Operated by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and driver training company DriveTech (UK), ROADTest is aimed at company car and van drivers who, because they are out on the road for longer periods of time, have accidents rates between 35% and 50% higher than private drivers.
The two companies claim that advanced drivers are 25% less likely to be involved in an accident and that the launch of the new programme will promote higher safety levels in the fleet industry.
Charles Davis, head of driver and fleet solutions for RoSPA, said: ‘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.’
The amount of tuition given to drivers will depend on the candidate’s existing standard of driving and previous training experience.
A typical driver could expect to take three days of training, but, as a modular programme, it can be completed between three months and three years. The pass gained lasts for three years.
Andy Wheeler, director of training at DriveTech (UK) said: ‘A specific test has long been needed for business drivers because of the high mileages they cover and the pressures they face to meet deadlines when out on the road. Companies who ask their drivers to take the test will benefit from having a safer and more efficient fleet.’
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