The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) and Mission Zero have today announced a new collaboration to revise their work-related road risk training requirements, to recognise the flexibility and accessibility needed by van and light vehicle drivers.
The training requirements within the two standards have always been aligned but this is the first time FORS and Mission Zero have worked together to develop a common approach for operators, training providers and contractual specifiers.
Key details include:
- A more accessible and flexible training route for drivers whose role requires only Category B driving licence entitlement, while retaining the required learning outcomes relating to road risk and the safety of vulnerable road users.
- The requirements have gained full support from Transport for London (TfL) and have been published simultaneously within FORS Standard version 7.2 and Mission Zero Standard version 1.5.2.
- FORS approved training requirements have also been amended so eligible Category B drivers can now meet the requirement through Panoramic Interactive Video Training, providing interactive learning that can be delivered online or in a classroom. View the detailed FORS training requirements here.
John Moran, Chair of the FORS Governance and Standards Advisory Group, said:
“This is an important development and a strong example of accreditation schemes working together in the interests of operators, drivers and road safety.
“FORS and Mission Zero have always maintained aligned work-related road risk training requirements. By working together on this change, the two schemes have introduced greater flexibility and accessibility for van and light vehicle drivers while retaining the purpose and quality of the training.
“GSAG fully supports the revised approach, which provides a proportionate training route for light vehicle fleets without changing the immersive training requirements that continue to apply to HGV and PCV drivers.”
Adi Wanford, Mission Zero Governance Board Member, said:
“Mission Zero is delighted that FORS has collaborated directly with us on this important development, demonstrating how independent accreditation schemes can work constructively together to achieve the shared objectives of improving road safety and supporting the transport industry.
“From my experience of managing a large, geographically dispersed van fleet, delivering consistent face-to-face training can be operationally challenging. A flexible online route will help operators reach more drivers while reducing avoidable travel and operational disruption.
“The resulting change reflects a practical and proportionate response to the needs of van fleets, giving operators a more accessible way to undertake effective work-related road risk training without compromising its purpose, quality or required learning outcomes.”
The revised requirements take effect from their publication within the respective standards. Operators and training providers should refer to the published standards and supporting training requirements to confirm which pathway applies to their drivers. The change does not affect the current immersive training requirement for HGV and PCV drivers.