Updated TMconsultant Driver CPC courses 2017 with a new Driver CPC course addition

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Our updated TMconsultant Driver CPC courses 2017 with a shiny new course addition are here!

Great news! We have just updated our Driver CPC courses 2017 and added a great new course, Conflict Management. We’ve updated all our exiting courses with a couple of new additions including

Extending the Vulnerable Road User section
The addition of a brief overview of transmission and braking systems
New media including the new DVSA films
An updated daily inspection to include checking over new safety equipment if fitted
Updated Health & Safety section including RIDDOR

We’ve also renewed our driver CPC course timings and how we programme to keep the content as exciting and fresh as possible.

New Conflict Management Course

Thanks to JK Transport Training Services for submitting this course for approval, it looks awesome. Here’s the content:

Communication
Human Resonances in conflict situations
Asserting and reducing risks in conflict situations
De-escilcating conflict in emotive situations
Good practice following a conflict situation

This course helps you understand that changing what you do, what you say and how you say it will create changes in another person. You will learn:

How communication can be used to solve problems and reduce the likelihood of conflict
The factors that influence human responses in conflict situations
How to assess and reduce risks in conflict situations
How to communicate effectively and de escalate conflict in emotive situations
Good practice to follow after conflict situations

If you would like to get some first class training in how to deal with conflict and gain 7 hours towards your Driver CPC, then this the course for you!

Please do get in touch if you would like to discus your Driver CPC options, here to share the knowledge!

Are you interested in become a Driver CPC trainer and run your own training centre? We are currently looking for likeminded industry folk to join our growing consortium of Driver CPC trainers. For more information visit here or get in touch.

Revision to the Driver CPC directive have your say

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DVSA’s revision to the Driver CPC directive is here. It’s time to have your say!

The DVSA have released a survey regarding the revision to the Driver CPC directive. Interestingly, they have already provided top line proposals for us to comment on. However, there is an opportunity to air your views and thoughts via email if you wish. This will provided to you at the end of the survey.

Top line proposals to periodic training, are to:

Prevent a repeat of training courses during a periodic training cycle
Include road safety in at least one periodic training session
Allow other elements of training to be included, such as disability awareness, dangerous goods transportation and animal transportation

Nothing too controversial here, yet they haven’t addressed issues concerning Driver CPC trainers and drivers alike specifically regarding timings…..read on.

Here’s my thoughts on the current proposals

Prevent a repeat of training courses during a periodic training cycle – This doesn’t include remedial training but suffice to say this decision is currently easily manageable by between training provider, employee and employer
Include road safety in at least one periodic training session – Of course it’s a good idea but I haven’t met any provider who doesn’t already offer a H&S module/course. Plus I haven’t met any driver who wouldn’t want to have training in H&S
Allow other elements of training to be included, such as disability awareness, dangerous goods transportation and animal transportation – All elements related to transport should be included in the syllabus.

Timings and the 35/7 hour rule

I am surprised to see there is no mention on timings. In my opinion, the 35/7 hour rule, is a major issue and needs to be addressed. The question is, how do we ensure the drivers (and trainers) get the most out of Driver CPC and have taken in and digested the training provided?

Current thinking is to make a driver sit in class room for 7 hours and the trainer use questions, quizes and discussions to satisfy understanding. I have provided Driver CPC to delegates who have already had training in the subject matter previously taught and I can say (from experience) some drivers have only been able to demonstrate little or (in fact) no understanding of said subject matter from the previous session. This is because it is currently perfectly feasible to physically be present in a classroom, yet mentally not.

A driver can be present in the class room for 7 hours and simply choose not to engage. There’s not much a trainer can do about it. Obviously, I’d like to think non of my delegates have fallen into this bracket but I can’t say for sure. Further more, there’s no way to measure how successful Driver CPC is or even if it’s working at all.

The Solution

Have in place a multiple choice test at the end of the course, simple! This does beg the question, would drivers prefer to sit for 7 hours or take a small test at the end? Even if the drivers did opt for the 7 hours (which I doubt), this also flies in the face of current understanding of the learning method.

We take a test at the end of our GCSEs (O levels in my day!), we take a test at the end of our B class driving instruction, we take a test at the end of our Class 1/2, we take a test to become a Transport Manager. Ok you get the point, we take tests to demonstrate we have understood the information being taught.

If the only reason for not testing at the end of Driver CPC is because the perceived notion is drivers won’t like it, then this is not only a huge assumption, it’s patronising and unreasonable relative to current understanding in the learning process.

The other great advantage to having a test in place, it would eradicate rogue training providers finishing early for the day. It just wouldn’t be a problem anymore and thus ensuring drivers will receive the full training they have paid for and deserve.

There are details like, management process, what happens if a driver doesn’t pass etc. However, these are just detail which are easily worked out. In case you’re wondering, I do have the complete solution but for reasons of blog interest and general interest I shall keep this post to the point.

Now is the time to look at how Driver CPC works in more detail and the opportunity to use logic to make DCPC more workable. Have your say in the Driver CPC directive review NOW.

How do I have my say?

Go here to complete the Driver CPC directive survey.

If you need any advice regarding Driver CPC training or would like to become an Driver CPC Affiliate Consortium Member, then just get in touch. We’re here to share the knowledge!

How to become a Driver CPC trainer

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In this post under Driver CPC training, we’ll look at how to become a Driver CPC trainer, analysing the different routes you can take to become a Driver CPC trainer. If you’re already working in the transport industry then it might be easier than you think!

Step 1. Get Qualified

The first thing you need to do is assess your current status, essentially are you qualified and what is your experience?

To become a Driver CPC training instructor, you will need to be suitably qualified within the subject matter you would like to teach and have the relevant skills and experience. So, if you’re a qualified Transport Manager or an experienced HGV driver for example, then it’s likely you already possess most of those skills and experience needed.

The other skill/experience/qualification you’ll need is for the teaching itself. If you don’t have any (or limited) teaching experience, then you should consider taking a ‘train the trainer course’. This is usually a 5-day course which will provide you with all the information and training you’ll need to teach Driver CPC training. There are plenty of train-the-trainer courses out there, just Google it or have a butcher’s at the RHA’s course here. It’s worth noting the RHA is ridiculously expensive but it is a very comprehensive course, I took it myself!

Once you’re qualified then you’re ready to go to the next stage.

Route 1. Apply for a Driver CPC Trainer job

Most training centres will only employ you on a part-time on an ad hoc basis. So essentially you’ll be a freelancer, but you never know there may be some full-time positions out there. I’m not going to teach you to suck eggs when it comes to applying for a job as I’m sure you’re well versed in this area. Just make sure your CV is up-to-date and well-written. I might write a ‘how to write a winning CV and cover letter’ at some point but we’ll save that for another time. A great way to earn a decent living from Driver CPC training is to tout yourself to various centres AND join a Driver CPC Consortium. This brings us to route 2.

Route 2. Join a Driver CPC Consortium

Joining a Driver CPC Consortium is a great way to become a Driver CPC trainer, and run your own business at the same time! It’s a good alternative to setting up a centre in your own right.

A Consortium is a fully-fledged Driver CPC training centre, but they also have the authority to provide trainers with the opportunity to deliver Driver CPC under their umbrella. It’s essentially a cost-effective and hassle-free way to set up your own Driver CPC training business. Many freelancers, in-house transport managers and existing training centres do it this way.

There are a few Driver CPC Consortiums out there but of course, I’m going to promote my own Driver CPC training consortium! The remaining route is to set up your own Driver CPC training centre.

Route 3. Set up a Driver CPC training Centre

DVSA oversee all Driver CPC Training centres. They manage applications and quality assure centres and courses that deliver periodic training in the UK.

First, go to the .gov website. Download and complete the application form. One for the centre and one when applying to register your courses.

As part of the application, you will need to write a scheme of control or SoC. This document should include all the policies and procedures you’ll need to run your centre.

If you need help with this, then feel free to get in touch as I can supply a template Scheme of Control. I can also provide course materials, tools, stationery and support to help you get your training centre approval as quickly and efficiently as possible.

I hope you found my How to Become a Driver CPC Trainer post useful. If you need any advice or further information please do get in touch. We’re here to share the knowledge!

How to Become an External Transport Manager

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Perhaps you’re just starting on a new venture, you could already be working in the transport industry, or you’re already a qualified transport manager and looking to transition to an external transport manager. Wherever you are on your career journey, please read on to find out, How to Become an External Transport Manager.

Most Small/Medium Enterprise (SME) operators don’t need to employ the services of a full-time transport manager. They therefore can opt to use a part-time/freelance external transport manager. This is where you come in, but if not already, you will first need to get qualified.

Step 1. Getting Qualified

To become an external transport manager you will first need to obtain a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) otherwise known as the Transport Manager CPC or TM CPC. It’s suitable for those wishing to enter the profession of HGV or PCV transport management to demonstrate professional competence to meet Operator Licensing requirements.

The Transport Manager CPC qualification is offered on behalf of the Department for Transport and is assessed at Level 3 competence of the National Qualification Framework.

The type of Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) exam you need to take depends on which sector you want to work in:

Road Haulage – For goods vehicle operators, HGV or van companies
Road Passenger Transport – For public service vehicle operators, bus or coach companies

You need to take an exam approved by one of the following organisations:

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
City & Guilds
Innovate Awarding
National Logistics Training Consortium (NLTC)
NOCN Group
Skills and Education Group (SEG) Awards

Consider whether you will be working with operators running national and/or international operations. You will need to take an extra exam for international transport management.

Pop Transport Manager CPC into a search engine and find a training provider near you. Most offer options for distance learning, online, tutor-led and classroom courses.

Step 2. Getting ETM work

It is possible to become an external transport manager when just starting. Your options may be a little limited though, if you have little or no experience. There are, however, a few things you can do that will help tip the odds in your favour.

Get help/support

If you’re signed up with a company offering an ETMs finder service, you could ask them if you can come back to them, should you need some advice or guidance. You can also ask around, the Transport Manager Community are a friendly bunch and we’re always helping each other out. There are a few web forums out there, Facebook has a number of groups you can join to connect with other TMs

Be on top of your game

With sound knowledge and comprehensive understanding you can hit the ground running. If it’s a new operator, you could have your policies and processes documents ready to implement from the outset. Demonstrate you have a plan, so the operator knows they are in safe hands.

Aim for new SME (Small/Medium Enterprise) operators, running 1 to 5 vehicles. Starting with a new operator is great because you can grow together. My first job was with an owner-operator with one vehicle, he is now running a fleet of 50 vehicles and we are still working together.

ETM Finder services

There are companies (such as ourselves) that help operators gain their O’Licence and therefore are always on the lookout for external transport managers. Feel free to join our ETM database. If work comes in your area, we’ll be in touch!

New Operators

When you get work with a new operator, you will be expected to help set up their systems including policies/processes, tachograph hardware/software, and generally, guide them during the application process. We’ll have a look at systems in another post/video. Just remember that external transport managers are expected to provide the same level of expert compliance services as a full-time transport manager.

Restricted Licence Holders

You could consider offering your services to Restricted Licence holders. Restricted licence holders don’t need to employ the services of a professionally competent person, they have to sit OLAT but that’s it! However, restricted operators are required to comply with the same legislation as Standard Licence holders. I always advise Restricted Licence holders to ensure they at the very least, have access to professional advice. This can be in the form of a retainer service.

How many operators can I work for?

You can only work for 4 operators and a maximum of 50 vehicles. However, your application (via the operator’s application) will be at the Traffic Commissioner’s discretion. The factors considered include, how far and how long it will take you to travel to the operators’ premises, how many vehicles you will be managing, what work you will be carrying out, whether you have any assistance, what tasks the assistant will be assigned, the days and hours you will be working and what other work you do.

How much can I charge as an external transport manager?

The standard rates for an external transport manager are around £450.00 for the first vehicle plus £100.00 per vehicle after that. This system is based on the amount vehicles the operator has been granted on their licence, or the ‘margin’ as it’s called. So, if an operator has a five-vehicle margin, you could charge £850.00 per month, for example.

You can also charge more depending on the operator’s OCRS score. OCRS indicates the level of risk you will be managing. Therefore, you should consider the extra work and headspace required for the task ahead. It’s also worth noting you will need to take into account personalities. Every operator is different, however, an operator with a red OCRS score could indicate a resistance to compliance in general. If this is the case, you must be firm, resolute and confident with the systems you put into place. Have a look at my rates page here to get an idea of how much extra you should be charging for amber or red operators.

When can I start to charge my fee?

I often get asked by new operators if they can start paying the ETM from the point they put their first vehicle on the road. The simple answer to this question is no. Start to charge your fee as soon as the online TM1 form has been sent for approval and the contract has been signed. Once the TM1 form is in application, it has taken up one of your four permitted operator slots. Make sure the start date on your contract reflects this.

The Contract

You will need a comprehensive contract that covers:

Appointment/Termination
Duties
Fees, invoicing, and expenses
Confidentiality
Delivery up documents
Tax liabilities and indemnity
No employment
Data protection
Force majeure
Survival of causes of action
Severability
Waiver
Notices
Law and jurisdiction

It is always advisable to seek the assistance of a solicitor with all things legal. However, you can purchase and download a template copy of an External Transport Manager’s Contract here.

Considerations

There are some important things to keep in mind before making your application to the OTC. An ETM can only work for, up to four operators, managing a total of 50 vehicles.

Also, factors like, the total amount of vehicles you’ll be managing, the distance you’ll be travelling, whether you have on-site assistance and the tasks assigned to the assistant. Number of days and hours you work, and other work commitments will influence how much you’ll be permitted to take on.

Step 3. Transport Compliance Systems

Handbooks

As an External Transport Manager, ensure you are armed with all the documentation necessary to stay compliant. Policies and processes usually come in the form of handbooks. One for the operator and one for drivers and staff. They provide a framework within which an operator operates. They define what the transport department does and how you manage it. Clear policies and procedures support effective decision-making and delegation because they provide guidelines on what operators, drivers and staff can and cannot do, what decisions they can make, and what activities are appropriate.

Management tools

You will need to have tools in place to manage and record all required data. The easiest way to do this is to grab a spreadsheet and create tabs for each area of management required to be recorded. Such as:

Operator information
Vehicle maintenance planner
Driver information
Training Matrix
Incidents log
Complaints
Roadside stops
Fuel usage for example

There are compliance management software systems you can use but in all honesty, I have found them to be a little over-complicated for the SME operator.

You can use various compliance pack templates on the market. They should include but not be limited to:

Policies and procedures
Forms and stationery
Risk assessments
Declarations
Management tools

Feel free to have a look at our Transport Manager’s Compliance Template Pack which is both HGV and PCV friendly.

Tachograph analysis

You must ensure you have a means to collect and analyse driver card and vehicle unit (VU) data. You can either go directly to a tachograph analysis software company or sign up to a bureau. A bureau adds a level of extra personal service to the analysis process. Hardware-wise, you will need a download tool. More about tachograph analysis here.

Step 4. Add extra value to your offering

You can add value and earn extra income by becoming a Driver CPC Trainer. There are a few options open to you

Work for an existing training provider
Freelancer
Join a Driver CPC Consortium
Set up a Driver CPC Centre in your own right

You can learn more about how to become a Driver CPC trainer here.

Other opportunities

Other opportunities you can consider to make an extra buck are:

Compliance auditing services
Tachograph analysis services
FORS auditing
Restricted licence holder retainer services
Public Inquiry services

If you have any thoughts on other possible opportunities, I’d like to hear them!

Keep up to date, keep learning

Becoming an external transport manager can be a challenging yet rewarding career choice. It does require a wealth of knowledge but you can strengthen your position by staying up-to-date and, with most professions, continuous professional development is a key aspect of career development.

Keep up to date by signing up to trade publications. DVSA’s online publication ‘Moving On’ is the ticket for compliance updates. Feel free to join our newsletter too!

Need Help?

If you need any advice about how to become an external transport manager, please get in touch. We’re here to share the knowledge!