A new, free online video safety course aimed at van operators was launched this week by fleet software specialist FleetCheck at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2021 in the NEC until 2 September. Called the 28-Day Fleet Confidence Challenge, it takes the form of four weekly episodes and is aimed at people whose fleet responsibility is only part of their role, who may not understand the full extent of … [Read more...]
Towing safety threatened, says IAM Roadsmart
Tests for drivers who want to tow a heavy trailer or caravan could be scrapped as policy makers race to lighten the load for examiners and get more HGV drivers out on the road. This proposal is part of a DVSA consultation running from the 21 of July to the 7 of September, which proposes significant changes to existing regulations. Currently, drivers who passed their car test after the 1st of … [Read more...]
Bid to ease driver shortage for HGVs
With more than 45,000 HGV driver tests outstanding at DVSA as a result of the COVID-19 lockdowns, Logistics UK is pressing government to introduce a seasonal visa for European HGV drivers to protect the nation’s supply chain while the organisation catches up with this backlog. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, understandably, all driving tests were suspended,” explains David Wells, the business … [Read more...]
BREAKING NEWS: Driving lessons restart monday
Driving lessons in Wales can restart on monday 12 April. Transport secretary Grant Shapps said driving tests will resume 10 days later on 22 April and to help clear the backlog of candidates, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency will offer more tests and examiners, including at weekends and on bank holidays. Driving tests for motorcycles, lorries and cars with trailers can also take … [Read more...]
Garages drive to help those at risk
A survey carried out by the Independent Garage Association revealed that 88% are offering an MOT collection and delivery service for clinically extremely vulnerable and self-isolating people. The survey on behalf of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency also found 12% of garages who do not currently offer this service, two-thirds would be prepared to if the customer was vulnerable. Stuart … [Read more...]
Driving in Europe post-Brexit
Britain's departure from the EU has prompted a flurry of information and advice from the Department for Transport, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and the DVLA on rule changes affecting Britons driving in Europe from this month, writes Dave Moss. Here we round up some important changes affecting British drivers and vehicles intending to use European roads in coming months, with links to … [Read more...]
MOT failures expected to surge
The number of MOTs set to be carried out in October and November will be 60 percent higher than normal volumes, according to the latest DVSA forecast. Motorists were no longer able to extend their MOT for six months from 1 August. It’s therefore important that the appropriate repair and maintenance is carried out before booking to avoid common MOT failures. Re-tests can be charged for … [Read more...]
Tradelines 21 October
A 'dramatic shift' to electric power will soon be underway for UK businesses that operate vans, according to authoritative research from the Arval Mobility Observatory. When asked, half of respondents (50%) said that they were already operating hybrids or planned to do so within the next three years and for battery electric vans, 43% of respondents reported already operating them or planning to … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 August
About 400 jobs are going at the MINI plant, Cowley, Oxford. The company said it’s halving its contracting force following a slump in demand for the models in the coronavirus lockdown. Learners have to contend with another collapse of the DVSA on-line driving test booking system. It failed within hours of being restarted after the lockdown and then again this week when it was restored after … [Read more...]
Drivers still seeking MoTs despite extension
British drivers are still putting safety before saving money, according to car selling comparison website Motorway.co.uk . It requested MOT test data from the DVSA for April and May after the Government granted a six month MOT extension from 30 March 2020. According to DVSA figures, 1,407,611 drivers took their vehicles in for an MOT during May, almost double (89%) the number of tests … [Read more...]