Work is still ongoing with trialing the LGV case studies but most of the other work has now been completed. All of this work is being led by the Driving Standards Agency with input from a variety of stakeholders. The theory test questions were increased from 35 to 60 in April 2007, and will be increased to 100 in August 2008. The number of hazard perception clips in the theory test will also be increase from 14 to 19 in August 2008. This theory test, along with the appropriate practical test, will have to be taken by both PCV and LGV drivers from this date. From the 10th September 2009 new LGV drivers will also have to do the 7 case studies and the half hour extra practical test module that constitute the initial Driver CPC.
The Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT) and the Driving Standard Agency (DSA), have completed a another review of the ‘Guide to Periodic Training for Training Providers and Employers’ taking into account feedback that has been received from providers who have submitted applications for centre and course approvals. This revised Guide was published in January 2009. They are also finalising the details of the annual course review for when the first PCV courses are due for renewal in September 2009 and the centre audit process to quality assure the centres delivering periodic training.
Approval for training centres lasts for 5 years from the implementation date if approval is granted before the implementation date, so for PCV (10th September 2008) the initial approval period will last until September 2013, and for LGV (10th September 2009) the initial approval period will last until September 2014. Any provider who delivers to both sectors will need to use the PCV dates. If approval is granted after the implementation date, the 5 years runs from the actual date of approval.
Approval for courses will be annually – courses will have to be reviewed by the JAUPT to ensure they are kept up to date and to monitor the quality of their delivery. Courses must be at least 7 hours long (excluding breaks), and up to a maximum of 35 hours. The start date for course approval if approval is granted before the implementation date will be 10th September 2008 (PCV) or 10th September 2009 (LGV) whenever the course is actually approved prior to this date, so all courses approved on or before 10th September 2008 will be due for renewal by 9th September 2009 and all courses approved on or before 10th September 2009 will be due for renewal by the 9th September 2010 (LGV only). Any LGV courses that were approved in 2007 will be reviewed by JAUPT in June 2009 (without additional charge) to ensure they meet the current approval criteria.
