Swilly Group

10 Tips for Driving in the Snow

Brian Sweeney — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:04:26 +0000

1. Don’t drive unless it is absolutely necessary. If you can avail of alternative means of transport, do so!

2. Is your car ready for the winter conditions? Have a qualified mechanic carry out a service to check tyres, braking system, steering system, fluid levels, and electrics. A driver should also carry out regular vehicle checks.

3. Purchase Winter Tyres, Snow Socks or Snow Chains to improve your grip and stopping distance when driving on snow or ice. They do make a difference. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how they should be used.

4. Drive slowly. Excessive speed will get you nowhere fast.

5. Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. In snow or ice your stopping distance can be up to 10 times that on dry road conditions.

6. When climbing a hill select a gear at the bottom of the hill that will take you all the way to the top without having to change. Keep a steady speed with smooth acceleration. Don’t over rev the engine.

7. When descending a steep hill select a low gear (1^st or 2^nd) at the top of the hill and allow engine braking to control the speed of your vehicle. You can in turn apply a lighter brake as you travel down the hill.

8. When approaching junctions and corners slow down early (applying a light brake), select your gear early (before entering the junction or corner) and assess the traffic situation early. Avoid gear changing and braking on corners or junctions.

9. When moving off, don’t over rev the engine. Smooth operation of the clutch and a light touch accelerator is much more effective. If 1^st gear isn’t working, try to move off in 2^nd gear. Again don’t over rev the engine.

10. Think about where you park your car. At night park in a sheltered area (garage, under covering, etc). Avoid parking on an incline or close to a junction or corner. During the day, park your car where it will get access to direct sun light.

If you require any further information or advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (074) 91 51212 (Donegal) or 1890 63 63 63 (Dublin).

Driver CPC Training Explained

Brian Sweeney — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:15:23 +0000

Brian Sweeney from the Swilly Group summarises the Driver CPC Training (periodic training) requirement that bus and truck drivers must comply with in 2011. Watch the short DVD on the Swilly Group YouTube channel to find out more.

“Driver CPC Periodic Training Explained (Click to Watch)“

The Swilly Group has also uploaded a short blog on their web site (www.swillygroup.com) entitled “Driver CPC Modules – What Sequence?” outlining the importance of planning the sequence of driver CPC periodic training modules for drivers with bus and truck licences.

Call us now to find out more about how the Swilly Group can help you at 1890 63 63 63 (Dublin) or (074) 91 51212 (Donegal).

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Drivers not complying with Driver CPC Training, Unintentionally!

Brian Sweeney — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 22:34:46 +0000

As this year’s Driver CPC deadline draws closer, Brian Sweeney from the Swilly Group is alerting drivers with both a truck and bus licence that it is vitally important that they plan the sequence of their periodic driver CPC training modules carefully to fully comply with the Driver CPC Truck and Bus regulations. Brian Sweeney says “Unintentional non compliance with the Driver CPC periodic training requirements is likely to cause business interruption and in some cases incur financial penalties to driver and transport companies in 2013/2014”.

Drivers with both a truck and bus licence who intend driving buses and trucks professionally must complete all 6 of the driver CPC modules in every 5 year cycle. Modules 1 through 4 are common for bus and truck drivers. However module 5 (The Professional Truck Driver) is specific to Truck Drivers and module 6 (The Professional Bus Driver) is specific to Bus Drivers. It is important that drivers who have both a truck and bus licence complete specific modules 5 and 6 in the one year. Completing either of these modules on their own in any one year may create compliance problems.

Brian Sweeney says “The feedback we have received from our tutors delivering Driver CPC courses is that drivers are not fully aware of the consequences of non-compliance with the Driver CPC regulations”. “Planning the sequence a driver (with both licences) completes the Driver CPC periodic modules must be carried out carefully to ensure full compliance”. Brian continues “If drivers are not fully compliant with the Driver CPC regulations, they may be prevented from driving professionally in 2013/2014”.

The Swilly Group has uploaded a short blog on their web site entitled “Driver CPC Modules – What Sequence?” outlining the importance of planning the sequence of driver CPC periodic training modules for drivers with bus and truck licences.

Call us now to find out more about how the Swilly Group can help you at 1890 63 63 63 (Dublin) or (074) 91 51212 (Donegal).

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Driver CPC Modules – What Sequence?

Brian Sweeney — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 22:17:13 +0000

The Driver CPC regulations were introduced in Ireland on the 10th September 2008 for bus drivers and the 10th September 2009 for truck drivers. Professional drivers across the EU are now required to do a minimum of 35 hours of periodic training every five years. In Ireland the RSA require professional drivers to complete a minimum of seven hours of training every year with an approved RSA training provider amounting to a minimum of 35 hours over every five cycle.

The RSA developed 6 training modules covering the training requirements outlined in Annex 1 of the EU Directive 2003/59/EC.

1. Control of the Vehicle and Eco Driving Techniques

2. Minimising Risk and Managing Emergencies in the Transport Industry

3. Health and Safety of the Professional Driver

4. Role of the Professional driver in the Transport Industry

5. The Professional Truck Driver

6. The Professional Bus Driver

BUS DRIVERS
Existing Drivers with a minibus or bus licence (D1 or D) only must complete modules 1,2,3,4 and 6 between the 10^th September 2008 and the 10^thSeptember 2013. One module must be completed before the 10^th September every year and in any sequence. An example of a compliant sequence is shown in table 1 (click to enlarge).

Table 1

TRUCK DRIVERS
Existing Drivers with a truck licence (C1, C, EC1 or EC) only must complete modules 1,2,3,4 and 5 between the 10^th September 2009 and the 10^thSeptember 2014, as the driver CPC regulations came into force a year later for truck drivers. One module must be completed before the 10^th September every year and in any sequence. An example of a compliant sequence is shown in table 2 (click to enlarge).

Table 2

BUS AND TRUCK DRIVERS
Existing Drivers with a truck and bus licence who intend driving buses and trucks professionally must complete all 6 of the driver CPC modules in every 5 year cycle. However, planning the sequence of the modules is vitally important to ensure compliance with the Driver CPC requirements for Truck and Bus. An example of a well planned module sequence leading to full compliance is shown in table 3 (click to enlarge).

Table 3

The driver has completed modules 1,2,3,4 and 6 between 10^th September 2008 and the 10^th September 2013 (5 year cycle) and therefore will be issued with a Bus Driver CPC card at the end of year 5. The driver has also completed modules 1,2,3,4 and 5 between the 10^th September 2009 and the 10^th September 2014 (5 year cycle) and will be issued with a Truck Driver CPC card at the end of year 6.

Non Compliance is best illustrated in the example shown in Table 4, which demonstrates a poorly planned Driver CPC sequence.

Table 4

In the example shown, a problem will arise in year 3 as the driver has only completed Module 6: The Professional Bus Driver which is specific for bus drivers. Module 6 does not count for Truck Driver CPC compliance. Therefore the driver has missed Driver CPC training in 2010 – 2011 for his Truck Driver CPC card.

Another problem arises in year 6. The 5 year cycle for the Bus driver CPC is complete on the 10^th September 2013 (year 5) and a bus driver is free to restart in year 6 with any of the modules to comply with the Bus Driver CPC requirements. However, if the driver decides to complete module 2, as shown in table 4, he has not complied with the driver CPC regulations for trucks. In the example shown in table 4, it is important that the driver completes module 4 in Year 6 in order to complete the Truck Driver CPC cycle. Drivers need to be conscious of the fact that two cycles (Bus and Truck) are running in parallel but offset by one year.

Careful planning of the periodic Driver CPC modules is also an important issue for new bus and truck drivers who have obtained the Driver CPC cards by passing the Driver CPC Theory and Practical exams after 10^th September 2008 and 2009 respectively. The deadline for completion of the periodic training each year will depend on the expiry dates of their cards, which complicates the system even more.

Drivers with both bus and lorry licences who do not complete the Driver CPC training modules in the correct sequence will not be compliant with the Driver CPC regulations and may not be issued with a driver CPC card prevented them from driving for a period of time.

Call us now to find out more about how the Swilly Group can help you at 1890 63 63 63 (Dublin) or (074) 91 51212 (Donegal).

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Fuel Efficient Driving Tips

Brian Sweeney — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:01:48 +0000

It is estimated that fuel accounts for approximately 30% of the total running cost of a transport company. According to AA Ireland, the cost of diesel has risen by 46% in just two years (from April 2009 to April 2011). With the dramatic drop in sales, in most cases, Hauliers and Coach companies are unable to pass this cost increase onto their customers due to price pressure in an over serviced market.

So how do you reduce your fuel bill without compromising the quality of the service you provide or the safety of your drivers and customers? Implement all of the following fuel efficient driving tips, and see your fuel costs drop immediately.

1. Measure your drivers’ fuel usage and compare. Most modern vehicles are fitted with fuel management systems allowing fuel consumption to be measured accurately. Alternatively a manual system can be put in place without too much effort.

2. Introduce a driver fuel saving incentive scheme. If you are measuring the fuel consumption accurately, you can offer the driver who reaches the lowest fuel consumption a bonus prize on a monthly basis. This could be a meal voucher, hotel voucher or simply a small cash prize.

3. Drive your vehicle in a “vehicle friendly” manner. Keep the rev counter in the green. Minimise your braking and gear changing by observing, anticipating and reacting to hazards in good time. Avoid the Stop-Start driving style and drive defensively.

4. Keep your Distance. Drivers should manage the space around their vehicle, in particular avoid tailgating other vehicles in an effort to overtake at the next opportunity. Poor space management is usually accompanied by increased braking.

5. Drivers should manage their speed in a fuel friendly manner. It is not necessary to have the vehicle sitting at the limiter speed most of the time. Have you heard the phrase “Driver Slower and get to your destination Faster”.

6. Minimise drag caused by any protruding parts of the vehicle or load. It your vehicle is fitted with Air deflectors, make sure they are positioned properly. Position your load to minimise fuel consumption (particularly on flat bed open trailers).

7. Make sure your vehicle is well maintained. Driver Checks should be carried out daily. Safety Checks and full maintenance checks should be carried out by a competent mechanic according to manufacturer’s guidelines. Check the pressure and alignment of your tyres regularly.

8. Train your drivers in Defensive Driving. The last time most of your drivers did any in-vehicle driver training was most probably before they sat their driving test 10, 20 or maybe 30 years ago. Traffic, Roads, vehicle technology and driving principles have changed dramatically over the years. Carry out refresher training at least every two years.

9. Avoid idling. Switch off your engine if you are stopped for a period of time.

10. Use fuel saving features and techniques in your vehicle such as cruise control, engine braking, exhaust braking, block gear changing etc. Ease and Squeeze.

Eco-Driving is a driving style that reduces fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution and accident rates. [SEI, A Guide to Eco Driving].

Variation in fuel usage can be as much as 30% between drivers.

Call us now to find out more about how the Swilly Group can help you implement a safe and fuel efficient driving (SAFED) programme in your company at 1890 63 63 63 (Dublin), (074) 91 51212 (Donegal) or +44-7739-309221 (Belfast).

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Learner Drivers to receive Double Penalty Points

Brian Sweeney — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:26:01 +0000

The Cabinet has agreed on a number of new tough Road Safety measures that are expected to be introduced by October this year, according to Wednesday’s Irish Independent. The measures will include:

Double penalty points for Learner Drivers for serious offences such as speeding, not wearing a seat belt and using a mobile phone
while driving.
The introduction of the restricted driver system which will make it mandatory for drivers to display the “R” plate for two years after passing the driving test.
The 20mg Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for novice and professional drivers which means that affected drivers may not have one drink and drive. Drivers must be also vigilant with the amount of alcohol they consume the day before they driver.

You can find more information on these new measures at http://www.independent.ie/national-news/crackdown-on-learner-drivers-will-double-penalty-points-2802395.html.

Call us now to find out more about how the Swilly Group can help learner drivers at 1890 63 63 63 (Dublin), (074) 91 51212 (Donegal) or +44-7739-309221 (Belfast).

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Driver CPC Periodic Training – what’s the difference?

Brian Sweeney — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:15:39 +0000

As Driver CPC training enters its peak season again, the Swilly Group is busy assisting transport companies and drivers meet their training requirements in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The different approach adopted by the authorities to the implementation of the EU Directive on Initial Qualifications and Periodic Training (2003/59/EC) in both jurisdictions has caused some confusion among drivers particularly those who travel regularly between Ireland and the UK. Some of the main differences are outlined below:

In the Republic of Ireland, the competent authority for Driver CPC Periodic Training is the Road Safety Authority (RSA). The RSA manage the approval process for Driver CPC periodic training providers, tutors and centres. In Northern Ireland the competent authority is the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) who set up the Joint Approval Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT) to manage the approvals process for periodic training centres and courses.

In the Republic of Ireland it is compulsory for professional bus and truck drivers to complete one day (7 hours) of Driver CPC training every year with an RSA approved driver CPC training provider. At the end of each 5 year period, drivers will have completed 35 hours of driver CPC training. In Northern Ireland, drivers have more freedom to complete the 35 hours within the 5 year period. A driver can choose to complete one or more days (7 hours) of driver CPC training each year. If they wish they can complete all 35 hours in the one year. However, they must have all 35 hours completed within each the five year period.

The deadline for completion of the 35 hours of driver CPC training is the 10th September 2013 and 10th September 2014 for Bus and Truck Drivers respectively. This deadline is set by the European Directive (2003/59/EC) and is the same across all EU member states, including Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

In Northern Ireland, training providers design and develop their own training programmes but must have these programmes approved by JAUPT before they can deliver driver CPC training. In the Republic of Ireland the RSA has developed the driver CPC training material for 6 days/modules (7 hours) of driver CPC training. Drivers must complete the driver CPC training with an RSA approved training provider at an RSA approved training centre.

In the Republic of Ireland existing Bus and Truck Drivers will not be issued with the Driver CPC cards until 2013 and 2014 respectively. In Northern Ireland existing Bus and Truck Drivers are issued with their Driver CPC cards once they have completed their 35 hours of periodic training.

The Swilly Group has been approved by the RSA to deliver Driver CPC training in the Republic of Ireland. The Swilly Group is also approved to deliver Driver CPC training in Northern Ireland and the UK as part of the RTITB consortium which has been approved by JAUPT.

Call us now to find out more about how the Swilly Group can help you or your drivers meet your Driver CPC training requirements at 1890 63 63 63 (Dublin), (074) 91 51212 (Donegal) or +44-7739-309221 (Belfast).

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Driving Lessons Dublin

Brian Sweeney — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 16:16:07 +0000

The Swilly Group is delighted to announce that this successful driving school is now providing driving lessons in Dublin. The Swilly Group has instructors qualified in all vehicle licence categories including cars, cars and trailers, minibuses, coaches, rigid trucks and articulated trucks.

Driving Lessons in Dublin are available from 7am in the morning to 10pm at night. Instructors can guide learners on the test routes used at all RSA driving test centres including Finglas, Tallaght, Raheny, Churchtown and Rathgar.

Swilly Drive Vehilces

The Swilly Group has opened offices in Finglas and Tallaght and has a range of vehicles for delivery of driving lessons in Dublin. Competitive packages are available for learners preparing for the driving test. The Swilly Group also has a competitive Essential Driver Training (EDT) package available for new beginners. Driving Lessons in Dublin with a Swilly Group instructor promises to be an enjoyable experience for the learner.

All Driving Instructors are registered with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) as Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and have many years experience. Many of the Swilly Group instructors have also completed the RoSPA diploma in Advanced Driving Tuition. The Swilly Group is also approved by the RSA to deliver Driver CPC training and ADI driving instructor training.

Call us now to find out more about how to book Driving Lessons in Dublin on 1890 63 63 63 or book online at www.swillygroup.com.

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Driver CPC Training Course Schedule 2011

Brian Sweeney — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 21:43:04 +0000

The Swilly Group (also know as the NorthWest Training Centre) is delighted to announce a busy summer schedule for periodic Driver CPC training courses. The 10^th September 2011 is the deadline for professional driver to get their next periodic Driver CPC training day completed. Bookings are on the increase and places are filling fast on the planned courses according to Brian Sweeney, Managing Director of the Swilly Group.

The Driver CPC training course schedule includes over 100 training days in 15 different centres around the country. Periodic Driver CPC training courses are being delivered in the following towns: Dublin, Drogheda, Monaghan, Cavan, Carrick-on-Shannon, Sligo, Letterkenny, Donegal Town, Buncrana, Limerick, and Galway.

Swilly Group tutors have been delivering the Driver CPC periodic training courses since the regulations were introduced in 2008/2009. The company has expert tutors registered with the RSA for all 6 of the Driver CPC training modules. All tutors and centres have been approved by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

Details of the Driver CPC Training Course Schedule can be found on the Swilly Group Website. Watch our Managing Director Brian Sweeney explain the Driver CPC requirements for Bus and Lorry Drivers for 2011 @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptk_EcCRvSE&feature=player_embedded.

The Swilly Group are a FETAC accredited Training Centre and recently won the Donegal Enterprising Business of the Year overall award for 2011.

Call us now to find out more about our Periodic Driver CPC Training Course Schedule at 1890 63 63 63 (Dublin) or (074) 91 51212 (Donegal).

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Swilly Group launches on-line Discussion Board

Brian Sweeney — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:54:34 +0000

The Swilly Group are delighted to announce the launch of the Driving Discussion Board as part of their newly designed Web site at www.swillygroup.com. The Discussion Board will allow learner drivers, existing drivers and members the general public to start or contribute to on-line discussions on driving related topics which are of interest to them.

Swilly Group Discussion Board

The Discussion Board is a relatively new feature to be used within the Driver Training industry. However, it is a welcome addition to list of online features and services being offered on the new Swilly Group website. Users simply register to use the Discussion Board by providing a Username and Password. They can then start or participate in any discussion they wish.

Brian Sweeney, Managing Director of the Swilly Group commented “The Discussion Board is a welcome addition to our online presence and will enhance the overall learning experience of customers learning to drive with the Swilly Group”. “Everyone seems to be online these days and the Discussion Board
allows users to share and discuss driving related issues and experiences”. “Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) from the Swilly Group will be regular contributors to the various discussions responding to specific questions posted on the Discussion Board”.

Users can access the Swilly Group Discussion Board at http://www.swillygroup.com/site/discussion/. Alternatively visit our website at www.swillygroup.com and click on the Discussion Board Link at the top of the home page.

Brian also added “We launched a new website in March this year and the Discussion Board is one of the many FREE features and on-line tools that we have made available”. “Others include You Tube Driving Tutorials, Buy Vouchers online, Book Lessons online, Course Schedule, Driving Blogs and News feed. “We will be enhancing our on-line presence even more over the coming months with the introduction of the “Talk to an ADI” feature. The “Talk to an ADI” feature will allow Swilly Group customers to pose questions directly to an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and receive answers immediately (in real time)”. “We expect this feature to be launched towards the end of May”.

Call us now to find out more about how the Swilly Group can help you at 1890 63 63 63 (Dublin) or (074) 91 51212
(Donegal).

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