Nigel Grainger brings together a related set of skills that all fleets require, to greater or lesser
degrees, but which may not have the staffing or the skills to fulfil those needs.
Bringing his wealth of experience in all areas of fleet management he offers a bespoke service through his company Fleet Risk Consultants, providing you with a cost effective fleet that complies fully with your 'duty of care' requirements.Important news for HGV drivers and operators.
From the 10th September 2009 all drivers of vehicles above 3,500kg in weight will have to undertake continuous training over a period of 5 years. The rules means that each driver will need to complete 35 hours of training by the 9th September 2014.
That may sound like it is a long way in the future, but if you leave it too late to commence your training, you may either not get on a course in time or you will have to take a whole week in one go to maintain your driving licence.
There will be no extensions as the period of grace starts on the 10th September 2009. Any new HGV drivers will have to undertake 280 hours of training to actually qualify for a licence in the first place.
The effect that we see developing in 2014 is that companies who have not planned ahead may find that they have vehicle available to do deliveries, but no-one to drive the vehicle.
It is also the companies responsibility to ensure that the driver is both qualified and safe to drive. If you employ the driver full time then it could be argued that under PUWER you will have to pay for that training too.
IF you want to understand how the rules will effect you as either a driver or as an employer then give our team a call on 01623 675833 or drop us an email to info@fleetriskconsultants.co.uk and we can call you.
Nigel Grainger
Senior Consultant
Fleet Risk Consultants
August 26th, 2009 at 10:42 am
That’s insane, things are certainly changing and this is going to make it a lot harder for haulage companies! Does the government want to put all truck companies out of business!
August 26th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Hi Jon,
I don’t think it will make it harder for haulage companies. In the long run it will save them money overall. You should also remember that it is a Europe wide piece of legislation so the playing field is level for UK business. The government had not option but to put the law in place.
Most HGV drivers have had no training since they passed their initial driving test, which did not include tachographs or loading training.
Nigel Grainger
Senior Consultant
Fleet Risk Consultants
September 7th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Just to point out, no company I’ve worked for have allowed me to just jump behind the wheel.
They have all shown me the ropes, by putting with someone or putting me on a course.
e.g company now put me on a one month course and a test at the end.
Taco test is the first thing any company does before the interview stage, you not pass you not drive.
British drivers are some of the best in the world.
We voted a British government with no bulls.
I am now looking for other work though education, I will not be underminded!
Why not test mp’s for the ability to govern?
September 7th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
how will this affect people like me im 23 years old and im hoping to go for my hgv does this mean i will need more training than usual and will this stop me from doing something ive wanted to do for years
September 8th, 2009 at 7:58 am
Darren,
The bad drivers are in the minority, but the way vehicles are run in Europe is different. The qualification will allow everyone to operate to the same standards.
The 35 hours can be spread over the 5 years which will make it less difficult for drivers to fit into their schedule.
The European Driver Training Limited model does just that.
If you want more information please ask us.
Nigel
September 8th, 2009 at 8:00 am
Katie,
When you come to train you will need to do 280 hours of this training in order to get your HGV licence. Once you have your licence you will need to then complete 35 hours every 5 years to maintain your licence.
If you register your details at http://www.europeandrivertraining.co.uk they will keep you informed of the latest updates and can help you complete your training.
Nigel