Background
The Downstream Fuel Distribution Forum (DFDF) provides a platform for the discussion and resolution of issues relating to health and safety as well as training in the downstream fuel distribution sector. Its remit includes facilitating the sharing of good practice and monitoring the transition to new fuels and powertrains, along with the implications of these for safety and training as the sector continues to evolve.
The DFDF brings together major hauliers in the petroleum distribution sector, relevant trade associations, government departments - namely the Department for Transport and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero - and trade unions, with senior representation from each organisation.
As part of its collaborative work on good practice within the industry, the DFDF launched the Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP) Scheme in 2014, a voluntary industry scheme designed to ensure that all tanker drivers in the UK are trained and assessed to a consistent standard in loading, transporting and offloading petroleum products from road tankers. The scheme is managed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in conjunction with the PDP Management Group. It provides the knowledge and skills required by a petroleum tanker driver not covered by ADR, it assesses competence, and it is designed to sit alongside existing tanker driver regulations with a five-year renewal cycle in line with a driver’s ADR licence.
The Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP)
The PDP card demonstrates to terminal operators, hauliers, customers and the wider public that petroleum tanker drivers have been trained to the same consistently high and externally verified standard in all aspects of tanker driving, from pre-vehicle checks to loading, driving and discharging. The card is held by the individual driver to allow freedom of movement within the industry.
To gain their PDP, drivers are required to undertake practical and classroom training as well as pass a “check, load, drive and unload” practical assessment using a tanker and a multiple-choice exam every five years. Successful completion of both the practical and classroom elements of the training results in the driver gaining the Petroleum Driver Passport card.
Although it is renewed on a five-year cycle, a key feature of the PDP is that in order to remain valid during those five years, it requires drivers to undertake and pass an annual practical assessment and undergo a classroom refresher training session subject to independent verification by SQA. It is mandatory that completion of the annual refresher be recorded with SQA.
The Annual Refresher
The annual refresher is an essential feature of the PDP Scheme. It not only demonstrates the validity of the PDP card, but it also ensures that standards are being met. The annual refresher consists of a practical assessment (21P) and classroom training (21T). The classroom training element takes into account changes in legislation and industry practice. The DFDF has also successfully negotiated with the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT) - now the DVSA Training Accreditation team, which is part of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) – for the training hours to be recorded for the purposes of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC). To that end, the annual PDP refresher training provides highly relevant DCPC training with no additional training burden on employers.
It is important to note that the annual refresher practical assessment must be undertaken no more than four months prior to the annual anniversary date. The anniversary date is the same day and month as the expiry date as stated on the PDP card. In addition, to maintain the validity of the PDP, the annual classroom refresher training must take place within the same calendar year as the annual practical assessment. Therefore, drivers have the full calendar year to complete both classroom and practical elements, i.e. by year end.
To assist in maintaining the validity of the PDP, card holders are now able to sign up for PD Prompts on the PDP website at www.pdpassport.com/pdpassport/PD-Prompts. The service sends reminders when it is time to renew the PDP or when it is time to complete the annual practical assessment.
PDP Card Enforcement
UK terminals are the primary point of enforcement for the PDP Scheme. All terminals issue site-specific loading cards and only permit drivers who are demonstrably trained and competent to be put forward for loading card training. They have a duty of care to ensure that they allow loading rack access only to suitably qualified individuals and the PDP provides demonstrable proof of this. Therefore, drivers must have a PDP card and must have maintained its validity to gain entry to load. In addition, in line with their own spot check procedures, terminal operators may carry out spot checks on the validity of PDP and that annual refresher training has been completed.
It is the responsibility of the employer and driver to ensure that the PD Passport remains valid by undertaking and registering with SQA the annual training and practical assessment. And, while it is recognised that in certain circumstances drivers may not complete their annual refresher training and assessment within the specified time period, the appropriate training and assessment should be undertaken at the earliest opportunity to revalidate the PDP.
All employers and drivers are, therefore, encouraged to be aware of when the annual practical assessment is due and ensure that it is undertaken no more than four months prior to the annual anniversary date stated on the PDP card with the classroom training being completed within the same calendar year.
Benefits of the PDP
The PDP is a guarantee of quality assured training against a standard that terminal operators, distribution companies, drivers, relevant authorities, and all who operate in the industry can rely on. The PDP Scheme has numerous benefits for all involved parties. It demonstrates that drivers in the sector are consistently trained and assessed to a common, national standard and provides employers with a standard to train all drivers against, irrespective of the training being delivered in-house or externally. In addition, the scheme is linked to ADR and to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, therefore providing highly relevant DCPC training with no additional training burden on employers. As regards training providers, the scheme ensures that they have a clear syllabus and a strong PDP approval and assessment process while the industry enjoys improved reputation, high standards in training and safety, and its own proactive code of practice.
For more information on maintaining the validity of the Petroleum Driver Passport and to know more about the annual refresher requirement, please visit www.pdpassport.com/pdpassport/Home.