given a pre-assessment test to determine their level of expertise.

Kokemoer adds, “We first  find out their driving styles and capabilities and once we have determined what their problems or weak areas arethey do ‘corrective training’. In this case we show them what their weakness are and how to rectify them. The training includes both theory and practical sessions. Usually by day three of the training the driver trainees are able to reduce consumption when driving the vehicle and also to improve their driving scores. Generally their driving improves.”

Dirk explains, “Driver training is not just about reducing fuel consumption and improving driver techniques it is also about preserving the environment. How we drive affects the environment via pollution so ultimately we need to make sure we save the environment for today and for tomorrow.”

As part of the Wellness HIV/AIDS programme and to assist in spreading the message of prevention the driver trainers are each given a ‘driver buddy pack’ which comprises of necessary information relating to prevention of HIV/AIDS. The buddy packs are issued with compliments from SHWAP.