RISK-conscious employers will be able to rely on Government guidelines relating to the standard of fleet driver training instructors, following a four-month consultation period.

The Driving Standards Agency conducted the consultation exercise and has also been working in partnership with the police, developing national standards for police drivers. In a written reply to a parliamentary question, David Jamieson, under-secretary of state at the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions, said: 'The DSA issued a consultation paper in February about registering driving instructors who specialise in fleet driver training. The consultation period ended in May. Responses are now being considered together with our proposals for the wider reform of the regulation of driver instruction.' He added that the Government hoped to be in a position to make announcements later this year.

The Fleet Driver Training Association and Fleet Forum have both been trying to establish guidelines for the standards that fleet trainers must meet, but have yet to develop a qualification acceptable to the leading fleet driver training organisations.