What Is Defensive Driving? Techniques, Training & Certification

Most drivers react to what happens in front of them. A defensive driver tries to see trouble coming and give themselves time and space to avoid it. You cannot control other drivers, the weather or the road. You can control your speed, your position, where you look and how much space you leave.

Defensive driving is not about being slow or nervous. It is about being alert and planning ahead. A good defensive driver:

• Scans far down the road, not just at the car in front.
• Expects other drivers to make mistakes, such as running a light or changing lanes without looking.
• Keeps a safe following distance and an escape route.
• Adjusts for rain, snow, darkness, traffic and their own fatigue.
• Stays calm and does not let other drivers provoke them.

For people who drive for work, these habits lower the risk of a crash, an injury, a damaged vehicle or a costly claim. That is why many employers include defensive driving in their fleet safety program.

Defensive driving courses are built around a few simple methods you can use on every trip.

SIPDE works like this: you scan the road ahead and around you, identify possible hazards, predict what they might do, decide on a safe action, and execute it smoothly.

The Smith System 5 Keys are: aim high in steering (look well ahead), get the big picture, keep your eyes moving, leave yourself an out, and make sure they see you.

For following distance, many driver handbooks recommend at least 2 to 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front in good conditions. Pick a fixed point, such as a sign. When the vehicle ahead passes it, count. If you reach the point before you finish counting, back off. Leave more time in rain, snow, fog, at night, or when driving a heavy vehicle.

Many collisions come from the same situations again and again. Defensive driving training teaches you to handle each one.

• Intersections: drivers running lights, turning across your path, or not seeing pedestrians and cyclists. Look left, right and left again, and cover your brake.
• Distraction: phones, GPS screens, eating and passengers. Set up your route before you drive and keep your eyes on the road.
• Fatigue: long shifts and early starts slow your reactions. Know the warning signs and stop to rest.
• Impaired drivers: drifting, sudden braking or odd speeds. Keep your distance and report them when it is safe.
• Weather: wet roads, snow, black ice and low visibility. Slow down, increase your following distance and avoid sudden moves.
• Tailgaters and aggressive drivers: do not speed up or brake-check. Let them pass.

In an emergency, the goal is to stay calm and keep control. Look where you want the vehicle to go, not at the thing you are trying to avoid. Brake firmly and steer smoothly. If you skid on ice or snow, ease off the gas and steer gently in the direction you want to go. After a collision, check for injuries, make the scene safe, call for help if needed, and follow your employer’s reporting steps.

Anyone who drives as part of their job can benefit. Employers often ask for it before they hand over the keys to a company vehicle. Common roles include:

In Canada, provincial OHS regulations require employers to keep workers safe, and for many businesses the road is part of the workplace. A defensive driving course is a simple way for an employer to show that drivers have been trained on safe driving habits. Personal drivers who want to sharpen their skills can take it too.

A defensive driving course does not replace a driver’s licence, a road test or any licence class your job needs. It builds on the skills you already have.

The Gama Safety Defensive Driving course takes about an hour and is split into three parts:

1. Defensive Driving Awareness, Part 1: what defensive driving is, how to scan ahead, spot hazards early and keep a safe following distance.
2. Defensive Driving Awareness, Part 2: the SIPDE method and the Smith System, plus intersections, distractions, fatigue and impaired drivers.
3. Defensive Driving Awareness, Part 3: winter and wet roads, highway and city driving, and how to react calmly in an emergency.

A final exam checks your understanding. You need 80% to pass, and you can retake it as many times as you need for free.

There is no single national expiry date for a defensive driving certificate. How often you retake it depends on your employer, your fleet safety program and sometimes your insurer. Many employers ask for a refresher every 1 to 3 years, or after a collision or a change in the type of vehicle you drive.

Some insurers may look at driver training when they review a fleet or a policy. Rules differ, so check with your insurer before you count on any discount.

1. Enrol in the online Defensive Driving course and start right away on your phone, tablet or computer.
2. Learn at your own pace. The course takes about an hour, and your progress saves automatically.
3. Pass the final exam with 80% or better. Retakes are unlimited and free.
4. Download your certificate right away. A physical wallet card is mailed to you free.

The course is available in English, French, Spanish, Punjabi, Hindi, Mandarin and more, and it is recognized by employers across Canada. Training a team of drivers? Team pricing starts at 2 seats, with an admin dashboard to track who is certified. Questions? Call 1-866-661-9803 or email info@gamasafety.ca.