FORS Version 7.1 – What You Need to Know About the Latest Updates

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The FORS Version 7.1 Standard update has arrived, bringing key changes to fleet management, driver compliance, vehicle safety, and sustainability. Whether you’re already FORS accredited or looking to get FORS accreditation, understanding the latest requirements is crucial for staying compliant and improving your fleet’s performance.

In this guide, we’ll break down the major updates in FORS Version 7.1 and explain how new applicants can achieve accreditation while ensuring existing members remain compliant.

What’s New in FORS Version 7.1?

1. Updated Requirements for FORS Accreditation

If you’re seeking FORS accreditation, FORS Version 7.1 introduces stricter requirements for vehicle safety, driver training, and environmental impact reduction. These updates are designed to improve road safety, fleet efficiency, and sustainability.

For those already FORS accredited, it’s essential to update policies and procedures to meet the latest standards before your next audit.

Key Changes in FORS Version 7.1

1. FORS Fleet Management & Documentation Updates

FORS documentation reviews no longer need to be recorded in senior management meeting minutes.
Driver declarations must now include collisions both on and off duty if they involve insurance or police engagement.
Annual driver declarations clarified for consistency across FORS Version 7.1.

2. New Requirements for Vehicle Safety & Fleet Transition

FORS Version 7.1 now requires a fleet transition plan, outlining how operators will move towards lower-emission vehicles.
New requirement for safety recalls—operators must have a procedure in place to verify vehicle recall compliance.
Vehicles 9ft 10in (3m) or above must now display a height indicator in the cab for improved safety.

3. Driver Licensing & Training – Stricter Compliance

HGV and PCV licence checks must now be conducted every three months instead of six.
The previous 10% training tolerance has been removed, meaning all drivers must complete FORS Professional Development training before audits.
A new FORS Approved eLearning module has been introduced as part of mandatory driver training.

4. Environmental & Sustainability Commitments for FORS Accreditation

Fleet operators must calculate well-to-wheel emissions annually using the FORS Emissions Calculator or a FORS Approved alternative.
The Fuel, Emissions & Air Quality requirement has been replaced by a broader Environmental Impact requirement.
At Gold level accreditation, a new Decarbonisation Strategy must be implemented, detailing long-term plans for emissions reduction.

5. Security & Counter-Terrorism Policies

The Security and Counter-Terrorism requirements have been merged into a single policy, simplifying compliance while maintaining key security measures.

How to Get FORS Accreditation Under Version 7.1

If you’re new to FORS and looking to achieve Bronze accreditation, here’s what you need to do under FORS Version 7.1:

Step 1: Understand the FORS Requirements
FORS Bronze accreditation covers management, vehicle safety, driver training, and environmental standards. Under FORS Version 7.1, fleet transition planning and stricter training policies are now part of the core requirements.

Step 2: Implement the Required Policies & Procedures
Ensure your fleet, drivers, and documentation align with FORS Version 7.1. Key focus areas include:

Fleet safety – daily walkaround checks, safety recalls, height indicators.
Driver compliance – licence checks every 3 months, full FORS eLearning completion.
Environmental performance – annual well-to-wheel emissions reporting.

Step 3: Prepare for Your FORS Bronze Audit
FORS auditors will check your policies, vehicle safety records, driver training logs, and compliance with emissions requirements. Ensuring all documentation is up to date is critical.

Step 4: Achieve FORS Bronze & Progress to Silver & Gold
Once Bronze is secured, you can progress to Silver and Gold accreditation by enhancing your fleet’s sustainability strategy, performance monitoring, and training programs.

Why FORS Version 7.1 Matters for Your Business

Whether you’re already accredited or seeking FORS accreditation, these updates ensure that your fleet operates more safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

✔ New applicants must meet stricter training and compliance rules.
✔ Existing members need to update their policies to pass future audits.
✔ All operators must implement fleet transition plans and monitor well-to-wheel emissions.

Need Help Staying Compliant?

We understand that gaining your accreditation and keeping up with FORS requirements can be challenging. If you need any help with gaining your FORS accreditation or updating to FORS Version 7.1, get in touch. We’re here to share the knowledge!

How to Decide: Joining a Driver CPC Consortium vs. Setting Up Your Own Centre

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How to Decide: Joining a Driver CPC Consortium vs. Setting Up Your Own Centre is an important question for anyone looking to deliver Driver CPC training. This choice can shape your business’s operations, costs, and growth potential. Each option has its benefits and challenges, depending on your circumstances, resources, and goals. In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to help you make the best decision for your situation.

What Is a Driver CPC Consortium?

A Driver CPC consortium is a group of trainers operating under a shared approval body. Instead of applying to become an independent training centre, you join the consortium, which manages compliance, course approvals, and auditing on your behalf. Joining a Driver CPC consortium can be a cost-effective and less resource-intensive way to deliver Driver CPC training.

Benefits of Joining a Driver CPC Consortium

Reduced Administrative Burden
The consortium handles the heavy lifting of gaining and maintaining DVSA Accreditations’ approval, submitting course materials, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Joining a Driver CPC consortium allows you to focus more on delivering training.
Lower Start-Up Costs
You don’t need to invest in the full application process or write/purchase your own courses, which can be costly and time-consuming. Consortia usually charge an annual membership fee and per-driver fee, making it easier to manage initial expenses when joining a Driver CPC consortium.
Support and Guidance
Consortia provide training materials, best practices, and ongoing support to ensure trainers deliver high-quality courses. Joining a Driver CPC consortium ensures you have access to expert resources, support and guidance.
Faster Route to Market
By leveraging the consortium’s existing approval, you can start delivering Driver CPC training more quickly than if you applied independently.

Challenges of Joining a Driver CPC Consortium

Less Independence
You must adhere to the consortium’s rules, course materials, and procedures, rather then your own.
Ongoing Fees
Consortia charge fees per driver, per upload, and an annual membership. These costs can add up over time when joining a Driver CPC consortium.
Branding Flexibility
While you can operate under your own brand within a consortium, certain aspects of branding and marketing may still need to align with consortium guidelines.

Benefits of Setting Up Your Own Driver CPC Training Centre

Complete Control
As an independent training centre, you’ll have full control over Driver CPC course content, scheduling, and delivery style, allowing you to align your training with your vision and audience needs.
Higher Profit Margins
Without consortium fees, you retain all income from your Driver CPC courses. While initial costs may be higher, the potential for profit increases as you grow.
Flexibility in Designing CPC Training Courses
Although consortium members can request to deliver bespoke Driver CPC courses, they will however, usually need to provide the course content. If the course does not align with the wider consortium requirements, additional approval costs may apply. Independent centres, on the other hand, have full flexibility to design and deliver courses tailored to their clients’ needs without such restrictions.

Challenges of Setting Up Your Own Driver CPC Training Centre

Higher Initial Costs
There are the centre and course application fees for DVSA Accreditations’ and you’ll need to invest in developing Driver CPC course materials, auditing processes and systems infrastructure.
Administrative Responsibilities
Managing compliance, Driver CPC course approvals, and audits requires time and attention to detail. Without prior experience, could be quite daunting.
Longer Start-Up Timeline
The approval process for becoming an independent Driver CPC training centre can take a while, delaying your ability to start delivering training quickly.
Ongoing Maintenance
Maintaining DVSA Accreditations’ approval requires consistent effort, including, managing compliance/systems, updating and submitting Driver CPC course materials, carrying out course audits, navigating centre audits and maintaining centre renewals.

Key Considerations When Choosing Between Joining a Driver CPC Consortium vs. Setting Up Your Own Centre

Budget
If you’re starting with limited funds, joining a Driver CPC consortium may be the better choice. However, if you have the resources to invest, setting up your own training centre can yield greater returns in the long term.
Growth Ambitions
If you aim to build a large-scale Driver CPC training operation, owning your centre gives you the freedom and scalability to achieve this. Conversely, if you’re looking for a side business or part-time venture, a consortium may be more practical.
Time Availability
Running your own Driver CPC training centre demands significant time for administration and compliance. If your schedule is already busy, a consortium might offer a more manageable workload.

Hybrid Approach

Some trainers and training centres start by joining a Driver CPC consortium to build experience and client relationships. Once they’ve established a steady income and understand the industry’s demands, they transition to setting up their own Driver CPC training centre. This phased approach can balance risk and reward.

Research Advice for Choosing Between a Consortium and Setting Up Your Own Centre

Before deciding, conduct thorough research:

Compare Costs: Calculate the initial and ongoing costs for both joining a consortium and setting up independently. Include application fees, course material expenses, and consortium membership charges.
Compare Level of Support: Assess the type and extent of support provided by consortia, such as access to course materials, compliance guidance, and marketing resources. Determine if this aligns with your needs or if you prefer full control and responsibility as an independent operator.
Speak to Industry Professionals: Consult trainers who have experience with both consortium membership and independent operations. Their insights can help you understand the practical benefits and challenges of each approach.
Evaluate Your Business Goals: Consider whether your long-term goals align better with the flexibility of independence or the support provided by a consortium.

How TMconsultant Can Help

At TMconsultant, we offer flexible solutions tailored to your needs:

Consortium Opportunities: Join our Driver CPC consortium and gain access to ready-made course materials, compliance support, and a fast route to delivering Driver CPC training. Our consortium simplifies the process so you can focus on teaching.
Driver CPC Training Centre Help Service: Want to set up your own Driver CPC training centre? Our Driver CPC Help service provides templates and support to help you get your centre and courses approved with DVSA. From compliance to application guidance, we make the process as straightforward as possible.

Whether you’re looking for a supportive entry into Driver CPC training or aiming to establish your own training centre, we’re here to help.

Conclusion

The decision to join a Driver CPC consortium or establish your own training centre ultimately depends on your goals, resources, and preferences. A consortium provides a low-risk entry point with less administrative burden, while owning a training centre offers greater independence and profit potential. Evaluate your priorities, budget, and long-term vision to choose the path that best aligns with your aspirations.

Next Steps

I hope you found this ‘Driver CPC Consortium vs. Setting Up Your Own Centre’ post useful and has made your decision making a little easier. If you like to explore your options further or just need some advice, feel free to get in touch. We’re here to share the knowledge!

Driver CPC Reforms: Major Changes Coming on 3 December 2024

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The much-anticipated Driver CPC reforms have been confirmed to take effect on Tuesday, 3 December 2024. Following recent debates in Parliament, these changes aim to provide greater flexibility and efficiency for drivers and operators in the UK. However, the reforms may also present challenges for training providers, particularly in adapting to the likely increased demand for e-learning and blended courses versus the current classroom and remote sessions. Let’s break down the key updates and what they mean for you.

Key Reforms to Driver CPC

International Driver CPC
- International Driver CPC is the new name for how Driver CPC previously worked. Drivers will still need to complete 35 hours of International Driver CPC training every 5 years to drive both in the UK and the EU. There are no changes to how it operates. This means:
  - Courses must be at least 7 hours long.
  - If a course is split, it must be completed over 2 consecutive days.
  - Drivers can complete up to 12 hours of their required 35 hours through approved e-learning courses
National Driver CPC (NDCP) Introduction
- A new National Driver CPC will cover driving a lorry, bus, or coach within the UK. This simplified certification aims to make it easier for drivers to comply without needing additional international endorsements, streamlining the process for UK-based operators.
Blending National and International Driver CPC
- The reforms allow more flexibility by permitting drivers to combine National Driver CPC training with International Driver CPC training within their required 35 hours of periodic training. This means if a driver needs certification for both domestic and international driving, they can blend both types of training to meet their 5-year requirement. This approach offers a tailored training plan, catering to drivers who may need to operate across borders.
Flexible 3.5-Hour Training Blocks
- One of the most significant updates is the option to complete Driver CPC training in blocks of 3.5 hours, rather than the traditional 7-hour sessions. This new approach aims to allow drivers more flexibility, making it easier to fit training around their work schedules.
Expanded Use of E-Learning
- Under the new rules, e-learning is now a fully recognised option for National Driver CPC training, offering even greater flexibility. However, drivers can only complete up to 12 hours of their required 35 hours of periodic training via approved e-learning courses. For example, you might choose to take three separate 3.5-hour e-learning modules, which could be completed at home or at the workplace. The remaining 23 hours must be completed through in-person or blended training to ensure comprehensive coverage of key topics.
- As part of these changes, TMlearning, our sister training company, will be launching e-learning options for the National Driver CPC (NDCP) in the New Year. This new offering will allow drivers to complete their training online. Our Consortium Members will be able to make use of TMlearning, I will be providing more info on how this will work in due course.
Accelerated Return for Expired Driver CPC
- Starting on 1 February 2025, a new measure will help drivers return to driving more quickly if their Driver CPC has expired. This streamlined process will be a welcome change for experienced drivers needing to renew their certification.
Introduction of a Periodic Test for Driver CPC
- The results from the 2023 consultation on the introduction of a test were mixed and DfT will continue to keep under review the possibility of the introduction of a periodic test.

What This Means for Training Providers

The downside is that while the Driver CPC reforms offer increased flexibility for drivers, they pose challenges for training providers. The expended use of e-learning from classroom and remote sessions could lead to reduced demand for full-day, in-person courses, potentially impacting revenue. Additionally, the need to develop comprehensive e-learning content will require investment in new tech.

Last point, the shift towards e-learning could lead to less engagement and reduced face-to-face interaction, potentially affecting the quality of training and the overall learning experience. We shall see how the reforms pan out over the coming year.

Learn More

For more details on these changes, visit the dedicated Driver CPC reforms page on GOV.UK. Keep an eye on our blog for further updates and insights on how these reforms will impact the industry.

If you’re planning to update your Driver CPC training, stay tuned for further announcements. TMlearning will be rolling out new e-learning courses for Driver CPC in early 2025.

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch. Here to share the knowledge!

TMconsultant launch the Transport Manager Compliance Pack

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When you complete your TM CPC, you may be asking what would be the most important item you will need when embarking on your new career? Well, that would be a comprehensive transport manager compliance pack, a transport manager’s bible. We get many enquiries, from newly qualified transport managers regarding this, so we thought it about time we put together a definitive Transport Manager Compliance Pack template.

Traffic Commissioners expect you to be able to demonstrate the mechanisms you intend to have in place and how you will be managing your fleet. This means all transport managers, internal and external will need to be armed with a set of policies and processes, so they can effectively and continuously manage transport activities. For example, auditing of daily walk-round checks, managing, auditing and reviewing compliance systems, reviewing any shortcomings such as prohibitions and/annual test failures, ensure provisions are in place for the prompt delivery of maintenance sheets, cross-checking the soundness of driver walk-round checks, and PMIs. For a list of transport, manager duties check out our blog on top-line transport manager duties . As you can imagine, compiling a compliance pack from scratch will take some time, this is where our Transport Manager’s Compliance Pack template comes into play. Our pack is a downloadable product and easy to purchase.

So what’s included in the pack?

Operator Handbook VS5 – full company policies and process, director declaration
Driver Handbook VS5 – policies, processes, declarations and risk assessments relevant to the driver, driver declaration
Stationary & Forms – comprehensive pack containing all the stationery and forms you’ll need to run an effective fleet
To-do List/Status/Review Document – a helpful tool to ensure you have covered off everything and assist in your annual review
Fleet Operator Master Spreadsheet – a handy all in one spreadsheet to record and manage your fleet
Risk Assessment Package – essential in helping you manage your transport, work-related road risk (WRRR) obligations
Tech support – get in touch if you have any technical issues regarding the pack

Want to purchase the pack, go here.

For more DVSA information regarding effective Transport Management go here.

If you need any help or would just like to have a chat please do get in touch, we’re here to share the knowledge!

FORS Standard updates 5.1

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I have been getting quite a few inquiries regarding the FORS Standard updates 5.1 as to what exactly they are. I have also noticed a competitor is providing misinformation and even the FORS website itself is somewhat confusing. So here are the updates…….

FORS Standard updates 5.1

Yup that’s it and there are no updates for Bronze at all. So what about COVID-19 I hear you cry? Well, it is important to note you will need to ensure you have certain safety measures in place, we posted a blog this a few weeks back which you can view here. Topline points below.

FORS operators requesting an audit will need to have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment in line with the relevant government guidance on working safely during COVID-19 in offices and contact centres. In addition, for the purposes of the FORS audit, members will need to confirm the following at the time of requesting the audit:

A single and only point of contact will be provided for the audit process
That clear guidance on the social distancing and hygiene measures that are in place at the audit site will be provided to the auditor
That any PPE identified in the FORS member’s risk assessment will be provided to the auditor on the day of the audit
That the audit will be conducted in a well-ventilated designated room that is not occupied by other people
That all evidence will be provided in the room where the audit is taking place
That hand sanitiser will be available in the meeting room
That host responsibilities relating to COVID-19 will be established by the member and that any necessary training will be provided for the person who will be acting as host for the auditor’s visit
That entry and exit routes for visitors and contractors have been reviewed to minimise contact with other people

I spent some time delving into the FORS website regarding COVID-19, specifically this page. Most of the info is very useful however, there are a number of their associates are offering COVID-19 tool kits which might not necessarily be what you were expecting.

Are you looking to gain your FORS Bronze accreditation? Do you need help with FORS Silver? Look no further as TMconsultant can help. Feel free to get in touch! Alternatively, if you need more information about our FORS Help services click here.

Remote Driver CPC training introduced!

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As COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact on the road transport & logistics industry in a variety of ways, TMconsultant has now introduced Remote Driver CPC Training to help drivers complete their periodic training.

The Government has advised there should be no classroom-based Driver CPC training until 21st June 2020, which has created a problem for HGV drivers whose Driver Qualification Card (DQC) runs out before then.

Some periodic Driver CPC training providers can now offer online training and here at TMconsultant we have introduced remote driver CPC training to all our consortium members.

All our courses are suitable for online driver CPC training so there won’t be much difference, only drivers will be in a virtual classroom! Our consortium members will be using zoom.us. It’s really easy to use, just log on, go to zoom.us and wait for your trainer to give you a code to join the class.

Nick Wilson our founder said “this is a critical time for all of us and it’s important now more than ever we keep our drivers on the road ensuring our logistics operations keep running. Those drivers who may have retired and would like to get back on the road, will need to ensure they are appropriately trained and therefore will require their 35 hours periodic driver CPC training. As we need to be self-isolation as much as possible, remote driver CPC training is obviously the answer.”

Consortium members offering remote DCPC are below. Just give them a call or get in touch for more information.

ACE TRAINERS CM01885/14

Mike Ray
Email – mike@acetrainers.co.uk
Web: acetrainers.co.uk
Tel: 01256 351581

Tick-Box Training Solutions CM01885/20

Simon Boal
Email: simonboal@hotmail.com
Tel: 07401135764

Buddies Driver CPC Trainers CM01885/32

Chris Budd
Email: buddiesdrivercpc@outlook.com
Tel: 07401135764

Letter of approval

Please click on the link below to see our letter of approval.

DCPC Remote Delivery Authorisation – 01885

TMconsultant pass their FORS Bronze audit

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TMconsultant pass their FORS Bronze audit with flying colours. As a FORS pre-audit service provider, TMconsultant completes an audit each year “so we can practice what we preach” says Steve Hammond, our chief FORS Consultant. “We want to demonstrate (to our clients) that our products work. Taking the FORS Bronze audit shows we hold a certain level of compliance, show we fully understand the audit process and help us understand more about how we can improve and grow ourselves.”

FORS is a voluntary accreditation scheme which promotes best practice for vehicle operators. It encompasses all aspects of safety, efficiency, and environmental protection by encouraging and training fleet operators to measure, monitor and improve performance.

“We use exactly the same pack we provide to all our FORS Help clients”, continues Steve. “As they are templates, we need to make some adjustments and tailor them to fit with our company policies and procedures”.

Need help with FORS?

TMconsultant offer a no-fuss, easy and affordable FORS Help solution to help you attain your FORS Bronze accreditation. For more information get in touch!

FORS Help Package

FORS Help Support Package – £549.00 + VAT – Everything you need including support
FORS Basic Package – £350.00 + VAT– Everything you need without support

Full Pre Audit Package

Pre audit full package – £1500.00 + VAT – Includes any requisite documents or the complete FORS Help package
Seperate visit – £375 + VAT

FORS Bronze, Revision to D4 Managers Training

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Back in October, we explained how you can pass D4 and what manager training would help you obtain your FORS V5 accreditation. Since the implantation of these rules, FORS has a revision to D4 Managers Training requirements which we will explain below.

Revision

Our previous blog (FORS Bronze manager training D4 are you ready?) detailed that Manager training for the Transport Manager (or appointed responsible person) must be completed by no later than the 1^st January 2020. However, for reasons unknown to us, (but we suspect that it is because so many operators have failed their audits since the 1^st January 2020 on D4), FORS have made a U-turn with a revision to D4 Managers Training. They are now allowing manager training to be booked and paid for, for a future date. The Operator must provide evidence of a booking confirmation and paid invoice at the time of audit. The Operator will still receive a minor action point against D4, but essentially this will be a pass.

What does this mean?

It means that you can still pass your upcoming audit even if you do not fully conform to the requirements of D4, the only proviso being that if you evidence a booking confirmation, but do not actually complete an approved managers course (listed below) by the time of the next audit, that minor action point will automatically become a major action point and you will fail your future audit.

What can I do?

Simple, get the training booked and paid for & evidence this at your audit. You can choose from the list of approved courses below.

The preferred Courses:

Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence
FORS Professional Fleet Management Essentials
FORS Approved Training course on fleet management (The ONLY FORS approved MANAGER courses are here
Transport Managers CPC refresher.
OLAT (Operator License Awareness Training) courses – the approved companies can be found here, under Fleet Management training.

Or FORS will accept:

Operator licence awareness courses delivered by professional bodies that are referenced in the Senior Traffic Commissioner Statutory Documents 1 and 3 are automatically FORS Approved. These professional bodies are:

British Association of Removers
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
Confederation of Passenger Transport
Freight Transport Association
Institute of Road Transport Engineers
Institute of Transport Administrators
Road Haulage Association
Society of Operations Engineers

* Please note that neither eLearning nor FORS Practitioner will cover this requirement if your organisation holds an Operator license. If your organisation does NOT hold an Operator License, then working towards FORS Practitioner or obtaining FORS Practitioner qualification meets the requirement of D4. Any two workshops from workshops 1/2/3/4/5/6 will meet this training objective.

Need help with FORS?

TMconsultant offer a no-fuss, easy and affordable FORS Help solution to help you attain your FORS Bronze accreditation. For more information get in touch!

Lorry driver gets send down after motorway U-turn

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Foward post from the BBC

Staffordshire Police have released CCTV footage of a lorry driver making a dangerous manoeuvre on the M6 Toll.

The footage shows the driver performing a U-turn on a slip road on 21 January.

Police said the driver received a six-month jail sentence and was disqualified from driving for 15 months.

New rules for signs on motorways

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From today 25 July 2019 there are new rules for signs on motorways. The Highway Code rule 258 has been updated to provide details about red ‘x’ signs on motorways.

The changes are to reflect amends made to The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (TSRGD) 2016 regarding lane closures.

Rule 255

Motorway signals (see ‘Light signals controlling traffic’) are used to warn you of a danger ahead. For example, there may be an incident, fog, a spillage or road workers on the carriageway which you may not immediately be able to see.

Rule 256

Signals situated on the central reservation apply to all lanes. On very busy stretches, signals may be overhead with a separate signal for each lane.

Rule 257

Amber flashing lights. These warn of a hazard ahead. The signal may show a temporary maximum speed limit, lanes that are closed or a message such as ‘Fog’. Adjust your speed and look out for the danger until you pass a signal which is not flashing or one that gives the ‘All clear’ sign and you are sure it is safe to increase your speed.

Rule 258

Red flashing lights. If red lights flash on a signal and a red “X” is showing, you MUST NOT drive in the lane shown as closed beyond the signal. This applies until you pass another signal indicating that the lane is no longer closed, by displaying the word “End” or a speed limit sign and you are sure that it is safe to proceed.

Red flashing lights. If red lights flash on a signal in the central reservation or on the side of the road and lane closed sign is showing, you MUST NOT go beyond the signal in any lane.

Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD reg 3 and sch15

Get in touch!