The PDIC helps drivers of commercial vehicles improve their defensive driving skills, while promoting a positive attitude towards the overall task of driving.

This 5–6-hour course that has been introduced into the health and safety function of many organizations across Canada provides employers with the opportunity to expose, identify, and mitigate any schisms amongst their driving team.

The recently updated course works from an inside-out approach regarding the professional driver. It does this by emphasizing not only the proper knowledge and skills involved in driving, but as well as the attitude one decides to adopt towards driving; and everything else related to the successful operation of a large commercial vehicle. Furthermore, it dives into a plethora of topics that every commercial operator should know and have understanding about, such as:

• What is a professional driver?
• Concepts of safety and principles of defensive driving
• Factors that can influence a driver’s performance
• Traffic laws and regulations; including ‘Hours of Service’ regulations
• Vehicle inspection and technology
• Other road users, intersections, passing, and what to do in case of a collision

Benefits of Incorporating the PDIC

As an employer, you already have a large investment in your drivers and the equipment they utilize. By incorporating the PDIC into your organization’s health and safety practices, you will be protecting your investment by maintaining a higher-than-average standard in the safe operation of a large motor vehicle, resulting in:

• Collision prevention
• Safe and timely delivery of cargo; resulting in customer satisfaction
• Possible reduction in operating costs due to the maintenance of good driving habits
• Reduction in sick leave, insurance, and expenses related to traffic incidents
• Reduction in vehicle abuse and maintenance costs
• Increased team building, coordination and cooperation

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

• Understand critical defensive driving terminology and concepts.
• Have knowledge in conducting a pre-trip, en-route and post-trip inspection,  while understanding its importance and value.
• Spot potential hazards for the vehicle and driver according to specific road conditions and traffic settings.
• Identify and apply key strategies in and when dealing with potential hazards.
• Understand the connection between fuel efficiency, climate change, and road safety.
• Drive safely, on a consistent basis, by applying the appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitude, as well as the specific collision avoidance techniques necessitated.
• Review and understand ‘Hours of Service’ regulation.
• Understand the challenges faced by other types of road users and vehicles, such as commercial trucks, motorcycles, cyclists, emergency vehicles, pedestrians, etc.
• Recognize the effects change in legislation, mainstream driving behaviour, and technology has on the current road culture.
• Recognize the effects of changes in legislation, driver behaviours and technology on the current road culture.
• Identify critical issues that policies and procedures must address to establish due diligence.

Course Details

• Format – Interactive instruction with formal and informal discussion, as well as individual and groupwork exercises.
• Material – Each participant will receive a Canada Safety Council PDIC workbook.
• Certification – Upon completion each participant will receive a Canada Safety Council – Professional Driver Improvement Course certificate.
• Location – Can be delivered via a virtual setting and/or in-person setting (e.g., in the classroom of the hiring party).
• Duration and Dates – 4-6 hours. Date(s) to be determined between Vaughan Driver Training Centre and the hiring party.
• Price – Please contact us for pricing details.