The Young LGV Driver Scheme is managed by Skills for Logistics on behalf of the Department for Transport.
The scheme provides the opportunity for a young person to obtain a full Category C driving licence at the age of 18 rather than 21 and a Category C+E licence before his or her 21st birthday. By taking the scheme, young drivers are able to do a real and productive job, whilst receiving first-class training towards LGV licence acquisition and industry specific, nationally recognised qualifications. The introduction of the Driver CPC on the 10th September 2009 means that the minimum age for a person to obtain at Category C licence is reduced to 18 as long as they also pass the Initial Driver CPC. This means the Young LGV Driver Scheme will no longer exist from this date. In order to give time for those registered on the Scheme to complete the programme, new registration will cease from the end of March 2009.
What's involved?
Registered young drivers follow a structured training programme leading to a Level 2 Scottish / National Vocational Qualification (S/NVQ) in 'Driving Goods Vehicles'. In addition their LGV driving skills are regularly assessed.
Stages
The scheme follows these steps:
- The young person is recruited or selected by a company and registered onto the scheme. A training plan is agreed and induction training given
- Pre-driving units of S/NVQ achieved
- Application (through Skills for Logistics) for provisional Category C licence
- Driver Training
- Pass test and gain licence
- Receive four satisfactory driving assessments during first six months after taking LGV test
- Complete S/NVQ
- YDS completion certificate issued after stages 1-5 successfully completed
- (Optional) Driver training for Category C+E licence and C+E test passed (This must be at least 6 months after passing 'C' test)
- Find out more about the Scheme Features
Funding
Employers may be able to access funding through the local Learning & Skills Council if the trainee is registered on an Apprenticeship. This requires the addition of the Key Skills of communication and application of number to the training programme. For more details on how to access funding, contact your local Approved Training Organisation. (List available from Skills for Logistics).
Further Information
For details of Approved Training Organisations please call Skills for Logistics on 0870 242 7314 or view the nation specific document below:
For further information on becoming an Approved Training Organisation, view the ATO Application Form
For further information on what the scheme involves, please view the country specific article below.
The Young Driver Scheme Framework contains detailed information regarding the scheme
Scheme Features
The YDS Scheme has the following features:
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New trainees must be between their 16th and 21st birthdays and have no more than three penalty points on their licence.
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All trainees must be employed by a company registered with Skills for Logistics
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All trainees must be registered with an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) – a list is available from Skills for Logistics.
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A training plan will be agreed and monitored by the employer, trainee and the Approved Training Organisation.
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Induction and Health and Safety training will form a central requirement of the scheme.
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Assessment of trainees’ skills will largely be done at work but there will be a requirement to undertake some “off the job” training.
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A trainee can begin Category C+E driver training 6 months after passing their Category C test as long as they have completed both the S/NVQ and driving assessments
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Young Drivers will automatically lose their Category C or C+E licence entitlement if they accrue more than three penalty points on their licence.
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If a young driver ceases to be employed by a registered employer while on the Scheme they will automatically lose their entitlement to drive Category C or C+E vehicles.Trainees must be properly monitored, supervised and supported throughout the programme. This is primarily the employers responsibility, however, the ATO is accountable to Skills for Logistics who may undertake periodic checks to ensure that the rules of the scheme are adhered to.
