FAQ’s About OCCL Training
Why should I train?
You have a duty of care to your employees to ensure that they are fully conversant with the basics of defensive driving beyond the minimum level of competence required for the driving test. Furthermore, you have a responsibility to your drivers, passengers, vehicles, and budget to provide specialist driver training for the hazards of African roads, in order to save lives and lower vehicle-maintenance costs.
Can I justify the cost?
Can you afford not to train? The cost of the course is recoverable in fuel savings alone and generally equals the cost of one tyre. Add to this the reduced vehicle and personnel downtime that comes from fewer accidents, less wear and tear, and possibly lower insurance costs, too. The small number of students per class (versus 20+ at other schools) affords more attention from the instructor = enhanced driver learning = more value for the money spent, better driver application, and increased rate of survival.
How often should my drivers and I be retrained?
Driving is a lifetime skill; therefore, we recommend that drivers renew their training at least every 12 to 18 months to ensure that critical driving skills, techniques, and good habits are continually updated. Continuance training to maintain standards / conditioned responses and to keep road-user error from contributing to the vast majority of road crashes is vital.
Do you provide training outside of Uganda?
Yes. We have travelled internationally to provide on-site training for a number of organisations across the continent.
What time does the class start and finish?
We meet at 09:00. The day ends when all training has been completed. This is usually around 16:00-17:00, but we have been known to be running until 18:00, depending on the level of student participation.
What do the students need to bring?
Their 4wd. We provide training handouts, tea, coffee, snacks, lunch, and water. Also, should it rain, we have wet-weather gear on hand for the students to borrow.
Do you provide a 4wd vehicle for us to use?
We recommend that drivers use their own vehicle in order to get to know its capabilities and limitations. However, we provide a vehicle on any obstacles or courses where there may be a risk of damage such as on the Protective Driving Course.
Can I damage my vehicle? Are any of the obstacles dangerous?
We will not let you use your 4wd on any obstacle that can damage your vehicle. Students are at risk only if they do not follow the directions of the instructor. Also, remember: These obstacles mirror road conditions that you will find in this region - you are learning to handle “real life” situations. We advise students not to complete an exercise if they do not feel safe. We can guarantee, though, that by the end of the training day you will be able to travel through terrain that you never thought was possible.
Why is your Protective Driving Course so expensive?
In relation to protective /evasive driving courses offered in the USA or UK , our course is not very expensive. However, it is expensive in relation to other advanced driving courses. This is a very intense programme. Students are taught to push the vehicle to its maximum capability under extreme stress, ensuring that they are able to react immediately and effectively; getting it right the first time, every time.
It is an expensive course to run; all training is done in OCCL vehicles due to the likelihood of damage and the inevitable accelerated wear and tear. Students will wear out a set of 4wd tyres and brake pads on each course. In addition, we frequently need to overhaul gearboxes and replace clutches, bearings, steering components and body panels. This is the investment needed to ensure that the student develops a conditioned response.
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