ENERGY drink giant Red Bull is expecting to slash its insurance premiums by putting its drivers through training.

The London-based fleet includes 84 cars, 14 events vehicles and 36 vehicles for the student-staffed Energiser team. These are Volkswagen Beetles and MINI Coopers modified in Austria to feature a giant Red Bull can attached to the back.

Company car and events drivers will complete a one-day programme in the classroom and on the road, focusing on improving awareness and perception.

The half-day programme for the students, run by DriveTech, comprises on-road training, ensuring that drivers understand the unique ride and handling characteristics of the unusually proportioned vehicles, as well as being aware of the height and vision restrictions imposed by the design.

The students are also trained to carry out vehicle maintenance checks before each journey, and are equipped with a tyre tread and pressure gauge.