In a world where every road presents a unique challenge, the ability to navigate safely isn't just about knowing how to operate a vehicle, it's about mastering the complex interplay of preparation, awareness, judgment, and decision-making. 

This is the core philosophy behind Think Drive Survive, a revolutionary course designed by Keith Calvert, founder of Human Factors Driving Solutions (HFDS).

Calvert's journey into the realm of driver education began with a personal revelation, one that many parents can relate to: teaching his own children to drive. 

"When I taught my kids to drive, it made me think!" 

Calvert chuckles as he recalls those early lessons: "After bumbling through the first session, I realised there had to be a better way."

Drawing from his background in aviation, where meticulous training is a matter of life and death, Calvert saw an opportunity to revolutionise driver education. 

"I mapped out a manual, introduced concepts like logbooks to driving, but initially, there was little uptake," he shares. "But eventually, the industry started to embrace these ideas, and the THINK DRIVE SURVIVE course was born."

The journey didn't stop there. Inspired by discussions with his daughter, an airline pilot, Calvert ventured into the realm of cognitive performance for aviation. 

His online training system for pilots quickly gained traction, expanding from 10 companies to over 100. The success in aviation training paved the way for a groundbreaking adaptation: a four-module program focusing on preparation, judgment, decision-making, and awareness for drivers.

"What we learned in aviation translates seamlessly to driving," Calvert explains. "We're not just teaching people how to operate a vehicle; we're developing their thinking skills." 

Each module is carefully crafted to engage learners and embed critical cognitive processes, ensuring they emerge not just as drivers, but as safe, responsible road users.

The THINK DRIVE SURVIVE course isn't just for novice drivers. It's designed to accommodate learners at their own pace, with the flexibility to complete modules on their schedule. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate, validating their newfound skills. 

But Calvert didn't overlook the importance of parental involvement.

"We recognised that parents play a crucial role in shaping young drivers' behaviours," Calvert notes. "That's why we developed a training module specifically for parents, empowering them to support their children through this journey." 

From navigating difficult conversations to reinforcing positive driving habits, the parent module equips caregivers with the tools they need to foster responsible driving behaviour.

It's not just parents who benefit. THINK DRIVE SURVIVE extends its reach to include a section for grandparents, recognising the roles members of a young drivers’ extended family members play in shaping their experience.

Through a blend of innovation, expertise, and a deep understanding of human factors, THINK DRIVE SURVIVE is driving change, one learner at a time. 

After all, when it comes to road safety, thinking, driving, and surviving are all interconnected.

You can find out more at the THINK DRIVE SURVIVE website.