FORS revamps driver training course
FORS – the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme – has revised and updated its driver training output with the introduction of its new Safe Driving course.
The new offering is fully redesigned and consolidates the scheme’s previous Safe Urban Driving (SUD) and Van Smart courses.
Safe Driving is delivered through the FORS Professional training portfolio and is available to drivers of all vehicle classes, from vans through to 44-tonne GCW articulated vehicles.
A full redesign means participants will receive the very latest tuition on defensive driving, says FORS, to instil a safety mindset which benefits drivers, vulnerable road users and the wider public.
Course highlights include drivers’ regulatory responsibilities and the importance of safe driving practices on motorways, rural and urban roads. Safe Driving also takes a deep dive into key areas that may negatively impact individuals behind the wheel such as driver fitness, health, distraction and impairment.
It includes a practical on-cycle session and a theory module. Both 3.5-hour modules contribute towards Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), plus mandatory Work-Related Road Risk training as required at FORS Silver.
FORS concession director Geraint Davies said: “Both our previous SUD and Van Smart training courses delivered significant benefits for drivers, albeit for different vehicle classes. Our new Safe Driving course brings all the various course elements together into one redesigned package, which will provide benefits for everyone.
“Our FORS Professional training portfolio remains the most comprehensive training resource for drivers and managers currently available in the transport sector.”
FORS Safe Driving is available now to all FORS Professional licensed training providers. To allow time for Driver CPC approvals, a transition period exists where the previous Safe Urban Driving course may still be available.
Previous courses Safe Urban Driving and Van Smart remain acceptable demonstrations of meeting FORS Silver training requirement ‘S5 Work-related road risk (WRRR)’ if they are valid within the five-year validity period. Safe Urban Driving was launched in 2012 and has since delivered training for over 130,000 drivers.
FORS also recently unveiled its new training qualification, Advanced Practitioner, in response to increased demand from fleet managers seeking advanced professional development opportunities.
The new qualification builds on the popular FORS Practitioner training programme, which already boasts over 3,400 graduates and saw the addition of five new modules last year.
To achieve Advanced Practitioner status, fleet managers must complete all 15 training modules offered by FORS – five more than is required to become a base-level FORS Practitioner.
A range of topics are covered within the FORS Practitioner training portfolio, including advanced risk management, sustainable fleet operations and advanced driver training. All modules have been specifically developed for transport professionals looking to advance their professional development and demonstrate their commitment to road safety, efficiency and environmental protection.
Existing FORS Practitioners are only required to complete their remaining five courses to achieve Advanced Practitioner status, but this must be achieved prior to the expiry date of their current qualification.
