The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has released a revised version of Module 1 of its Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training programme.

The module, Control of the Vehicle and Eco Driving Techniques (CVEDT), replaces Version 1.3 and was officially launched on Monday, 21 September.

Module 1 covers vehicle control, the effective use of safety systems and ways to optimise fuel consumption. It forms part of the periodic training professional truck and bus drivers must complete to maintain their Driver CPC qualification.

The release comes at a time when fuel efficiency is an immediate concern for haulage operators. Driving techniques that make effective use of a vehicle’s controls can contribute to safer journeys and lower fuel consumption, making the subject particularly relevant as diesel costs put pressure on transport businesses.

The RSA requires professional drivers to complete 35 hours of periodic training over five years, normally through one seven-hour module each year with an approved training organisation. Drivers maintaining both truck and bus CPC qualifications must complete 42 hours over the five-year cycle.

Training providers and operators should check that they are using the revised Module 1 material when arranging future CVEDT courses. Drivers booking a course should also ensure that the provider is RSA approved, as training with an unapproved organisation will not count towards their Driver CPC requirement.