For those who drive as a job, the level of training received can be the difference between a comfortable shift and a nasty – even fatal – collision.

In many instances, the problem isn’t that the core information relayed to drivers during training is wrong or insufficient; it’s that the training is delivered with no consideration of individual accessibility challenges.

In this article, we discuss the importance of accessible eLearning for professional drivers, and how equal-access online content can help fleet managers and owners address modern industry challenges.

What does “Accessible” mean in an eLearning context?

In the context of eLearning, accessibility means designing digital training materials to WCAG standards so that they can be used and understood by as many people as possible — including those with disabilities or different learning needs.

This includes:

• Ensuring content works with screen readers and other assistive technologies
• Using high contrast colours and scalable text for readability
• Providing audio narration, captions, and transcripts
• Structuring content with clear navigation and logical flow
• Minimising reliance on fine motor skills or precise clicks

What are WCAG standards and why do they matter?

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are internationally recognised standards for making digital content more accessible. Version 2.2 introduces refinements that improve experiences for users with cognitive and mobility issues — such as better focus indicators, improved navigation, and reduced reliance on complex interactions.

By aligning with WCAG 2.2, training providers like Cardinus ensure that their content meets the latest expectations for usability, inclusivity, and legal compliance.

Who needs accessible driver training?

Accessible training isn’t just for people with declared disabilities. It supports:

• Neurodivergent learners (e.g. ADHD, dyslexia, autism)
• Non-native English speakers
• Older drivers adjusting to new tech
• Drivers using mobile devices in noisy or distracting environments
• Anyone with temporary impairments (like an eye injury or fatigue)

When accessibility is built in, everyone benefits, not just those with recognised needs.

8 reasons accessible eLearning is a must for modern fleets

1. Driving is one of the most dangerous professions and incident rates are rising

Professional driving remains one of the most hazardous jobs in the UK, and the risks are increasing. Research by the British Safety Council shows incident rates among fleet drivers are on the rise, driven by greater road congestion, time pressures, and shifting driver demographics.

According to a study for Highways England and RoadSafe, nearly one-third of all road deaths involve someone driving for work. These fatalities outnumber workplace deaths in industries like farming or construction. Despite modern vehicles being safer than ever, these figures show just how critical human-focused training still is – and that there’s more that fleet businesses can do to protect their workforce.

Ensuring online training content meets accessibility standards is a straightforward yet powerful way for fleet operators to improve comprehension, reduce collision risks, and minimise associated costs — from insurance premiums to reputational damage.

When every driver can fully understand and apply what they’ve learned, the risk of error, fatigue, or poor judgement drops. Accessible design is not just inclusive — it’s effective, and the ripple effect of that is safer roads for everyone.

2. Inaccessible training creates risk for drivers and employers

Training that’s poorly structured, text-heavy, or hard to navigate creates safety gaps — especially for drivers with visual, cognitive, or literacy challenges. 

Not only does this increase the risk of road incidents, it also exposes organisations to liability under the Equality Act 2010. Accessibility is a matter of legal compliance, yes — but also of safety and fairness.

3. Accessible content works in real-world conditions

Drivers often complete training in fragmented environments between jobs, in vehicles, or on mobile devices. Accessible eLearning, when designed to WCAG 2.2 standards, ensures that content remains clear and usable in those real-world contexts.

4. Better accessibility = Better learning outcomes overall

Making content more accessible doesn’t just support those with disabilities — it improves learning for all users. Clearer layouts, structured navigation, audio descriptions, and multiple formats help learners absorb information more effectively. 

In an industry where split-second decisions matter, improving how well training is understood and retained can be lifesaving.

5. The industry is changing — So are the learners

The HGV driver shortage triggered in part by Covid-19 and Brexit led to major recruitment drives — bringing new people into driving from a variety of sources, including job centres, vocational programmes, and the prison and probation system. 

These recruits come from a wide range of educational and socio-economic backgrounds, meaning training needs to be as inclusive and flexible as the workforce itself.

6. The workforce is ageing and that’s changing how drivers learn

As experienced drivers retire, the industry loses not just manpower but vital on-the-job wisdom. Traditional face-to-face mentorship and apprenticeship-style training are becoming less common, leaving newer recruits to learn independently. 

Accessible eLearning bridges this gap by replicating many of the benefits of in-person guidance, using clear instruction, real-world scenarios, and adaptable pacing that supports learners of all experience levels.

7. The shift to greener fleets requires updated, accessible training

As companies transition to electric, hybrid, and alternative-fuel vehicles, the nature of fleet driving is changing fast. These new technologies come with different controls, charging procedures, and safety concerns. 

Accessible training ensures all drivers — regardless of age, technical background, or prior experience — can confidently adapt to this new generation of fleet vehicles.

8. The gig economy creates new challenges for driver training and safety

The rise of gig economy drivers — couriers, food delivery riders, freelance van drivers has created a large, often undertrained segment of the fleet workforce. Many of these drivers operate outside traditional employment structures and lack formal safety education or consistent oversight.

Accessible eLearning exposes this group to high-quality safety content that fits their unpredictable schedules and diverse needs. It’s a scalable way to deliver consistent safety messaging and protect a growing and increasingly important part of the transport sector.

Accessible driver safety training from Cardinus

Driving for work is changing — fast. But what shouldn’t change is access to life-saving knowledge. Whether behind the wheel of an HGV, a grey fleet vehicle, or a last-mile van, today’s drivers face growing pressures and increasing risks. That’s why accessible eLearning must become the norm, not the exception.

At Cardinus, we’re proud to offer fleet training solutions that meet the demands of today’s roads while breaking through the invisible barriers holding your drivers back.

Healthy Working: Safer Driving is our fleet risk management software built for accessibility from the ground up. Offering several WCAG 2.2 certified eLearning modules, it ensures that safety-critical knowledge is available to every driver, no matter their learning style, language proficiency, or disability — supporting your duty of care while helping drivers build real-world confidence and competence.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your fleet.