A. E-learning is essentially online driver CPC training that is undertaken without the supervision or direction of a tutor. Under the new national CPC scheme, drivers can now take e-learning only courses, whereas the International Driver CPC has a two-hour limit on e-learning for trainer-led courses. So, for example, under the National Driver CPC, drivers could take an approved 3 hours 30 minutes long e-learning course at their workplace or home, up to a total of 12 hours towards their overall 35 hours of training.
Wheels on the loose
Q. We experienced an incident of wheel loss on a vehicle which is not listed on our operator licence. Thankfully nobody was hurt and no damage was caused, but we wondered whether safety-related incidents such as these are reportable to the Traffic Commissioner, regardless of whether in scope of operator licensing or not?
A. Section 1.1 of DVSA’s Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness states:
The procedures and systems explained in this guide are useful for operators, drivers and all those who are responsible for operating, maintaining or providing commercial goods and passenger carrying vehicles. The general principles could equally apply to light goods and passenger vehicles below the operator licensing thresholds and for vehicles that are otherwise exempt.
Senior Traffic Commissioner Statutory Document No.3: Transport Managers lists the general responsibilities expected of a Transport Manager. Failing to ensure that vehicles are maintained is an issue of repute and can result in the loss of repute at a Public Inquiry. Failing to notify of an incident involving a vehicle involved in an incident can also be seen as an issue of repute, even if the vehicle is outside of the operator licensing regime due to size or exemption.
Trust lies at the heart of operator licensing, so based on the above, we would advise that incidents such as these are reported to the Traffic Commissioner.
