AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

DSA proposes logistics firms run LGV tests

26th October 2006
Page 6
Page 6, 26th October 2006 — DSA proposes logistics firms run LGV tests
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

The Driving Standards Agency is seeking views on allowing certain road

freight firms to conduct truck driving tests. Sally Nash reports.

THE 20 LARGEST logistics companies may be allowed to carry out LGV driving tests for their staff as part of proposals being put forward by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

In a consultation paper on 'Service improvements, safetyrelated measures and general fee increases', the DSA says it wants views on allowing road freight firms to conduct both practical and theory LGV tests.

According to the DSA. logistics companies that employ significant numbers of new drivers would welcome the move as it would give them more flexibility. Arranging the tests themselves would enable companies to fit them in with their 'in-house' training programmes. Skills for Logistics has suggested that delegated status might suit the business needs of the largest 20 logistics firms The DSA points out that certain bus and coach companies have delegated authority to conduct driving tests. It stresses there is no evidence to suggest that bus and coach drivers who obtained their licence by passing a test conducted by a non-USA delegated examiner are more likely to be involved in a road accident.

Company test examiners would have to successfully complete a DSA six-week training course.

Although not among the top 20, Gregory Distribution has been running its own driver training school for almost seven years. Driver training manager Paul Willis says: We have to plan courses around test dates. If we could do it ourselves, we could run courses when we wanted to."

The DSA expects the first companies to be authorised from 2 April 2007.

Other proposals include: • Increasing the number of questions in theory tests taken by learner LGV drivers, from the current 35 to 60 from 2 April 2007 and 100 by I April 2008).

• Introducing an additional 10 minutes' driving time to LGV tests from September 2008.

• Recording driver CPC status with a 'driver qualification card' for a suggested fee of £25.

• Improving anti-fraud measures around the driving test.

Tags

Organisations: Driving Standards Agency

comments powered by Disqus