THE Fleet Driver Training Association, which represents the UK's leading driver training companies, has reacted with alarm to the news that the Driving Standards Agency is considering a move into fleet training. The DSA is responsible for assessing the skills of learner driver instructors, but also has a business development unit examining other revenue-raising opportunities.

A spokesman for the DSA said the agency had to make a submission to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions: 'To fulfil its commitment to encourage better driving by professional drivers.' This commitment was outlined in the integrated transport white paper, and will gain further prominence in a new national road safety strategy due to be published later this spring.

The DSA has already featured in a co-branded fleet training programme developed by Creative Training, which offers full use of the facilities at the DSA's Cardington headquarters. Promotional material for the course promises that: 'When this seminar is delivered at Cardington, each representative will complete a driving assessment followed by a full debrief, conducted by a DSA examiner.'

The DSA insists its name was used without permission by Creative Training, but the news that it is exploring fleet training possibilities has seriously concerned the FDTA. The association has worked closely with the DSA to establish an official register of instructors who have the specialist skills - based on a DSA assessed qualification - required to work in the fleet market. The FDTA is due to raise its concerns later this week in a private meeting with Lord Whitty, Minister of Roads.