Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ola, the online cab aggregator, to train its drivers-partners. Under the Maruti Ola Training Program, the company targets to benefit 40,000 individuals/ Ola partner-drivers in safe driving over a period of three years.
According to the company, the partnership will create entrepreneurship opportunities for drivers-partners as well as make urban transportation safe, reliable and convenient. The pilot phase of the initiative will be rolled out in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and in NCR. The driving training programme will be gradually rolled out in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Pune.
Ola, as a technology platform, will help create opportunities for these drivers by giving them access to infrastructure, financing and continuous revenue. Over the last 5 years, Ola has brought roughly 5 lakh skilled driver-partners onto its platform.
According to the MoU, Maruti Suzuki would help the individuals/Ola partner-drivers obtain commercial license and assist in availing vehicle financing to purchase their own car, after the completion of their course. Ola will also provide leads of potential driver-partners to Maruti Suzuki for facilitating them with commercial driving training.
All the aspiring drivers will undergo a 30-day driving training which includes a pre- and post- assessment tests to gauge the driving skills of these individuals. The classroom sessions will familiarize the trainee with basic requirements such as vehicle controls and mechanisms, road signage, rules and markings, driving in difficult conditions, maintenance and fuel efficiency tips and traffic laws. Besides these dedicated sessions on soft skills like being a good road user, interactive case studies on the effect of bad driving habits, the importance of positive attitude, grooming tips, etiquettes and good manners are imparted to instil safe driving habits and become a responsible driver.
The practical training sessions will cover intensive training on safe and efficient driving, pre-checks before starting to drive, risk perception, defensive driving techniques, driving in difficult conditions, rules of the road and emergency handling.
Ola is closely working with multiple state governments to create a skilled workforce that has access to capital, insurance and vehicle at discounted prices. Ola aims to add 50 lakh driver-partners on its platform by 2022 by mobilizing, training and engaging with aspirants through such partnerships.