Introduction
On Road Training was developed to help create and shape better safer drivers on the road, for all levels of people, from young drivers, new learner drivers, international drivers, elderly drivers, and even those with a physical or non-physical disability. I spend most of the time working with children, anyone under the age of 18 is identified as a child. Child safety is a high priority for me; therefore, I have laid down a set of child safety policies to follow.
Statement of Commitment
Children have the right to feel safe when conducting a driving lesson, I am committed to upholding high levels of the Child Safe Standards to all children and young people, providing a professional service at all times. To ensure these standards are upheld, I regularly keep up to date with any changes in child safety policies.
Qualifications
I hold current qualifications and licenses to ensure I am always covered, including a Blue Card. Self-assessment and internal training are regularly done to ensure my work is correct and safe at all times. Goals are set, and records are kept to see the progress of my commitment to clients.
Code of Conduct
I strive to uphold a professional business at all times, so I follow a code of practice for myself and ask that clients also follow these codes to ensure everyone receives the best service.
Myself – To keep all training, qualifications, and licenses current and up to date. Apply with Work Health & Safety regulations, and follow Working with Children Policy & Process. Always have a full roadworthy vehicle, free of any mess inside and out, fitted with dual control pedals, and any driving aids required, with correct plates attached to the vehicle before the start of a lesson. I will always be in the right condition to teach, correct mindset, and never under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Professionalism is a high standard for me, respect will always be shown no matter the situation, personal hygiene will always be kept, and professional driving behaviours will always be shown. Clients will always get my attention while under instruction, I do not answer my phone or use my phone during a lesson unless in an emergency. A minimum standard of teaching is taught at all times, every client is individually trained to their needs, and won’t be pushed past their comfort zone unless required. When we first meet, I will ask you what you wish to learn and gain from lessons, and if there are any conditions I need to know before the lesson beginning.
Harassment of any kind is never tolerated sexual, abuse, foul language, or any unwanted attention of any kind. Insults, negative criticism, name-calling, bullying, or racist/sexist comments will never be shown. There is no need for physical contact during a lesson, but there could be an occasion where I may need to gain control of the vehicle for safety reasons or to prevent an accident. In the case of an emergency, I may also need to assist the client out of the car or commence CPR. Apart from arranging lessons, or anything related to driving, no relationships will be kept with children outside of work. Communication with children is essential, but unless it is work-related, no further contact is kept.
A driving lesson is typically a one on one lesson. There are occasions where a parent, guardian, or career may need to be present, this is perfectly acceptable. I will be in control of the vehicle and lesson, but any concerns about the safety or well-being of the child brought up by the third party is a priority and will be addressed and assessed immediately. Lessons are a pick-up and drop off in locations requested by the client, as long as these locations are within my working area and plenty of notification is given, I am happy to accommodate your needs.
Clients – As respect and professionalism are given to clients at all times, I ask that my clients show the same or similar respect to keep a harmonic environment. No harassment of any kind will be tolerated, and the lesson could be ended early or canceled if this occurs. Changes do happen, so if clients are unable to attend the lesson, noticed should be given ASAP, and a minimum of 24 hours should be given to cancel a lesson, or a cancellation fee may occur. Clients must also have their correct licences on them, and follow all road rules and regulations, as clients will be liable for any driving offenses while driving.
Risk Management
Driving a vehicle on the road can be considered high risk, this risk is reduced to a minimum with the correct training. I use a modern vehicle, equipped with above-standard safety features. I focus on teaching people how to adapt to their environment and drive in a defensive driving style to keep out of dangerous situations. But in case of any emergency, I am always ready to take over and control the vehicle.
Complaints Procedure
Any complaints should be directed to me immediately to resolve any issues, either face to face, or via phone, text message, or email. Anything of serious matter must be in writing and emailed directly to; OnRoadTraining@gmail.com to ensure a record is kept. Any serious incidents can be reported to the Child Abuse Report Line (calling 13 14 78). All records are kept for any future reference, and kept confidential.
When things don’t work out
As I always try to keep a high set of standards to follow, sometimes others may see things the same way. Not only do I comply with my policies, but I also follow policies and procedures outline through the blue card system. If there is an issue that has been brought up that hasn’t been resolved, there are several ways to resolve the issue peacefully through a third party.
Keeping Contact
I thrive on delivering great quality service, I am always open to hearing any feedback, good or bad, on how my service was delivered and how to better improve it. As I spend most of my time in the car driving or conducting a lesson, communication should be kept to text messaging, important communication should be via email, but in an emergency then calling is acceptable. I might not be able to reply straight away, but I will make it a priority to respond as soon as I can, if time has lapsed, a follow up should be done in case the last communication was overseen.