Tools-of-the-trade exemption for truck drivers

Scaffolding erectors, utilities workers, road builders and plant operators who drive trucks as part of their job may be able to claim 'tools of the trade' exemption from the Driver CPC requirements that come into effect this September, says Es Shepherd of the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

Speaking at the FTA's Essential Services Working Group and Utilities Seminar, Shepherd said the likes of scaffolding gangs can also travel in trucks, but that the goods carried on the truck must be for the use of the driver and occupants. Additional drops along the route are not allowed. The exemption can apply to any size of truck.

Drivers of specialist machinery such as road-building equipment are also exempt from driver CPCs, but fitters taking trucks to a test station will require a qualification that consists of 35 hours' training over a five-year period.

The FTA introduced a Safe Loading of Commercial Vehicles DVD at the conference and sought delegates feedback on a new interactive CD tool The Scope and Concessions in Road Transport Law, which covers operator licensing, driver licences, drivers' hours and vehicle excise duties.