The qualification is made up of two units; there is an option for the customer to take assessment qualifications in addition but this has to be done with a local educational establishment. If delegates already hold assessment qualifications it is obviously an asset. However it is not essential to hold assessment qualifications to attend the course.

The units and list of contents are as follows:

UNIT 1. SAFE DRIVING OF FIRE VEHICLES

• Vehicle Checks
• Health and Safety
• Handling Characteristics of Different Vehicles
• Off Paved Driving
• Assessed Drives
• Practical Driver Development Following Roadcraft
• Introduction to Assessing
• Introduction to Commentary
• Practical Instruction
• Use of Legal Exemptions on Highway
• Introduction of Emergency Equipment
• Response Driving
• Fuel Efficiency
• Behavioural Aspects of Driving
• Airside Driving

UNIT 2. LEGAL ASPECTS OF RESPONSE DRIVING

• Safety Management Systems
• Road Traffic Regulations
• Litigation

During the course the delegates will be given assignments to complete and written theory tests to undertake. Both units are divided into a modular form, based on a 1–4 grading scale. This will provide an indication to the instructor as to the progress of each delegate.

The complete course is over 3 weeks, on a two delegate to one trainer basis, using your vehicle and based at your location. Minding Driving will also issue an instructor’s certificate on successful completion of the course.

All materials are supplied by Minding Driving. All instructors hold relevant qualifications and have many years experience as Fire Officers or Police Officers.

It may not be necessary to have the full three week course if accreditation of prior learning can be proved. That would require discussion between the customer and Minding Driving.