PDP SCHEME - ANNUAL REFRESHER REMINDER
Downstream Fuel Distribution Forum
PDP SCHEME - ANNUAL REFRESHER REMINDER
PDP Scheme - Annual Refresher: The requirement to undertake annual classroom training and pass a practical assessment each year is a key element of the Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP) Scheme, as it provides ongoing training and assessment during the 5-year validity period of the PDP card.
When the Scheme was originally designed by the industry, the decision was taken for the PDP card to have the same 5-year validity period as ADR. However, the industry recognised that a 5-year period in this hazardous sector without intervening training or assessment was not appropriate. Therefore, the mandatory annual refresher element was included to maintain high levels of driver competence and forms an integral part of the ongoing validity of the 5-year PDP card. Additionally, annual PDP refresher training provides highly relevant Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) training with no additional training burden on employers and is recognised by inspectors from the Department for Transport (DfT) Land Transport Security team as part of the legally required refresher training specified in ADR Chapter 1.10.
It is a major concern for the DFDF that not all drivers are completing their annual refresher. This means drivers are not completing the required annual training and assessment, which undermines the objectives and integrity of the Scheme and is unfair to those drivers and employers who do comply.
The PDP is a DRIVER card, and all drivers should hold a PDP regardless of employer, type of vehicles, grade(s) of petroleum product, or loading point. It is the responsibility of all employers and drivers to ensure they are compliant with the Scheme, irrespective of the voluntary enforcement provided by the terminals. That said, UK terminals do carry out spot checks for annual validity and can refuse entry to drivers whose card is not valid.
Timing Rules: Drivers have the full calendar year to complete both the classroom and practical elements. The Annual Refresher timing rules are:
- Drivers have the full calendar year to complete both classroom and practical elements, i.e. by year end, 31st December XXXX.
- Annual refresher practical assessment (21P) - drivers must take and pass this no more than four months prior to the day and month of their card expiry date.
- Annual classroom training (21T) – this can take place at any time within the same calendar year.
PD Prompts: To help maintain the validity of their PDP, drivers can register for PD Prompts on the PDP website at www.pdpassport.com/pdpassport/PD-Prompts. This service sends reminders when to renew the PDP or complete the annual refresher. Please register to take advantage of this free service and promote this resource to other drivers.
Integrity of the Scheme:
Please ensure you are fully compliant with the PDP requirements and complete your annual refresher.
Please help spread the word about why the annual refresher was incorporated into the Scheme and the important role it plays in maintaining driver competence across our industry.
DFDF members, PDP Management Group and officials from the DfT Dangerous Goods Unit will promote the importance of the PDP Annual Refresher at events and during any driver and operator engagement.