DRIVER TRAINING POLICY - Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service

DRIVER TRAINING POLICY
Date: May 2013
Prepared by:
FRSTC

VERSION CONTROL
VERSION
PREPARED
ACTION
No.
BY
1.0 New Policy AGC White
APPROVED
BY
DATE
ISSUED
Driver Training - Final

DRIVER TRAINING POLICY
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 3
2 AIMS AND SCOPE OF THE POLICY 3
3 EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES 3
4 NIFRS DRIVERS 3
4.1 The Law 3
4.2 Driver Selection 4
4.3 Driver & Vehicle Categories 4
4.4 Driving Licences 4
4.5 Driver Risk Rating 5
4.6 Driving Assessments/Tests 6
4.7 Occupational Health 7
5 DRIVER TRAINING PROGRAMMES 7
5.1 Initial Training & Assessment 7
5.2 Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver Training 7
5.3 Emergency Fire Appliance Driver (EFAD) Training 8
5.4 Emergency Light Vehicle Driver (ELVD) Training 9
5.5 Specialist Appliances 9
5.6 Refresher Training 9
APPENDICES
Appendix ‘A’ - LGV & EFAD Driver Training
Appendix ‘B’ - EU Vehicle Categories
Appendix ‘C’ - Driver Risk Rating (SC83)
Appendix ‘D’ - NIFRS Driver Instructors, Examiners and Tests
Page
No
2

1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 NIFRS drivers have to operate to the highest professional standards.
Whether responding to emergency incidents or performing routine
driving duties, NIFRS drivers must demonstrate professionalism, care
and consideration at all times and not endanger other road users.
1.2 Driver training contributes directly to improved road safety standards
and is a key component in the overall management of occupational
road risk. NIFRS has a legal responsibility to ensure that anyone
undertaking driving duties in the course of their employment is properly
trained. Individual members of staff also have a legal responsibility to
exercise a duty of care and to adhere to Road Traffic Regulations.
2 AIMS AND SCOPE OF THE POLICY
2.1 This policy provides the framework within which all driver training will
take place and its principal aim is to ensure that NIFRS drivers are
competent to perform their duties to a high standard
2.2 The policy’s primary objectives are:
• To contribute to a reduction in occupational road risk through the
provision of high quality driver training;
• To set standards for driver training, supervision and assessment
• To establish selection criteria and procedures.
2.3 This policy applies to all NIFRS employees who are required to drive
emergency response vehicles including under emergency conditions.
The policy also applies to any NIFRS employee engaged in providing
driver training or conducting driving assessments/tests.
3 EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
3.1 The Driver Training Policy applies equally to all operational personnel
and it provides equality of opportunity in the provision, delivery and
assessment of driver training.
4 NIFRS DRIVERS
4.1 The Law
4.1.1 All NIFRS drivers are subject to the provisions of the Road
Traffic Regulations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 and other
associated legislation. These Regulations provide certain
exemptions when Fire Service vehicles are being used for
emergency purposes.
3

4.1.2 Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work (NI)
Regulations 2000 and NIFRS Health and Safety Policy on The
Management of Occupational Road Risks, NIFRS drivers
have a duty of care to their work colleagues and to other road
users. This responsibility extends to the Officer-in-Charge of
the vehicle as the person in authority.
4.1.3 NIFRS drivers are also required, by law, to ensure the safety
of their vehicle whilst being driven and for the safe positioning
of vehicles at operational incidents.
4.2 Driver Selection
4.2.1 NIFRS must maintain a sufficient number of suitably trained
and qualified drivers to ensure that it meets service delivery
demands. Driver selection will therefore be made on the basis
of organisational need. This need will be dictated at a local
level.
4.2.2 It is important that personnel who are required or selected to
become NIFRS drivers have the necessary aptitude and
attitude to become safe and skilful drivers.
4.2.3 Further information on the nomination and selection process
for LGV and Emergency Fire Appliance Driver training is
contained at Appendix ‘A’.
4.3 Driver & Vehicle Categories
4.3.1 NIFRS personnel will be trained to drive the relevant category
of vehicle under emergency or non-emergency conditions in
order to fulfil their role as a driver.
4.3.2 NIFRS operates a large fleet of vehicles, which includes the
vehicle categories listed at Appendix ‘B’.
4.3.3 When a driver has successfully completed the appropriate
driver training course and obtained the necessary driving
experience, where required, they will only be eligible to drive
the classification of vehicle for which they are qualified.
4.4 Driving Licences
4.4.1 All drivers have a legal responsibility to ensure that they have
a valid driving licence for the category of vehicle that they are
required to drive.
4.4.2 Each driver has a personal responsibility to ensure that their
driving licence is renewed with the Driver & Vehicle Agency
Northern Ireland (DVA) before the expiry date of the licence is
reached.
4

4.4.3 Personnel required to drive NIFRS vehicles will have their
driving licence renewed by NIFRS. It is the personal
responsibility of each driver to inform his/her line manager
6 months prior to the expiry date of the licence.
4.4.4 It is the responsibility of each driver to ensure that his/her line
manager and DVA are informed of any material changes to
their driving licence, such as a change of address, vehicle
categories, etc.
4.4.5 An NIFRS driver who receives an endorsement on their
driving licence must advise his/her line manager immediately,
in writing, by completing Form SC83 (see Appendix ‘C’).
Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
4.4.6 Driving licences will be subject to recording and audit as part
of NIFRS District and Station Audit Programme.
4.5 Driver Risk Rating
4.5.1 NIFRS uses a process of Driver Risk Rating. The purpose of
this process is to enable line managers to identify individual
drivers who may represent a higher risk and to address any
potential training issues.
4.5.2 A driver’s risk rating may be affected if:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
The driver is recently qualified (ie, less than 12 months);
The driver has a history of culpable accidents (ie, 2 in a
rolling 12-month period);
The driver has accumulated more than 6 penalty points
for motoring offences in a rolling 36-month period;
The driver has any unspent convictions for motoring
offences;
The driver has been identified as a higher risk as a result
of a driving assessment;
The driver has a history of driving related Customer
Service Standards complaints (ie, 2 in a rolling 24-month
period);
There any adverse observations, comments or
recommendations from his/her line manager.
4.5.3 A driver who has been identified as a ‘high risk’ will be
referred to the Fire & Rescue Training Centre for an
assessment to determine if refresher training is required. A
driver may also be required to attend for assessment if his/her
line manager has identified a particular training need.
5

4.5.4 Driver risk details are to be recorded on Form SC83 (see
Appendix ‘C’). This Form will be completed by the driver’s line
manager. The driver will have an opportunity to read his/her
line manager’s report and sign it accordingly. On completion,
Form SC83 will be sent to District/Area Command where a
decision will be made, in conjunction with Fire & Rescue
Training Centre, on the type of training necessary to develop
the driver to the required standards. In certain circumstances
this may involve suspension of NIFRS driving duties pending
the outcome of any assessment
4.6 Driving Assessments/Tests
4.6.1 Personnel may be required to undergo a driving assessment
due to their –
• Role requirement;
• Need to undertake a higher level of specialist training;
• Driving and accident history;
• Extended absence from driving or operational duties.
4.6.2 An assessment of driver competence may be conducted
either at the end of a driver training course or as a standalone
assessment. The purpose of a driving assessment is to
confirm that a student possesses the necessary driving skills
and abilities to perform competently. The assessment may
also be used to identify any training needs required to address
weaknesses in a student’s performance.
4.6.3 A driving assessment will normally take place over
approximately 90 minutes but may be extended at the
discretion of the Instructor. Personnel not demonstrating the
required driving competencies may be required to undergo
remedial refresher training, the length and content of which
will be dependent on the circumstances of each case.
4.6.4 In extreme cases, drivers who are deemed to be unsafe on
the road following an assessment will have their authorisation
to drive NIFRS vehicles amended or suspended until further
training has been successfully undertaken. Re-training will be
structured to address the individual’s needs and a full training
course may not always be necessary.
4.6.5 Driving tests may be carried out by the Driver & Vehicle
Testing Agency or by a suitably qualified NIFRS Driving
Examiner. Further information on NIFRS procedures
regarding Driving Examiners and tests is contained at
Appendix ‘D’.
6

4.7 Occupational Health
4.7.1 Personnel will undergo a medical health check when applying
for an LGV licence for the first time. Additionally, a driver over
45 years old will also require a Doctor’s report when renewing
their LGV licence.
4.7.2 It is the personal responsibility of each driver to notify his/her
line manager and DVA immediately of any serious illness or
disability that is likely to last more than 3 months.
5 DRIVER TRAINING PROGRAMME
5.1 Initial Training & Assessment
5.1.1 The aim of driver training is to raise the standard of a
student’s driving to a high level and to provide each student
with the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence to drive
under differing road, weather and traffic conditions. Driver
training may be undertaken as part of an initial training course
or as part of subsequent refresher training.
5.1.2 An NIFRS driver will only be able to drive NIFRS vehicles
when they have successfully completed all the necessary
training and have been assessed by a suitably qualified
Examiner/Assessor.
5.2 Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver Training
5.2.1 In order to be eligible to drive a NIFRS Large Goods Vehicle
(LGV) Class C (rigid chassis) or LGV Class C+E (articulated
chassis) personnel must be in possession of a valid licence
for the class of vehicle they are required to drive.
5.2.2 The LGV qualification does not confer entitlement to drive a
fire appliance under emergency conditions or operate a
specialist appliance (eg, turntable ladder, hydraulic platform,
multi-purpose vehicles, etc) for which additional training is
required.
5.2.3 Personnel nominated to undertake the LGV Driver Training
Course must hold a DVA provisional driving licence applicable
to the class of vehicle, and must have successfully completed
the required Theory and Hazard Perception Test.
5.2.4 Driver training will be carried out by a qualified NIFRS Driving
Instructor. Students will be required to produce both sections
of their driving licence and a successful Theory Test
Certificate prior to commencing the LGV Training Course.
7

5.2.5 The duration of the Course will normally be for a period of
5 days, the 5th day to include the Driving Test, based on the
individual’s needs. Where a student has reached the required
standard prior to the 5 th day, they may be nominated to
undertake the test in a shorter timeframe.
5.2.6 On successful completion of the Driving Test, the Examiner
will be responsible for ensuring that the student’s driving
licence and relevant documentation is forwarded to DVA for
updating.
5.2.7 Upon receipt of the updated driving licence, individuals will be
permitted to undertake non-emergency driving duties in an
operational appliance whilst accompanied by a qualified
Emergency Fire Appliance Driver who will take over the
appliance in the event of an emergency call.
5.2.8 The LGV course is a precursor to attending the Emergency
Fire Appliance Driver (EFAD) Course. This Course must be
successfully completed before a driver can drive an appliance
under emergency conditions. Further information on the
nomination and selection of emergency appliance drivers is
provided in Appendix ‘A’.
5.3 Emergency Fire Appliance Driver (EFAD) Training
5.3.1 Personnel progressing to undertake the Emergency Fire
Appliance Driver (EFAD) Training Course must hold a full
DVA driving licence and provide evidence that they have
completed 8 hours familiarisation driving.
5.3.2 Driver training will be carried out by a qualified NIFRS Driving
Instructor and students will be required to produce both
sections of their driving licence.
5.3.3 Where a NIFRS Driving Instructor identifies that a driver is not
performing to the required EFAD standards, subsequent
training will be made available to develop the driver.
5.3.4 Emergency Fire Appliance Drivers will be required to
undertake a one day refresher course at periods not
exceeding 5 years.
8

5.4 Emergency Light Vehicle Driver (ELVD) Training
5.4.1 Personnel undergoing the ELVD Training Course must hold a
full DVA driving licence applicable to the class of vehicle.
5.4.2 The ELVD qualification will be gained by attending the 5 day
training course which will be carried out by a qualified NIFRS
Approved Driving Instructor.
5.4.3 Emergency Light Vehicle Drivers will be required to undertake
a one day refresher course at periods not exceeding 5 years.
5.5 Specialist Appliances
5.5.1 A specialist appliance is defined as an appliance that requires
specialised driving skills and also knowledge of the appliance
and its role within the organisation. Classification typically
includes –
• Aerial Appliances;
• Rescue Pumps;
• Water Carriers
• De-mountable Vehicles;
• Command Support Units;
• 4x4 Off Road Vehicles.
5.5.2 NIFRS personnel who are required to drive a specialist
appliance under emergency conditions must:
• Be in possession of valid driving licence for that class of
vehicle;
• Be a qualified Emergency Fire Appliance Driver;
• Have completed training, including under emergency
conditions, specific to the vehicle type;
• Have familiarised themselves with any specific/unique
features of the vehicle.
5.5.3 Specialist drivers will be required to undertake a one day
refresher course at periods not exceeding 5 years.
5.6 Refresher Training
5.6.1 Under guidance from the relevant National Occupational
Standards, NIFRS drivers will carry out refresher training
periodically, normally within periods not exceeding 5 years.
Training needs may be assessed at any time to ascertain the
appropriate level of instruction required.
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5.6.2 Refresher training will normally include technical updates, new
driving procedures, amended NIFRS policy, maintenance of
skills and knowledge levels, etc.
5.6.3 A member of staff who has been absent from their normal
duties and has not driven an emergency response vehicle or
operated a specialist appliance for a period exceeding
6 months will be required to undergo refresher training.
10

Appendix ‘A’
LGV & EFAD DRIVER TRAINING
Shortfall identified in
Watch/Station driver levels
or self-nomination
Request submitted for
LGV Course
Refresher training
every 5 years or
otherwise at the
discretion of the
GC P&T
Qualified
Emergency Fire
Appliance Driver
Pass EFAD Course
Pass LGV medical
examination
Nominated for EFAD
Course
Application submitted for
LGV provisional licence
Pass LGV Theory and
Hazard Perception Test
Complete Pump
Operators Course
Nominated for LGV
Course
Driving familiarisation of
8 hours to include varying
road and traffic conditions
Pass LGV Course

Appendix ‘B’
EU VEHICLE CATEGORIES
Vehicle
Type
Category Description Minimum
Age
B
Motor car, light van or 4 x 4 with up to
8 passenger seats and up to 3500kg
with a trailer up to 750kg.
17
C1
C
D1
D
C1 & E
C & E
Vehicle between 3500kg and 7500kg
with a trailer up to 750kg.
Vehicle over 3500kg with trailer up to
750kg
Small passenger-carrying vehicle with
9 to 16 passenger seats with a trailer
up to 750kg
Any bus with more than 8 passenger
seats with a trailer up to 750kg
Vehicle between 3500kg and 7500kg
with a trailer over 750kg – combined
weight not more than 12000kg
Vehicle over 3500kg with a trailer over
750kg
18
*17, 21
*17, 21
18, 21
18, 21
*17, 21
* Minimum age limit for members of the armed forces authorised by the Ministry of
Defence or a registered trainee within the Young Large Goods Vehicle Driving Scheme

NORTHERN IRELAND FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE
Appendix ‘C’
SC83
DRIVER RISK RATING FORM
THIS FORM IS TO BE COMPLETED BY THE DRIVER AND DRIVER'S LINE MANAGER, AS
INDICATED
RECORDING OF INFORMATION (BY LINE MANAGER) ON SIGHT OF DRIVER’S LICENCE
NAME:
STN/DEPT:
SERVICE NO:
LICENCE NO:
13 A1
14 A
9 10 11 12
B1
B
C1
C
D1
D
BE
C1E
CE
D1E
DE
Copy details from driver’s licence onto the template above
NB:
The individual to whom this form refers has a responsibility to notify their Line Manager of
any change of circumstance in relation to their driving licence. This includes additions of
classes, restrictions, fixed penalty points, disqualification or renewal.
PENALTY POINTS:
ACCIDENTS:
ISSUE
DATE
OFFENCE
NO OF
POINTS
DATE
DETAILS
DRIVING RELATED CITIZEN'S CHARTER
COMPLAINTS:
CONVICTIONS FOR MOTORING
OFFENCES:
DATE NATURE DATE DETAILS

- 2 -
COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS CHECK (BY LINE MANAGER):
Drivers should be considered in the High Risk Category if:
He/She has accumulated more than 6 penalty points in a rolling 36 month period.
He/She has a history of culpable accidents (2 in rolling 12 months).
He/She has had 2 or more driving related Citizen's Charter complaints in rolling 24
months.
HIGH/LOW RISK
COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
ACTION BY LINE MANAGER IN RESPECT OF DRIVERS DEEMED HIGH RISK
DECLARATION BY DRIVERS:
The use of private motor vehicle for NIFRS purposes (if applicable).
In order to use your private motor vehicle for the above use you must be able to confirm:
1 Your motor insurance arrangements include that the vehicle is covered for Class 1 business
insurance (as described by the Institute of Insurance Brokers) which also indemnifies NIFRS as
their employer against all third party claims including those concerning passengers, arising out
of the use of the vehicle for NIFRS business purposes.
YES NO
2 The vehicle is mechanically safe to drive, to the driver’s knowledge. YES NO
3 The vehicle has a valid Vehicle Excise Duty disc (Tax disc). YES NO
4 The vehicle has a valid MOT certificate (if applicable). YES NO
Delete as appropriate
NB:
The individual to whom this form refers has a responsibility to notify their Line Manager of
any change of circumstance in relation to the above before use of a private motor vehicle.
I DECLARE THAT THE ABOVE-MENTIONED INFORMATION IS TRUE AND ACCURATE.
SIGNED:
(Employee)
DATE:
I VERIFY THE ABOVE-MENTIONED INFORMATION IS TRUE AND ACCURATE TO THE BEST
OF MY KNOWLEDGE.
SIGNED:
DATE:
(OFFICER-IN-CHARGE/LINE MANAGER)

NORTHERN IRELAND FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE
Primary Employment Work Declaration
(Wholetime Personnel)
SC83(a)
As a result of EU Directive 561/2006 driving legislation, NIFRS are required by law to identify which of
our employees may be affected by ‘In-scope’ regulations. The following information is required on an
Annual basis and should be completed as part of the Driver Risk Rating process.
NOTE:
A driver ‘In-scope’ of the EU Directive 561/2006 is defined as “the driver of a goods vehicle over
3.5 tonnes (excluding NIFRS vehicles), or a passenger vehicle with 9 or more seats”.
Name:
Service No:
Role:
Station:
NIFRS Driver: Yes
No
1 Does the ‘In-scope’ Regulations as defined above apply to you
Yes
No
If ‘Yes’, please complete Sections 2 & 3, read the declaration then sign, date and
return.
If ‘No’, please read the declaration then sign, date and return.
2 Is the vehicle you drive for your secondary employers *'in excess of 3.5 tonnes' or a vehicle *‘which can
carry more than 9 persons including the driver’.
3 I am *employed/self employed. Please complete Employer or Self Employed details
Employer Business:
Employer Name:
Employer Address:
Postcode:
Telephone Number:
DECLARATION
I confirm that the above details are accurate at the time of completion. I am aware that my
responsibility in regards to this legislation is ongoing and that any changes in my secondary
employment or duties undertaken in relation to driving (including being a mobile worker) will need
to be notified to my Station/District Line Manager. I understand this information will be considered
by Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service in relation to my contract of employment.
I note a copy of this declaration may be forwarded to my Secondary Employer(s).
Signed:
Print Name:
Date:
(* Delete if appropriate)

NORTHERN IRELAND FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE
Primary Employment Work Declaration
(Retained Personnel)
SC83(b)
As a result of EU Directive 561/2006 driving legislation, NIFRS are required by law to identify which of our
employees may be affected by ‘In-scope’ regulations. The following information is required on an Annual
basis and should be completed as part of the Driver Risk Rating process.
NOTE:
A driver ‘In-scope’ of the EU Directive 561/2006 is defined as “the driver of a goods vehicle over 3.5
tonnes (excluding NIFRS vehicles), or a passenger vehicle with 9 or more seats”.
Name:
Service No:
Role:
Station:
NIFRS Driver: Yes
No
1 Does the ‘In-scope’ Regulations as defined above apply to you
Yes
No
If ‘Yes’, please complete Sections 2 & 3, read the declaration then sign, date and
return.
If ‘No’, please read the declaration then sign, date and return.
2 Is the vehicle you drive for your primary employer *'in excess of 3.5 tonnes' or a vehicle *'which
can carry more than 9 persons including the driver'.
3 I am *employed/self employed. Please complete Employer or Self Employed details
Employer Business:
Employer Name:
Employer Address:
Postcode:
Telephone Number:
DECLARATION
I confirm that the above details are accurate at the time of completion. I am aware that my responsibility
in regards to this legislation is ongoing and that any changes in my primary employment or duties
undertaken in relation to driving (including being a mobile worker) will need to be notified to my
Station/District Line Manager. I understand this information will be considered by Northern Ireland Fire &
Rescue Service in relation to my contract of employment.
I note a copy of this declaration may be forwarded to my Primary Employer(s).
Signed:
Print Name:
(* Delete if appropriate)
Date:

Appendix ‘D’
NIFRS DRIVER INSTRUCTORS, EXAMINERS AND TESTS
1 NIFRS LGV Instructors will be qualified to instruct subject to the requirements of
the Driver & Vehicle Agency Northern Ireland DVA.
2 Class B instruction will only be carried out by a qualified Approved Driving
Instructor.
3 Driving Examiners are responsible for carrying out tests in accordance with the
current guidance and procedures as directed by the Driving Standards Agency
(DSA) as amended or revised from time to time.
4 The manoeuvring area at the Fire & Rescue Service Training Centre may be
used for LGV C Tests.
5 LGV C+E manoeuvring tests must be carried out at a site approved by DVA.
6 Test routes must be those approved by DVA.
7 Driving Instructors will be present during the driving test.
8 Pass Certificate Books will be retained at the Fire & Rescue Service Training
Centre.