Being a proficient, professional LGV driver is about more than the skills learned to handle the vehicle safely and efficiently on the road. It is also about being an ambassador for the company and the brand. According to RTITB (Road Transport Industry Training Board) - the largest Driver CPC consortium in the UK and Ireland - more businesses, particularly well-known brands are seeing the benefits of training their LGV drivers in professional conduct.

“LGV drivers are on the ‘front line’ and are often the face of a business, as the first, and sometimes only, person a customer interacts with,” said Laura Nelson, Managing Director for RTITB. “To make the best first impression, it’s essential that employers and drivers understand the importance of professionalism. This both protects and benefits the reputation of the business.”

“Professional conduct training from RTITB can be easily incorporated into compulsory Driver CPC Periodic Training,” explained Laura. “This helps employers to educate drivers in their legal, professional and social responsibilities. Investment in this type of training also gives drivers a sense of how important their job is, and helps to develop their professional skills and career.”

RTITB’s ‘Professional Driver’ module covers many contributing factors to professionalism, and the responsibilities of a driver, such as working time regulations, load safety and traffic regulations, as well as customer relations and interactions with the public. The module also includes guidance on being courteous to other road users and driving safely and responsibly, such as indicating in good time, not driving aggressively and leaving plenty of space between vehicles, for example.

Laura concluded, “LGV drivers usually wear a company uniform and drive a branded truck, which basically acts as a huge advertising hoarding for the business. If a driver lacks proper professionalism on the road, or in interactions with others, this can seriously damage a company’s reputation. Correct training is a simple, proven way to protect against this.”

Photo: A training session in progress