It's all change on the driver training front with the introduction of the Driver CPC in 2009. In the run-up the Driving Standards Agency has published its proposals for changes to the testing system.
Yes, following on from the bus and coach industry the DfT has decided that from April 2 2007, DSA can, in appropriate cases, appoint delegated
examiners and allow in-house theory test centres so that freight companies can conduct driving tests for their employees. It rejected concerns that this would lead to a drop in standards.
No. DSA says there will "sufficiently robust" initial training and standards maintenance regimes, and in-house theory test facilities will only be allowed when "satisfactory assurance can be had concerning the security and integrity of the conduct of the test and the supporting systems and administration".
Broadly, company size is a factor, and Skills for Logistics says that facilities will have to be consistently administering tests for staff.
Those who want to become company examiners can take a six-week course at a cost of £7,500.
The number of multiple choice questions in the LGV theory tests will be increased
to "facilitate the introduction of the Driver CPC Directive", says the response document. Theory tests will have 60 multiple-choice questions from April 2, 2007. From April 1, 2008, tests will have 100 multiple-choice questions. Pass marks and time allowed for tests will rise in line with the longer tests.
Fees for test appointments made on or after April 2 will cost £32, while tests taken on or after April 1, 2008 will go up to £45.
They're set to rise by 50% for certificates supplied to organisations with delegated authority to test their staff, to £21 for LGV drivers from April 2. But should the revised charges to theory tests not be put in place by April 1 2008, the fee for pass certificates will go up by another £8 to £29 from that date.
LGV tests will gain an extra 10 minutes driving time from September 1, 2008.
The Driver CPC qualification will be recorded on a driver qualification card (DQC) to let drivers prove that they are qualified when confronted by police or traffic examiners. DQCs will be issued to new drivers who pass initial qualification tests and to existing drivers after 35 hours of periodic training every five years. This will be provided for from March 22, 2007.
The cost of issuing the cards will be offset by charging a £25 fee for each issue.
The training aspect of the Driver CPC EU Directive 2003 which will become effective for the LGV sector from September 10, 2009.
For new drivers, there will be an initial qualification, the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence. This will increase the knowledge that drivers need before driving and includes a four-hour theory test and two-hour driving and practical test. New drivers will need 35 hours of periodic training within five years of completing their initial Driver CPC and then a further 35 hours every subsequent five years to ensure their Driver CPC remains valid.
Existing drivers are exempt from the initial qualification but the training will become an immediate requirement, so they need 35 hours of periodic training by September 10, 2014, and then a further 35 hours every five years thereafter.
Those seeking to become accredited training centres will have to apply to the Secretary of State and it will cost £1,500, but the payment will cover a five-year period. The provisions will take effect from March 22.
Each periodic training course will cost £250 to be approved for one year.
There will be a central record of periodic training and the DSA will liaise with the DVLA to ensure that DCQs are issued and renewed. Approved training centres will be required to enter course attendance information on the central record within five working days of a course.
The trainer will be charged £5.00 for each trainee per completed course.
There are various areas relating to rules governing the road transport industry. These include maximum working periods, penalties for improper or failure to use tachographs, O-licences, international carriage regulations and health, road and environmental safety regulations.
Visit www.dsa.gov.uk for further information.
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