Instant experience is required
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THE FAULTS in heavy goods ' vehicle driving instruction system do not lie with the private driving school but with the companies that use their services. Most driving schools would be happy to teach loading, roping, sheeting, tachographs and practically introduce the driving of heavily loaded vehicles. Sadly, most companies wish to fill their vacant positions with "experienced" driver/operators.
For most that do wish their new recruits to be properly trained, in most cases, a driving licence is the major requirement. Even responsible transport managers use the word "experience" and still do not realise that training is vital to the efficiency of their business and is proven to be cost-effective.
Private driving schools are in the business to train drivers if there is a requirement so to do. My own company trains drivers and sets up training schools around the world and if our client requires specialised equipment, this is built in to the price.
The sad fact is that everyone wants to obtain their driving licence as cheaply as possible and in consequence extreme competition is prevalent in the industry. Most driving schools, or training departments, therefore utilise training vehicles that are of the "low cost, easy-to-drive" type. We have the instructors and knowhow, but do we have an industry to pay for the sophisticated hardware? GRAHAM R. J. FRYER Chief Executive Driving Instructors' Association National Driving Centre Coulsdon, Surrey