The term “Refresher Driver Training” includes a wide range of different courses, including: (1) Simple assessment drives; (2) Courses for anxious drivers or people who have not driven for a long time; (3) Courses on specific skills, such as towing or parking; (4) Courses for older drivers; (5) Local authority better driving courses; (6) Driver development training (often provided by employers); (7) Advanced driver training; and (8) remedial training, such as driver improvement or speed awareness courses. It ranges from quick and easy training that focuses on specific issues or skills to longer courses leading to full advanced driving tests that require more commitment. Some training is provided free by voluntary groups, such as RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders, the Institute of Advanced Motorists or Local Authority initiatives. Other courses are run by professional driving instructors and have to be paid for. Many employers arrange driver development training for their staff who drive for work. All are a useful way for people to update their driving knowledge and skills and to get impartial professional advice on their driving. This toolkit is designed to help anyone who provides or promotes driver training to: (i) raise awareness about the existence of refresher driver training; (ii) explain what it involves; (iii) promote its benefits; and (iv) to suggest ways to overcome deterrents to undertaking further driver training.
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