The assessment involves a personal driving test across all road types, including motorways. Drivers will also be taught defensive driving skills, economical driving techniques and route planning skills. There will also be a theory-based paper designed to ensure up-to-date knowledge of the Highway Code.
The scheme will offer drivers guidance on checking the safety of their vehicle and its loads as well as ensuring drivers have the right documentation.
The LGV Master Driver assessment has seen more than 100 assessments carried out at 23 regional Master Driver Assessment Centres. If the training follows the current model, then the certificate will last for three years.
Alex Nelson, operations manager at the RTITB, said the qualification was needed because of the increasing numbers of white vans on the road and to combat the 'negative' perception of White Van Man.
He said: 'We believe there is a need for a van driver training certificate and we will be working closely with industry bodies to make sure that the right scheme is developed.
'It is too early to say how much a scheme will cost but the price of an LGV Master Driver assessment as a corporate user is £75 per driver.'
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