RTITB launches new LGV Driver Training Standard
Transport training accreditation body RTITB recently hosted an event attended by leading industry figures to mark the launch of its new LGV Driver Training Standard, said to be the first of its kind in the LGV driving profession.
RTITB says its new standard has been developed to assure a consistent high calibre of training for LGV drivers across the UK, and adds that it has set out objectives including having an overall first time pass rate of 75 per cent – well above the current national average of approximately 55 per cent.
“The new LGV Driver Training Standard will greatly benefit drivers, employers, and the transport industry as a whole, particularly as part of the solution to the ongoing skilled driver shortage,” said Laura Nelson, managing director of RTITB, who presented at the three-hour event held at RTITB’s Telford headquarters.
“This is the first time such a standard has been set. It is designed to improve the quality of LGV driver training. The standard ensures drivers are taught to be safe and productive at work, and provides a benchmark to measure the training given.
“It will also help purchasers of driver training, whether individuals or companies identify organisations which provide good quality training and deliver more than the minimum required to gain a ‘pass’ on the DVSA test,” she added.
The event also featured the presentation of the certificate to the first organisation approved as meeting the new LGV Driver Training Standard criteria. This was Denby Transport Ltd of Lincoln.
The event concluded with a lively Q&A session where a range of questions were answered by representatives from RTITB, Maritime, Manpower Logistics, MAN and Merlin Supply Chain Solutions, as well as an opportunity for press photos.
The Driver Training Standard from RTITB is structured around the four modules required for vocational LGV licence acquisition. A series of detailed Instructor Guides and accompanying training resources set out a training programme which ensures best practice preparation for the statutory tests, and then goes on to deal with the ‘real world’ skills and knowledge which make a driver truly ‘work ready’.
The Standard was developed in conjunction with industry experts, logistics employers (both large and SMEs) and established LGV training providers. It sets out the standards that must be met for vehicles, instructors, administration, facilities, training content and resources to ensure that they meet the requirements for professional and effective driver training.
All instructors training under the standard are also entitled to attend an annual CPD event to ensure their skills remain current, and the instructor guides will be updated annually to ensure the LGV Driver Training standard is always fully up-to-date.
“Using an approved training organisation that meets the LGV Driver Training Standard provides assurance that training will be conducted to a high standard,” said RTITB.
“The LGV Driver Training Standard Instructor Guides cover all topics necessary for quality LGV driving and are a valuable addition to a profession which previously had no standardisation.
“For an employer wishing to deliver training in-house, the RTITB Driver Training Standard provides all the tools necessary to succeed and an invaluable opportunity to benchmark their training performance against other employers and commercial training providers.”
