A fleet driver in 2025 is expected to be much more than a qualified motorist, and as well as being a key member of the fleet department they should be able to contribute fully to the success of the department and the organisation as a whole. A fleet driver needs to show commitment to their position by understanding the compliance side of their role, in order that the business is on the right side of regulatory requirements. A driver also needs to demonstrate a desire for improvement, as that is central to the objectives of the fleet department, i.e. there is a need to continually cut costs and to find new and innovative ways to function, so the fleet driver needs to fully understand their role.
With that in mind, here are six key skills every fleet driver needs to master:
- Safe driving techniques
As a representative of the business, often driving a branded vehicle, fleet drivers need to ensure they are driving in a safe and professional manner. Of course, safe driving applies to any driver on the road, but a fleet driver is likely to be driving long distances, could be driving a specialist vehicle which requires a specific licence, and they could be carrying specialist loads, such as equipment, product and of course people. Essentially, the fleet driver doesn’t just need to think about themselves, and as well as other road users, their driving technique needs to consider the impact on the business.
- Vehicle maintenance
All fleet vehicles will be subject to a structured maintenance programme, but in between these times, drivers have an everyday duty to maintain their vehicle in a safe condition. This is to carry out the basic nature of their role, but also to keep other road users safe and to maintain the long term condition of the vehicle. On a routine basis the driver should top-up water and oil levels, they should check brakes, tyre treads and pressures, and they should check that lights are working. There is also a responsibility to keep the vehicle clean, both inside and outside, for safe driving but also to avoid permanent damage to upholstery or paintwork which could lead to excess damage costs at the end of the lease term.
- Time management and route planning
This is an essential requirement for fleet drivers as it helps the fleet department function efficiently. In line with this the driver needs to understand technologies such as sat navs and communication systems which will inform them of routes, traffic delays and changes to deliveries or meetings. The fleet driver has to balance all these things, often while working under pressure and meeting deadlines or timescales. At the same time they will need to be mindful of taking breaks in line with driver hours regulations, and will need to factor this into their decision-making.
- Customer service
A fleet driver is often the only representative of a business that a client or customer sees, so they need specific skills to present a professional and efficient face of the business. Customer service skills are needed to ensure the client/customer receives a good impression of the business and is furnished with the goods, services and information they need.
- Fuel management and efficiency
Perhaps the biggest influence on the costs management of a fleet department is fuel, and while this goes hand-in-hand with time management and route planning, fuel usage can also be impacted by how a driver drives. Therefore, a fleet driver needs to be wary of their driver behaviour and how harsh braking and acceleration can consume fuel unnecessarily. They also need to understand what kind of vehicle they are driving and how it is suited to the specific journey they are making. Sometimes the vehicle isn’t ideal for short journeys in heavy traffic, but it is unavoidable on that particular day, and a driver needs to know how to adapt their driving to maximise fuel efficiency.
- Working alone
Most fleet drivers will spend the majority of their day alone in a vehicle, but the key skill here is not just about being able to function in isolation. Working alone also requires focus, a good understanding of the technological systems employed, an ability to use initiative and communicate effectively and efficiently. Where decisions need to be made, this often requires a driver to be aware of risks, possible delays etc. and to relay these to the fleet manager, requiring good communication when working alone is essential.
At Total Motion we have great experience of working with fleet management teams on the key skills required of fleet drivers, so if your business needs help and support with training drivers and introducing new skills and techniques, contact our team today.
