Trainers call for inquiry
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• A number of LGV driver training associations and schools are calling for an independent inquiry into the Driving Standard Agency's voluntary register of instructors.
The call for an investigation came during last week's meeting between DSA officials and training associations.
The row centres around the DSA's recommendations to grant automatic entry to the voluntary register to all instructors already registered with the driver training body Road Transport Industry Training Business Services.
RTITB members would be exempt from the initial two-part entrance examination because the USA thinks it already applies adequate industry stan
dards. It has also received support from the RNA and FTA.
However, the plan only has backing from one other LGV training association. Most schools say they will boycott the register if it is given the goahead and set up a rival system (CM 17-23 Oct 1996).
Mike Thorogood, secretary of the Institute of Large Goods Vehicle Driving Instructors, supports the call for an independent review because if the proposals go through the RTITB would gain a commercial advantage.
He says: "We are being whitewashed by civil servants at the DSA. It seems they only take notice of the RIIA and 1,"I'A, neither of which train the majority of LGV instructors."