Commercial driver qualification introduced

Posted : 15-05-2006

Companies may be set for a reduction in commercial vehicle insurance premiums following the introduction of a new advanced driving test for business drivers.

Launched by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in conjunction with driver training company DriveTech (UK), the ROADtest qualification has been introduced in a bid to reduce the number of accidents involving business drivers.

Given the much longer periods spent behind the wheel research has suggested that business drivers have accident rates of between 25 and 50 per cent more than average drivers. As a result, many companies are paying considerable sums to insure employees on business cars.

The new qualification includes both a theory and practical test, which both organisations claim the completion of which will reduce drivers' chances of being involved in an accident by 25 per cent.

Transport News Network quoted Charles Davis of RoSPA, saying: "This test is set to become the national standard for business drivers.

"It has been developed with input from RoSPA and DriveTech (UK) customers to provide a hazard perception assessment together with a theory and practical test leading to a qualification that will be recognised and respected by anyone who employs company drivers."


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