RoadSafe backs driving qualification

Plans to develop qualifications for at-work drivers have been welcomed by an organisation at the centre of promoting occupational road risk management to British business.

The Department for Transport has published proposals to reform the way people learn to drive and how they are tested. It also says it wants to create a culture in which the driving test was a milestone towards lifelong learning.

A vital component of that skill for life concept will be the development, in partnership with employers, of vocational qualifications for all at-work drivers, but particularly van drivers.

RoadSafe - which manages the Department for Transport’s Driving for Better Business campaign - was consulted by officials as they compiled the Learning to Drive consultation document.

RoadSafe director, Adrian Walsh, said that many organisations already see the real benefits of investing in the training and career development of those who drive on business.

Walsh said measures they have taken include advanced driving courses but with 200 road deaths and serious injuries a week resulting from crashes involving at-work drivers, thousands of small, medium and large companies across the UK must improve the safety of their drivers.

The Government, he added, recognises that and wants to develop a programme of higher and vocational qualifications, which includes an assessment. That is an initiative which has its 100% support and, once developed, RoadSafe believes such qualifications could be a key part of a company’s staff recruitment process.