Did you know, for example, that a category B licence entitles someone to drive a car, car-derived van and goods vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes, plus tow a trailer up to and including 750kg.

These licences were issued after 1997.

Anyone with a licence granted before that date has a B+E which entitles them to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes and with a small trailer up to 750kg and a 3.5-tonne vehicle with a trailer more than 750kg.

The distinction is crucial and needs to be checked when you first employ a new member of staff.

Did you also know that a PG9 is an immediate prohibition meaning the vehicle cannot move until it’s had a full test, but a PG9b is an exemption to prohibition which means the vehicle can move because, for example, it is in an unsafe location?

The PG10 is the removal of the prohibitions that is issued by the VOSA inspector after the test
post-rectification. Your answer to both questions may well be yes, but I guarantee that there will
be elements of this course which have you scratching your head, or at least acting as a reminder of your compliancy requirements.

It did for everyone attending on this part icular day.

And did I pass? Yes – and I have the certificate and Van Excellence gold pin badge to prove it.

Verdict

This course is well worth the money. For professional fleets it offers a reminder of the safety regulations they should be complying with and the procedures they should be following.

Others will learn something new.

At the very least you will benefit from networking time with like-minded van fleet operators; an opportunity to discuss issues and challenges your fleet is facing and to hear from others about how they tackle such concerns.

Highly recommended.

 

• The Certificate of Excellence in Van Operations costs £149 per individual, or £550 per company for up to 16 delegates. Contact the FTA at www.fta.co.uk or phone 01892 526171 for details.