DIGITAL COUNTDOWN: ONE WEEK
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Driver training
Here's the fifth instalment in our series of weekly bulletins to help you prepare for the new technology, courtesy of the FTA.
The information recorded on digital tachographs and drivers' cards will form a legal record from day one of use, so drivers will need detailed instruction on how to operate digitachs before they have to use them for real.
The training needs to be specific to the make and model of digitach that the drivers will be using — although all tachos meet the same specifications, there are fundamental differences to their operation, menus and displays.
Drivers will also need to understand the concept of Universal Time Co-ordinated, default mode settings and how the break warnings work (and don't work!), as well as the new rules on the production of records.
The roll-out of driver training can be a difficult issue. While the temptation to train before the rush is understandable, drivers will need to be able to remember the details when they are faced with the new equipment. For many this could be months, even years away Train too soon and the benefit will be lost, but if you try to arrange training too late you may run out of time.
Speak to potential training providers in good time or consider training someone in your organisation to provide in-house training to address this problem.
Finally, remember you will be responsible for agency drivers' records when they are under your control. Speak to your regular driver agencies to check they will be able to supply you with dryers who hold driver cards and understand how to use the make and model of digitach fitted to your vehicles,