National Driver Trainer – Corporate Fleet
Sandton
Job Purpose
The purpose of the position is to administer, assess, train and upskill professional drivers within company processes and driving standards on how to drive safely, sustainably and in a way that reduces risk, saves energy and promotes vehicle longevity.
The Key Functional Responsibilities:
- Responsible for identifying and assessing driver training needs within the business, developing training material, training programs, plans, and implementing various training methods to enhance Professional Driving skills and performance across the Business.
- Responsible for development and training topics including Driver Toolbox Talks, Safe Work Procedures and subjects appropriate to and are aligned towards the achievement of RTMS outcomes and the requirements of SANS 1395.
- Manage Driver Employment Process and Driver Certification Administration for all Drivers.
- Maintain and manage adequate training records (e.g. certificates, registers, signed policies etc.)
- Administer Driver Scoring Reporting, training needs analyses and training plans for improvements where needed.
- To conduct on-cab assessments as part of Driver Onboarding. Also, then include existing Drivers as well, assessing competencies and evaluate training and performance management needs.
- Promote safe driving practices, defensive driving techniques, and compliance with company policies, RTMS, and road traffic legislation.
- Administer interventions related to driving performance management and accident / incident intervention requirements.
- Train and coach driver behaviour in line with company policies, procedures and values.
- Train and coach driver behaviour in line with legal regulations to achieve best performance from new technologies and assistance systems used or implemented in vehicles.
- Train correct pre-trip inspections process and the checking of the roadworthy condition and safety of vehicles before dispatch.
- Deliver theoretical and practical training in line with company standards and qualification requirements; Train and coach driving behaviour that promotes safe, economically efficient and environmentally responsible driving.
- Drivers need to be thoroughly trained on how to achieve and maintain Greenband driving; Training focused on auto transmission vs manual changing of gears and driving in the right engine speed range and correct braking system applications and driving adjustments based on road and other conditions.
- Accident-avoidance training and control of the vehicle during emergency situations.
- Providing instruction on operation of various parts and functions of the vehicle, including vehicle accessories like the refrigeration unit and tail lift operation.
- Training skills related to the correct manoeuvring of trucks, safe loading and unloading practices, following signals from delivery crew and checking that the vehicle, load and loading equipment is positioned and secured properly.
- Develop and Deploy Defensive Driver Training Programs.
- Documenting and reporting on and monitoring of driver performance and progress.
- Driver Upgrades and Learnership Administration, Coaching & Development
- The Driver Trainer will be responsible for the effective administration, coordination, and delivery of all driver learnership programmes to ensure compliance with legislative, SETA, QCTO, and company requirements.
AARTO Rehabilitation Training.
RTMS Driver Training Requirements
Competence-Based Training
- Drivers must be trained and assessed as competent in the operation of the specific vehicle brand they drive.
- Training should cover vehicle handling, safety, defensive driving, fuel-efficient driving, and load securing.
Induction & Orientation
- New drivers must undergo induction training before starting operations.
- Includes company policies, road safety rules, fatigue management, and accident procedures.
Ongoing Training & Refresher Courses
- Drivers must receive regular refresher training (often annually or as determined by risk assessments).
- Covers updates in legislation (AARTO, traffic laws), vehicle technology, and company procedures.
Health, Safety & Fatigue Awareness
- Drivers must be trained on fatigue management, health and wellness, and safe work practices.
- Includes rest breaks, work-hour limitations, and lifestyle factors affecting alertness.
RTMS-Specific Modules
- Overloading control (axle mass limits).
- Vehicle fitness requirements.
- Accident/incident reporting and emergency response.
Record-Keeping
- Detailed records of each driver’s training, competency assessments, and refresher courses must be kept.
- These records are audited quarterly as part of the RTMS accreditation process.
- Ensure Driver Performance Scoring KPI Deliverables.
- Achieve Average Driver Scoring >90% Average.
- Achieve >80% Greenband Driving Score.
- Reduce negligent accidents rate YOY
- Maintain accurate training records, attendance registers, assessment results, and competency matrices.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and recommend continuous improvement initiatives.
NOTE:
The above list is not exhaustive, and you shall be obliged to perform subsidiary tasks in addition to the primary tasks for which you are employed. The Company undertakes to ensure however, that these subsidiary tasks will be within the training and experience or occupational capabilities of yourself and that you shall not suffer any loss of remuneration or status for work performed on subsidiary tasks.
Personal Skills and Competencies Required:
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Able to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the business.
- Multilingual ability is advantageous to effectively train and coach a diverse workforce.
- Capable of delivering engaging classroom presentations, practical demonstrations, toolbox talks and one-on-one coaching sessions.
- Strong report writing and administrative skills, including the completion of training records, assessments, learnership documentation and competency reports.
- Professional Driving and Technical Expertise
- Expert knowledge of Code EC vehicle operations, including horse and trailer combinations, rigid vehicles and articulated combinations.
- Thorough understanding of vehicle dynamics, defensive driving techniques, load securing, reversing, coupling and uncoupling procedures, fuel-efficient driving, fatigue management and accident prevention.
- Sound knowledge of road traffic legislation, AARTO, the National Road Traffic Act, RTMS requirements, occupational health and safety legislation and company driving standards.
- Able to demonstrate best driving practices through practical instruction and coaching.
Continuous Learner
- A Driver Trainer is committed to continuous professional development and actively seeks opportunities to improve knowledge and skills.
The Driver Trainer:
- Keeps current with changes in legislation, industry standards and transport best practices.
- Continuously updates training material to remain relevant and compliant.
- Pursues additional qualifications and industry certifications where applicable.
- Shares new knowledge and best practices with drivers and operational management.
- Demonstrates a passion for learning and developing others.
Proactive and Solution Focused
- The Driver Trainer takes ownership of driver development and actively identifies opportunities to improve driver performance before incidents occur.
The Driver Trainer:
- Analyses driver performance data, telematics, camera footage, incidents and trends.
- Identifies high-risk drivers and develops targeted coaching interventions.
- Implements preventative training programs rather than reacting after incidents.
- Works closely with Fleet, Operations, HR and Safety teams to improve driver performance.
- Provides practical recommendations that improve safety, compliance and operational efficiency.
Passion for Professional Driving
- The Driver Trainer demonstrates pride and professionalism in the transport industry and inspires drivers to achieve the same standards.
The Driver Trainer:
- Creates an engaging and positive learning environment.
- Uses real-life examples and practical demonstrations to improve understanding.
- Promotes professionalism, customer service and pride in vehicle care.
- Encourages drivers to continuously improve their skills and performance.
Flexible Training Approach
- Every driver learns differently. The Driver Trainer adapts training methods to suit the individual's experience, learning ability and operational requirements.
The Driver Trainer:
- Uses classroom, practical, on-road and one-on-one coaching techniques.
- Adjusts training pace according to learner progress.
- Provides additional coaching where competency gaps are identified.
- Applies different learning techniques to maximise understanding and retention.
- Successfully transfers knowledge, practical skills and professional driving behaviours.
Time and Training Management
- The Driver Trainer effectively manages training schedules while ensuring every trainee reaches the required competency standard.
The Driver Trainer:
- Plans and delivers structured training programmes.
- Ensures learning objectives are achieved within agreed timelines.
- Does not rush training but provides additional support where required.
- Maintains accurate training records and competency assessments.
- Balances operational demands with effective driver development.
Coaching, Mentoring and Driver Development
- The Driver Trainer acts as a coach and mentor throughout the employee's development journey.
The Driver Trainer:
- Builds confidence in new and existing drivers.
- Provides constructive feedback and ongoing coaching.
- Develops corrective action plans for drivers requiring improvement.
- Supports driver wellness, professionalism and behavioural development.
- Encourages a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Driver Learnership Administration
- The Driver Trainer is responsible for coordinating and administering driver learnership programmes in accordance with legislative and company requirements.
The Driver Trainer:
- Coordinates learner enrolment and induction.
- Maintains all learnership documentation and learner portfolios of evidence.
- Conducts learner progress reviews and competency assessments.
- Liaises with training providers, SETAs and internal stakeholders.
- Ensures compliance with all learnership, audit and record-keeping requirements.
- Monitors learner attendance, progress and completion.
Responsive and Supportive
- A successful Driver Trainer is approachable, patient and committed to developing competent professional drivers.
The Driver Trainer:
- Encourages questions and open communication.
- Provides clear explanations and practical guidance.
- Supports learners regardless of experience level.
- Maintains a positive, respectful and professional attitude.
- Makes himself or herself available to provide additional assistance when required.
- Situational Awareness and Intuition
- The Driver Trainer demonstrates excellent observation skills and can recognise behavioural and operational risks before they escalate.
The Driver Trainer:
- Recognises signs of stress, fatigue, distraction and lack of confidence.
- Intervenes appropriately during unsafe situations.
- Adjusts coaching methods based on driver behaviour and learning style.
- Provides encouragement while maintaining high safety standards.
- Uses professional judgement to develop safe, competent and confident drivers.
Leadership and Professionalism
- The Driver Trainer leads by example and consistently demonstrates the behaviours expected from professional drivers.
The Driver Trainer:
- Maintains the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct.
- Promotes the safety culture at all times.
- Demonstrates accountability and ownership.
- Builds positive relationships with drivers, management and customers.
- Serves as a role model for safe driving, compliance and operational excellence.
Behavioural Competencies and Skills Required
- High Work Ethic
- Technical Competency
- Coaching, Mentoring and Facilitation.
- Safety and Leadership
- Training Administration
- Productivity and Results Orientation
- Good Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Good Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Must be Adaptable and Flexible
- Integrity and Professionalism
- Customer Service Oriented
- Continuous Improvement and high Work ethic
- Safety and Productivity
- Quality and Quantity of work
Minimum Requirements:
- Code 14 Driving Experience – 3years with a valid Code14 Drivers licence and PrDP
- 5 years Truck and Trailer Driver Training experience
- Cold Chain Management Experience within a FMCG / QSR environment
- Grade 12 with approved and accredited Driver Training and Facilitation qualification
- Valid Tail lift Operator License
- Medically Fit for Duty
- Must have own vehicle and willing to travel.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills (Multilingual)
- Expert vehicle operational knowledge and technical expertise.
- MS office – Intermediate with good Excel and Power Point
- Vehicle Telematics Systems and Driver Performance Scoring Matrix Application knowledge
- Preferred Qualifications or Training
- TETA / SAQA National certificate: Professional Driving NQF Level 5 or higher
- MAN Driver Training Qualification Advantageous
- Defensive Driver Training Qualification Advantageous
- Economical Driver Training Qualification Advantageous
- Rollover Prevention Training Qualification Advantageous
Work Location: In person
