Emergency Response Driver Training Ltd (ERDT) has launched an industry-first, Level 3 Award driving qualification and a range of driving and instructors’ Certificate of Achievements to address planned changes in the legislation covering the driving of emergency vehicles. The Level 3 Award and Certificates of Achievements both have SFJ Awards accreditation.

The introduction of Section 19 of the Road Safety Act (2006) to replace section 87 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act (1984) covers exemptions from speed limits for emergency service vehicles and affects those working in the police, fire and ambulance services as well as authorised agencies. The new legislation will require drivers to undertake, or be in the process of taking, a suitable high speed training course before they are permitted to exceed speed limits.

ERDT’s new Emergency Response Driving High-Speed (ERD-HS) course provides learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding required to drive a vehicle under emergency response conditions at high speed. The training is based on the police “Roadcraft” system of car control and is designed to meet the requirements of the pending legislation and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) emergency response driver framework. The course is accredited as an SFJ Awards Level 3 Award in initial qualification and re-certification.

ERDT’s unique qualification structure provides eligible drivers with the opportunity to complete ERD unit 1: Demonstrate Advanced Driving Skills, a vehicle class pathway unit that best meets the vehicle type to be driven, and ERD-unit 2 covering driving vehicles at high-speed under emergency response conditions.

The Emergency Response Driving Road-Speed (ERD-RS) course is also accredited as a SFJ Awards Certificate of Achievement. It is designed for drivers that do not have a legal exemption from the speed limit or do not have an operational requirement to drive above the speed limit, but who are required to drive under emergency response conditions at road-speed while claiming a range of exemptions.

The Blue Light Driving (BLD) course is accredited as a SFJ Awards Certificate of Achievement and provides drivers with the skills, knowledge and understanding required to drive a vehicle using blue lights and sirens only within the posted speed limit.

The Emergency Response Driving Instructor (ERDI) course is only available to statutory emergency services. Accredited as an SFJ Awards Certificate of Achievement, it provides instructors with the skills, knowledge and understanding required to deliver initial or re-certification training and assessments. This training is based both on the police system of car control and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) instructional skills. It is designed to meet the legal requirements of the pending Section 19 of the Road Safety Act 2006 and the NFCC emergency response driver framework.

For more information visit: www.erdt.uk.com