Following recent investments there is a range of modern vehicles available to students. The menu of courses incorporates routine driving, emergency driving and the operation of specialist vehicles. Personnel from across the Organisation are able to access the appropriate courses aligned to their role, and on successfully completion, are able to return to the Driver Training Department at predetermined intervals in order to demonstrate continued competence.

Set out below are some of the courses available:

Light vehicle Familiarisation  

Initial familiarisation for staff required to drive light vehicles. 

Large Goods Vehicle Familiarisation

This course is predominantly designed to provide familiarisation related to new large goods vehicles entering the fleet.

Trailer Towing Course 

This course equips the student with the necessary skills to be able to safely tow and manoeuvre a trailer.

Large Goods Vehicle (LGV)

Successful completion of this course qualifies an individual to be able to safely drive category C large goods vehicles. 

Emergency Fire Appliance Driving (EFAD)

This course enables personnel to safely drive category C vehicles under blue light emergency conditions.

Emergency Fire Appliance Driver Assessment (EFADA) 

Having successfully attained the EFAD qualification, there is a requirement for the individual to be independently assessed at three yearly intervals by a member of the Driver Training team. This enables the individual to be able to demonstrate continued emergency driving competence.

Primary Response Driving Course (PRDC)

Successful completion of this course enables an individual to be able to respond to emergencies under blue light conditions. The course is primarily designed for:

1)       Flexible duty supervisory Officers required to respond to emergency calls in their motor cars.

2)       For other personnel required to respond to emergency calls using other light vehicles. 

Remedial Driving Course

A line manager may refer a driver to the Driver Training Supervisor at any time in order for a driving assessment to be carried out. Should a training need be identified during the assessment, a tailor made course will then be designed for the individual, in order that they be able to demonstrate driving competence in line with the Organisations expectations. 

HIAB Driver Operator

Successful completion of this course qualifies an individual to be able to safely drive and operate a vehicle fitted with a rear mounted lifting arm. 

4x4 Driving Course

This course is designed for drivers from nominated stations with an identified need to respond to emergencies via rough tracks using a vehicle with a 4x4 capability. 

Multi Lift Demountable POD Driver/Operator Course

This course is provided for individuals who are required to operate specialist vehicles with a demountable multi - lift capability. 

The modern Fire Service is a dynamic Service responding to the communities needs. As new challenges present themselves, the Driver Training Department will support staff by providing the appropriate technical and practical training ensuring the courses it provides evolve and reflect individual and Organisational needs. For more information or advice please contact the Service Training Centre at Glen Road, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 3XT. Telephone 01752 333600.