E-Learning vs. Behind-the-Wheel Driver Safety Training

By Tony Douglas, CEO and President of Smith System 

One question we often hear from safety managers is, “What’s better? E-learning or behind-the-wheel training?” 

The answer isn’t always straightforward, but there are a few factors to keep in mind when deciding between e-learning and behind-the-wheel training.

Behind-the-Wheel Experience

The first factor to consider when deciding which training option is right for your company is whether or not your drivers have already had behind-the-wheel training.

E-learning is an excellent way to refresh previously learned habits. However, for new drivers, nothing beats the behind-the-wheel experience.

Think of it this way: say you’re trying to improve your golf swing. Your choices are:

• Watch a 60-minute YouTube video of Jordan Spieth playing golf at The Masters, or
• Have Jordan Spieth come to your location and spend eight hours with you on your favorite golf course, observing you while you work on your swing and providing you individualized feedback along the way

Watching the video will likely refresh your memory of things you’ve learned before, and you might come away with new tips to apply on your next round of golf.

However, to truly improve your swing, it would be a lot more helpful to have Jordan Spieth right there on the course with you.

Budget Concerns

More often than not, budget concerns will determine which type of program safety managers select.

Because it can be done at home and no instructors are needed in real time, the upfront cost of an e-learning program is much less than the initial cost of behind-the-wheel training.

However, behind-the-wheel training pays for itself over time.

On-the-job highway crashes cost employers an average of $24,000 per crash. Companies that invest in behind-the-wheel driver training can reduce the risk of crashes and save lives, in addition to lowering fuel and maintenance costs.

Training Goals

Before selecting a driver training program, safety managers should consider what their training goals are and the depth of knowledge their drivers should have about safe driving practices.

Both e-learning and behind-the-wheel training are effective ways to refresh driving skills. E-learning can improve a specific methodology of driving and boost overall knowledge about driver safety, while behind-the-wheel training puts it into practice.

E-learning takes place individually without one-on-one observation and feedback. In a behind-the-wheel setting, instructors observe each driver’s habits and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.

While an online course can educate a driver on the basics, nothing can take the place of experiencing specific driving situations in real time.

In some cases, you may not need to choose between the two: your best option might be both. Offering behind-the-wheel training alone gives your drivers the real-world, real-time instruction and experience that makes our roads safer. E-learning is an effective way to reinforce that training or work on specific areas where drivers need improvement.

More at info.drivedifferent.com

Category: Driver Stuff, General Update, News