RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

March 17, 2008
RoSPA OFFERS FREE BTEC OPPORTUNITY TO AT-WORK DRIVERS

Drivers who pass RoSPA’s prestigious advanced driving test for “at-work” motorists now have the opportunity to upgrade their qualification free of charge.

For the first time, successful candidates who have carried out three days of RoADTest training with the safety charity can apply to Edexcel to have their qualification recognised at BTEC Level Three at no extra cost. The opportunity is available to candidates who pass their test from March onwards.

Simon Protano, Head of RoSPA Driver and Fleet Solutions, said: “We are extremely proud of RoADTest, which was developed as the first advanced driving test to specifically meet the needs of business drivers. It sets the benchmark standard for ‘at-work’ driving, and takes into consideration the realities faced by those who use the road for work purposes, which can include driving thousands of miles each year under deadline pressures and in unfamiliar vehicles.

“The new opportunity for successful RoADTest candidates to have their qualifications recognised at BTEC Level Three (equivalent to an A-Level) for no extra charge will be beneficial to all firms, irrespective of whether they have a car or van fleet or employ professional haulage or passenger transport drivers.

“We hope it will particularly appeal to those organisations committed to promoting continuing professional development among their staff.

“With Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) arrangements for bus and coach drivers coming into force across Europe in September, fleet managers might also like to consider putting their staff through RoADTest so they can build up the training hours required.”

RoADTest consists of a flexible modular training programme - typically three days with a RoSPA trainer, outside of which drivers practise and consolidate what they have learned. It culminates in a candidate taking a theory test, practical driving test and hazard perception assessment.

The programme, which can be spread over three years, covers key issues related to occupational road risk, including drink and drugs, mobile phones, speed, fatigue, and posture, seat support and head restraints.

Simon Protano added: “RoSPA has campaigned for more than 10 years for occupational road risk to be addressed as a mainstream accident prevention issue, and we are committed to developing resources and services such as RoADTest to help employers manage this important aspect of health and safety.”

RoADTest was jointly developed by RoSPA and DriveTech (UK) Limited. For more information, call 0121 248 2105, email fleetsolutions@rospa.com or visit www.rospa.com/roadtest/