'An instructor must at all times demonstrate the highest standards'
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For many years, it has been an objective of the main trade associations (RHA, FTA etc), and many training interests, to see the introduction of a statutory qualification and register of LGV instructors, the purpose being to radically improve the standard of instruction given to novice drivers, and improve road safety. By and large, the industry considers it a nonsense that within a very short space of time somebody could pass a car test, then an LGV test, and then legally be training a novice to drive a 38-tonner. Extensive lobbying activities showed that the Government would not currently support a statutory scheme, but would give support to an industry-developed voluntary scheme.
The RHA and FTA felt that such a scheme hould be administered by an independent body (not connected with training provision) with credibility and known to both industry and the general public. The scheme should be as economic as possible and testing should be available nationally to encourage the widest range of competent instructors to participate. It should be suited to "in-house" as well as commercial trainers.
In conjunction with RHDTC, it was felt that the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), which manages the driving test regime and maintains the statutory ADI car instructor scheme, best met these criteria. An approach was therefore made to the DSA which responded positively, setting up a joint industry/DSA working party (consisting of representatives from RHA, FTA, RHDTC, NTF, ILGVI, ADVDTP and DSA) to develop the scheme. A specialist representative of RTITB was invited to join to draw on the experience of their established scheme.
After three years work (and a forcefully stated period of consultation!) the scheme goes live in April. To become an approved instructor, the trainer must first pass a test of driving ability (to a much higher standard than the LGV test). We take the view that an instructor must at all times be able to demonstrate the very highest standards of LGV driving in order to retain credibility. Part Two (taken only after passing Part One) is a test of instructional ability. Both parts must be re-taken every four years to remain an approved instructor. Testing and administration will be by the DSA. For a short time (until mid-May), currently approved RTITB instructors can apply for test exemptions until their current registrations expires. The RTITB qualification is still regarded as a more comprehensive assessment of an instructor's ability, but from 1 April candidates who are approved DSA LGV instructors will be exempt from Parts 1 and 2 of the RTITB qualification. Because the DSA is administering the scheme, it will be able to monitor its effectiveness through test results and fault analysis. The industry organisations hope that the statistical database will demonstrate the benefits and justify a fully statutory scheme in due course.
Although the working party is now disbanded, the RHA, FTA, RHDTC, NTF and ILGVDI, together with the DSA, will run a register monitoring committee to ensure continuing progress and development. An independent appeals panel composed of RHA, FTA and RHDTC nominees will hear appeals from instructors who may be struck off the register as a result of failing to meet the "fit and proper criteria" and not following the code of conduct, which are both essential elements of the scheme.
So the next time you send drivers for training, check that the instructors are DSAapproved, and check that the certificates are current and cover the type of vehicle being trained on.
It is your only assurance the instructor has passed a nationally recognised and independent training qualification for LGVs.
• If you want to sound off about a road transport issue write to features editor Patric Cunnane or fax your views (up to 600 word5) on 0181 652 8912.