Attendees at the inaugural FTA Van Excellence Certificate of Driver Competence course described the initiative as the right ‘step forward for the van driver population’.

The initial course was an introduction to the new Certificate of Driver Competence created in response to industry interest in a nationally recognised van driver qualification.

It was initiated by Van Excellence members in order to help them demonstrate how professional their drivers are, and how seriously they take the responsibilities of their roles.

Simon Pill, delivered sales project manager for Iceland Foods, said: "The Van Excellence course was a really good day of learning, well facilitated and extremely useful."

Andy Blythe, national logistics manager at Alliance Healthcare, added: "This is a terrific step forward for the van driver population and industry sector."

Elements covered were requested by the development group of the Van Excellence course as an expected minimum level of competence from any driver regardless of sector.

These include fitness to drive, pre-use vehicle inspections, vehicle loading and safety of loads, rules of the road and the ambassadorial role of the driver.