FORS launches new ‘safe driving’ course

FORS – the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme – has launched a new ‘safe driving’ course, replacing its safe urban driving (SUD) and van smart courses.

The new course is offered through the FORS Professional training portfolio and is available to drivers of all vehicle classes, from vans through to 44-tonne GCW articulated vehicles.

The full redesign means attendees will receive the very latest tuition on defensive driving to instil a safety mindset which benefits drivers, vulnerable road users and the wider public, said FORS.

The course includes drivers’ regulatory responsibilities and the importance of safe driving practices on motorways, rural and urban roads.

It also takes a deep dive into key areas that may negatively impact individuals behind the wheel such as driver fitness, health, distraction and impairment.

Furthermore, a practical on-cycle session and a theory module are included.

Both three-and-half-hour modules contribute towards Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), plus mandatory Work-Related Road Risk training as required at FORS Silver.

FORS concession director, Geraint Davies, said: “Both our previous SUD and van smart training courses delivered significant benefits for drivers, albeit for different vehicle classes.

“Our new safe driving course brings all the various course elements together into one redesigned package, which will provide benefits for everyone.”

FORS safe driving is available now to all FORS Professional licensed training providers.

To allow time for Driver CPC approvals, a transition period exists where the previous SUD course may still be available.

Previous courses, SUD and van smart remain acceptable demonstrations of meeting FORS Silver training requirement 'S5 work-related road risk' if they are valid within the five-year validity period.

SUD was launched in 2012 and has since delivered training for more than 130,000 drivers.