Guide 12:
Provide driver training
Set up an induction for first-time drivers of electric vehicles to familiarise themselves with the differences between driving an electric vehicle and a petrol or diesel vehicle, and to learn about charging.
This should be done in the vehicles and should involve a short test drive and practice at plugging-in and unplugging.
Health and safety considerations during training:
- Ensure that any electric vehicle charging cables are used and stowed such that they don’t create a trip hazard.
- Watch your speed – the lack of engine noise in an electric vehicle can make it harder to assess driving speed, and result in unintentional speeding, particularly for less experienced electric vehicle drivers.
- Take extra care around pedestrians – while electric vehicles make an artificial noise to alert pedestrians, the vehicles are quiet and extra care should be taken where there are pedestrians.