Driving Standards Agency chief backs voluntary scheme
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• The new acting chief executive of the Driving Standards Agency, Laraine Manley, has followed her predecessor in backing a voluntary scheme to raise the quality of LGV driving instructors.
Manley was reacting to Commercial Motor's campaign which is asking for the law to be changed so that LGV driving instructors, like motoring school trainers, are specially trained for the job. Anyone who holds an LGV licence can become an instructor.
Manley says: "Comments made to the DSA suggest that many in the industry would welcome some sort of voluntary scheme." She adds: "The DSA should be involved to add professional expertise and credibility in assessment matters. Proposals for such a scheme already have ministerial approval."
But Commercial Motor's campaign co-ordinator, features editor Patric
Cunnone, says: "A voluntary scheme will not eliminate the use of low-cost training schools which turn out to be a
poor bargain because their trainers are unskilled and pass on their bad habits. Only regulation will ensure that trainers meet uniform standards."
The Government body which sets standards of training, the Road Haulage & Distribution Training Council, is set to publish details of its LGV Driver Training Centre Accreditation and Certification arrangements (see page 38).