Why Car and Van Fleets Can’t Afford to Ignore Fleet Training

26 February 2026

While HGVs rightfully received focus, car and van fleets are involved in a disproportionate number of incidents. According to government statistics, light commercial vehicles are involved in over 25% of all injury road collisions in Great Britain where a vehicle type was recorded. Whether you’re managing a team of engineers, delivery drivers, or sales reps, investing in training is essential for safety, compliance, and cost control.

Dispelling the Myth: Training Isn’t Just for HGVs

HGV drivers are required by law to undergo regular CPC training, which has led to the misconception that smaller vehicle fleets don’t need the same attention. But the reality is:

• Car and van drivers often operate in high-pressure environments, with tight schedules and frequent stops.
• They face urban driving challenges, such as congestion, parking, and pedestrian-heavy areas.
• Many incidents involving vans and cars are low-speed but high-cost, including bumps, scrapes, and minor collisions that add up over time.

The Risks Facing Car and Van Fleets

Without proper training, drivers may:

• Misjudge vehicle dimensions and cause damage during manoeuvres – especially if they are unfamiliar with the vehicle
• Struggle with fatigue or distraction during long shifts – a major factor in up to 20% of all road collisions, or distraction during long shifts.
• Fail to follow best practices for vehicle care and maintenance
• Breach compliance regulations, especially around mobile phone use, speed limits, and load safety. For example, using a hand-held mobile phone while driving now carries a £200 fixed penalty notice and 6 points on the driver’s licence. For a fleet driver, this could mean an instant ban, and for the employer, a loss of a key worker and increased insurance costs.

These issues combined can lead to increased insurance premiums, vehicle downtime, and reputational damage.

Sector Examples: Where Training Makes a Difference

Field Service Teams

Engineers and technicians often drive vans loaded with tools and equipment. Training helps them:

• Understand load safety and weight distribution
• Improve spatial awareness in tight residential areas
• Reduce wear and tear through better driving habits

Delivery Fleets

Drivers under time pressure are more likely to take risks, according to TomTom’s research 60% of drivers in the UK exceed speed limits due to this .factor. Reducing this is a key factor in improving safety.

In addition, training can:

• Reinforce defensive driving techniques
• Reduce incidents caused by rushing or distraction
• Improve customer satisfaction through smoother operations
• Prevent damage to the load

Sales and Account Managers

Even occasional drivers benefit from training that covers:

• Road safety awareness
• Eco-driving for fuel efficiency
• Compliance with company vehicle policies

Case Study: Small Van Fleet, Big Impact

A facilities management company with a fleet of 20 vans invested in tailored training for its drivers. Over the next 12 months:

• Incident rates dropped by 45%
• Insurance premiums were reduced by 18%
• Driver satisfaction improved, with fewer complaints and higher retention

The company saved over £15,000 in direct costs—and gained peace of mind. This mirrors wider industry findings; a study by the Energy Saving Trust found that effective driver training can lead to fuel savings of around 15%, alongside significant reductions in accident rates and maintenance costs.

Driver Hire Training: Supporting All Fleet Types

Driver Hire Training offers programmes designed specifically for car and van fleets. These include:

• Practical driving assessments
• Compliance and safety workshops
• Behavioural coaching and risk profiling
• Specialist modules for urban driving, load safety, and customer-facing roles

Whether your fleet is five vehicles or fifty, the right training can make a measurable difference.

Conclusion

Car and van fleets face unique challenges that demand tailored solutions. With human error being a contributing factor in over 2 out of 3 (68%) of all reported road collisions, according to UK government data, targeted training is the most direct way to mitigate risk. By investing in training, managers can reduce incidents, improve compliance, and protect their bottom line—while supporting drivers with the skills they need to succeed.

Find out about our Fleet Training services here.