EC plans driver refreshers
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• Hauliers wit be forced to ensure that even experienced drivers have 35 hours of retraining every five years, if a proposal from the European Commission becomes binding.
This week the EC formally tabled the training directive proposal first revealed in Commercial Motor last December (CM 7-13 Dec 2000).
The proposal now includes two mandatory minimum training periods for new drivers: • 420 hours, for drivers aged 18-21 who want to drive trucks of 7.5 tonnes and above (with some exceptions for vans with trailers); • 210 hours for all other drivers wanting to enterthe profession.
The immediate demand on companies will probably be low, as the proposal includes a "grandfather clause" exempting all existing drivers from undertaking basic training—but they will still have to complete 35 hours of retraining.
Brussels has proposed that any approved training qualifications should be noted on drivers' vocational licences, with no separate certificates. Also included is a detailed list of the subjects that must be covered in any approved training course.
The EC says it wants to improve quality and respect for the driving profession.