Life-long learning for drivers, and solid technical, methodological and pedagogical knowledge and skills for instructors.

Overview

The IRU Academy works along three axis to provide high quality periodic training to drivers across Europe:

1. Harmonised instructor training, which aims to deliver not only comprehensive technical knowledge, but also the necessary adult learning skills for efficient and flexible course delivery.
2. Specialised courses, which are focused on specific topics, covered in more details.
3. A European Instructor Network, to encourage sharing of knowledge and best practices among road transport instructors, so as to contribute to the alignment of standards and mutual recognition of training certificates.
   

Harmonised Instructor Training

Following the introduction of mandatory periodic training for drivers in Europe (Directive 2003/59/EC), the IRU has been involved in several joint initiatives to check how it is being implemented. These include the STARTS project (Skills, Training and the Road Transport Sector), and a survey conducted in partnership with the CIECA (International Commission for Driver Testing Authorities).

According to these studies, the road transport sector is likely to face a serious shortage of training capacity in the near future due to the following factors:

• An expected last minute "rush for training", resulting from transport operators postponing periodic training until the very last moment

• A shrinking pool of qualified drivers
• A greater need for drivers, when the current economic crisis will give way to a period of economic recovery
  

In addition, lack of harmonization and mutual recognition of training among Member States results in limited workforce mobility and potential quality issues.

These findings clearly highlighted the urgent need to build up and harmonise training capacity across Europe in order to avoid a shortfall of qualified drivers.

As a result, the IRU Academy, together with partners in Spain, Poland and France, participated in the "Training of Trainers to CPC Driver Periodic training for truck Drivers" project (TOT to FCO), backed by the European Commission, which resulted in the development of a standardised training programme for instructors who provide periodic training to category C drivers in Europe. To download the full project scope description, click here.

Programme Contents

The programme consists of three core modules:

• Technical
• Methodological
• Pedagogical

Topics include the EU regulatory framework, eco-driving, health & safety, first aid, vehicle maintenance, effective use of driving simulators, and best practice in adult education, amongst others. The programme provides instructors with the knowledge and skills base, allowing them the flexibility to develop specific periodic training courses matching their local requirements. The course is currently available for category C drivers.

Successful participants obtain a certificate as a testimony of their ability to deliver high quality training to category C drivers, in line with Directive 2003/59/EC. View a sample IRU Academy Periodic Training Certificate by clicking here.

Becoming Accredited

To deliver this programme, you must first become an IRU Academy Accredited Training Institute (ATI). Please visit our accreditation page to get started with the online application process.

Specialised Courses

Another avenue for periodic training is the specialised courses provided by the IRU Academy. These courses focus on a specific topic, and cover it in more depth. Our portfolio currently includes the following training programmes:

• Tachograph
• Safe Loading and Cargo Securing
• Transport of Dangerous Goods (ADR)

We welcome partnerships with ATIs to request periodic training qualification from their national authorities.

Instructor Network

As a follow-up to the TOT to FCO project, the "Drivers and Road Transport Instructors Vocational European Network" project (DRIVEN) was launched, in order to promote the sharing of knowledge and best practices, and thus contribute to the harmonisation of periodic training in Europe. The first DRIVEN seminar has been a great success, attracting more than 60 people in Zagreb, Croatia.
In parallel to this offline activity, a dedicated Road Transport Professional Training Instructor Community has also been launched online, on the LinkedIn professional social network, where participants can exchange topical ideas and information, anytime and anywhere, provided they have an internet access. All instructors are welcome to join the DRIVEN online community!

More information

Download the DRIVEN leaflet : EN ¦ FR. For more information on the EU Leonardo TOT to FCO project and the harmonised Train the Trainer to Category C Periodic Training Programme, contact the IRU Academy.