A recent OECD study found that 20.7% of New Zealand adults are in the lowest literacy bracket, including both those born in New Zealand and those born overseas. This makes it more challenging for companies to ensure their drivers understand their obligations on the road and are safe and competent behind the wheel.

“Drivers might be able to speak English very well but find reading road signs and written instructions very difficult,” says Darren Cottingham, director of DT Driver Training.

 Drivers can‘t identify dangers ahead if they can‘t read road signs

“In some industries the proportion of drivers with literacy issues is really high, so we recorded every single question and answer in our Fleet Driver Plan to help those drivers take full advantage of training options.”

The new audio recordings cover all sections of the training programme including the Road Code, driver health and safety, vehicle safety and advanced driving skills.

“Written English is full of idiosyncrasies and can be challenging for native speakers, let alone new migrants with English as a second language,” Cottingham added. “We need to make it easier for all drivers to learn our road rules, driver health and safety best practices and advanced driving techniques, regardless of their reading ability.”

Examples of questions in the Fleet Driver Plan