Image: DVSA
The DVSA has launched a new accredited training scheme, which aims to improve the skills and safety of drivers who tow a trailer or caravan.
The training courses, which are now available to drivers in England, Scotland and Wales, have been developed to suit every level of ability, including:
- towing for the first time
- returning to towing after a break
- towing larger trailers
- refreshing and formalising your skills if you already regularly tow
They follow a new syllabus, developed with industry experts, and will all be delivered by accredited trainers.
Baroness Vere, minister for roads, said: “Towing safely is an important issue and I urge drivers to access the training to help keep Britain’s roads safe.
“The new accreditation scheme will help them to get targeted training and improve their driving skills.
“I want to thank the trailer training industry, stakeholders and our partners for their commitment and support in developing this training scheme over the last few months.”
How has the scheme come to fruition?
Work to develop the new scheme has been ongoing for quite some time and has involved a large amount of industry collaboration.
This has included developing the syllabus for training, which the DVSA says ‘represents current good practice for driver training’.
In April, the DVSA launched the first part of the scheme, encouraging trailer training providers to become accredited.
To do so, training providers need to seek approval from one of three formally recognised accrediting bodies:
- The National Register of LGV Instructors (NRI)
- The Safe Towing Scheme (jointly run by the National Trailer and Towing Association and Diamond Advanced Motorists)
- Skills for Logistics (SfL)
The DVSA says these organisations are responsible for making sure that the standards and syllabus are being monitored and maintained by accredited trainers on their scheme.
Mark Winn, DVSA’s chief driving examiner, said: “With the summer holidays fast approaching, we know many families will be looking to tow a trailer or caravan so it’s vital you have the skills to do this safely.
“We’d encourage anyone who plans to tow something, whether it’s a caravan on holiday, or a trailer to the tip, to get training from an accredited provider. They will be able to make sure you have the skills and knowledge to keep everyone on Britain’s roads safe.”
Totally agree with Ben, it needs to be compulsory, trailers to be registered and included with MOT. In addition standards need to be tightened on conditions of trailers especially suspension. Smaller trailers are a problem as well, especially when used by non-business drivers or cowboy firms. Professional companies probably already comply so it is not targeting the right people.
Linda Grange, Ringmer
+1
The DVSA seem to have completely ignored the long established professional organisations that have been providing just this sort of training for caravanners for decades.
Pat, Wales
+2
One can only assume the Government are quite mad. Voluntary training and development is generally not sought by those who need it most, as is already known by trainers delivering courses like ‘Pass Plus’ and those involved in advanced driving.
I’ve got a much better idea – let’s not give large trailer entitlement to someone who’s taken their test in a car, but instead let’s have a car & trailer test where folks have to get some help.
Ben Graham, Reading
+9