All Aboard! - eNews

Table of Contents

• News
1. DSA releases new standards for bus and coach drivers
2. Second phase for "No Idling" campaign
• Tips
1. New M25 services opened
2. Switch off before you drive off
• Driver CPC Courses

News

With the end of the touring season nearing, many operators are starting to shift their attention to recruitment and training for next season.

Last year, an abolition of the published questions for the theory test was announced because DSA felt that candidates were simply memorising the questions, rather than understanding the underlying material.

Now, a new framework sets out the competence expected of professional drivers. The National Driving Standard Category D TM defines the skills, knowledge and understanding required to drive passenger carrying vehicles safely and responsibly. It outlines what drivers need to know, understand and be able to do in areas such as:

• preparing a vehicle and its occupants for a journey
• guiding and controlling a vehicle
• using the road in accordance with the Highway Code
• driving safely and responsibly in the traffic system
• reviewing and adjusting driver behaviour over a lifetime

The Standards should form the basis of training that bus and coach drivers receive and the industry is encouraged to create courses that address these topics. This includes both driver training and training for professional drivers (Driver CPC).

“The publication of these Standards will help to ensure that all professional drivers acquire the right skills, knowledge and attitude to use our roads safely and responsibly, as well as contributing to cutting the human and financial cost of road accidents”, said DSA Chief Executive Rosemary Thew.

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2. Second phase for "No Idling" campaign

The first phase of the Mayor's no-idling campaign has been running for several months now. By encouraging drivers to turn off the engine when they expect to be stationary for more than a minute, TfL hopes to reduce pollution and by extension a range of illnesses.

Research has shown that turning off and restarting an engine after more than a minute causes less polution then keeping it idling and it also uses less fuel.

Surveys taken before and after the implementation of the first phase on central London roads with high levels of pollution indicate an average drop of 5 percent.

In the second phase of the campaign, advice is given to schools to reduce "school run" pollution and a pilot project in 3 schools has helped to teach pupils more about the causes and impact of pollution.

TfL is working with boroughs that have chosen to enforce the no-idling measure and is also contacting operators (bus, coach, freight and taxi) to promote the campaign to their drivers.

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Tips

For the first time since 1993 a new services area has been opened on the M25. The new services are located between junctions 9 and 10 and the site is accessible from both directions on the motorway.

The fuel is provided by Shell and apart from a range of food outlets the site also provides a business centre and a hotel.

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2. Switch off before you drive off

Doing 2 things at once is hard and research has shown that using a mobile phone while driving makes you four times more likely to have an accident.

Driver CPC Courses

We offer the following approved courses:

• Driver's Hours & Tachograph Use (analog & digital): the rules on driving hours, Working Time Directive and the correct use of recording equipment.
  Tue 16/10/12 - Tue 20/11/12
• Drive Safe, Stay Legal: understanding your legal obligations, defect procedures, emergency procedures.
  Wed 17/10/12 - Wed 21/11/12
• Road Risk - Drug & Alcohol Awareness: safety issues on the road, effects of fatigue, drugs and alcohol use.
  Mon 15/10/12 - Mon 19/11/12
• Eco-Driving (on the road): driving techniques to encourage fuel-efficient driving (max. 2 drivers).
  Dates on request

Available from November 2012:

• Customer Service: communication and conflict management, working relationships and practical solutions to deal with customers.
• Eco-Driving (classroom based): reduce fuel costs, maintenance costs and accident risk.

Bespoke training for company bookings.

We deliver training on-site or at a location of your choice.

Special rates available for group or multiple course bookings. Beat the rush and book now! The deadline is approaching fast.

For enquiries and bookings: info@driver-cpc-coach.co.uk or click here for an enquiry form.

Drive safely,
Nora