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Trainers fear cost rise
Page 8
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by Jane Sayer • The cost of vocational driver training will more than double to around £ 1,500 if candidates have to pass the theory exam before taking the rigid and articulated practical tests, warns the Association of Vocational Driver Training Providers.
The legislation comes into force next January; it is designed to bring the UK into line with the rest of Europe.
For the first six months candidates will be able to take the written test at any time. However, from 1 July candidates will have to pass the theory test first, which means the practical tuition and driving test will be some time apart.
Nick Smith, a spokesman for the Metropolitan divi sion of the AVDTP, says this will not only push up the cost but will be less effective training.
"Vocational drivers are not novices," says Smith, "they are all qualified drivers. It is vital that practical and theory training be combined. For example. the theory of air brakes can best be taught with the vehicle itself being used as the most important training aid."
Kevin Donachie, managing director of Westonsuper-Mare Transport and Training Services, says: "It seems to me that the aim of all this is to generate additional revenue for the DSA because they will get more test fees.
"When you've got a lad in a classroom, if he gets it wrong he's got another three to four weeks before he can resit it and the job he was going for has gone," he says.