Continuous development encouraged by IAM Drive & Survive

25 October 2010

Leading driver training company IAM Drive & Survive has called for companies to get their LGV and PCV fleets Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) qualified now, before the September 2013/’14* deadline.

After the 2013/’14 cut-off LGV and PCV drivers will not be able to drive unless they have completed a total of 35 hours training over five years. The driver and company have flexibility as to how this is implemented over the period, provided the training occurs in blocks of at least seven hours, but it is a substantial amount of training to fit in.

Simon Elstow, IAM Drive & Survive Head of Training and Field Operations said: “As a driver training company with a strong road safety grounding, we are pleased that companies have to protect their drivers when out on the road, by enforcing further training.

“While 2014 seems a long way off, I would encourage companies that haven’t already done so to start planning their training options now. If carried out in seven hour sessions, 35 hours takes five working days out of a driver’s time. As well as this being potentially difficult for companies to fit in, training providers will be overrun with requests ahead of the deadline, and capacity will be limited.

“Another benefit of carrying out your training on a five-year rolling programme, is that you can build on the foundations of what you have learned in previous years, ensuring drivers are maximising their training opportunity.”

IAM Drive & Survive have seven JAUPT accredited products, which all count towards the Driver CPC qualification. These are delivered in seven hour sessions, with ‘Eco Safe Driving’ and ‘Confined Space Manoeuvring’ as three and a half hour modules to be taken together.

Mr Elstow continued: “If as a driver you haven’t yet started your training, it is in your interests to ask your employer to provide it. While your company has a legal obligation to make sure their drivers are CPC qualified, if you don’t have the qualification you won’t be able to drive, so the onus is just as much on you as the employee to request it.”

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ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• *All PCV drivers must have completed this training by September 2013, and all LGV drivers by September 2014

Media contacts:

IAM Press Office – 020 8996 9777

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ENDS ALL

1. The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) directly influences the driving and riding of more than 100,000 full members in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1956, the IAM is today best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving course, which is available to car, motorcycle and commercial licence holders. The IAM has grown to become the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to raising driving standards, engaging with the road-using public and influencing road safety policy.  The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive.

2. A 2006 report by Brunel University, following an 18 month study, concluded that “advanced driver training produces safer drivers and lower accident involvement”, with measurable improvements in knowledge, skills and attitude.

3. In January 2007, the IAM Policy and Research Division was established to undertake research, promote practical policies, act as an advocate for safer roads, safer drivers and safer vehicles and encourage responsible motoring through education and training.