Maruti Suzuki India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ola, the online cab aggregator, to train aspiring 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. 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.
According to the MoU, Maruti Suzuki would help the individuals/Ola partner-drivers obtain commercial license and also assist in availing vehicle financing to purchase their own car, after the completion of their course. 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 & mechanisms, road signage, rules and markings, driving in difficult conditions, maintenance & fuel efficiency tips, traffic laws, etiquettes and good manners will also be imparted to instil safe driving habits and become a responsible driver.
Ola, as a technology platform will help create opportunities for these trained drivers by giving them access to infrastructure, financing and continuous revenue. Over the last 5 years, Ola has been successful in on-boarding over 5 lakh skilled driver-partners onto its platform.
Commenting on the association, Mr. R S Kalsi, Executive Director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki, said, “Maruti Suzuki is committed to promote quality driving training in the country. Studies show that ‘driver’s fault’ is the biggest reason of road accidents. We have evolved a comprehensive training program comprising simulators, theory and practical sessions, imparted through 370 Maruti Driving Schools and six IDTRs across India. The curriculum, besides driving skills, offers soft skills like grooming, manners, etiquette that develop a positive attitude among the drivers. We are glad that through this partnership with Ola, we will be able to expand quality driving training while creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. . We target to train 40,000 individuals over 3 years.”
