An OLAT course, which stands for Operator Licence Awareness Training, is a training program designed to give professionals a solid understanding of the legal and administrative responsibilities of holding a commercial vehicle operator's licence. The course is essential for ensuring a company remains compliant with all relevant transport legislation and is often recommended, or even mandated, by a Traffic Commissioner.
Who Should Take an OLAT Course?
The course is not just for transport managers; it's highly recommended for anyone in a company who has a role in transport operations. This includes:
- Company Directors and Senior Managers: To understand their legal duties and liabilities.
- Restricted Licence Holders: Businesses whose primary function isn't transport but who operate commercial vehicles.
- Transport Supervisors and Support Staff: To ensure their daily tasks are carried out in a way that protects the company's licence.
- Individuals preparing for the Transport Manager CPC: As a foundational course to build knowledge.
What Does an OLAT Course Cover?
The curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of the key areas of operator licence compliance. Typical topics include:
- Operator Licencing Principles: An overview of the different types of licences and the undertakings the operator must adhere to.
- Drivers' Hours and Working Time: The rules and regulations for drivers' hours, tachographs, and the importance of accurate record-keeping.
- Vehicle Maintenance: How to implement a robust planned preventative maintenance system, daily walk-around checks, and defect reporting.
- Driver Management: The process of checking driver licences, monitoring their performance, and managing their training (including Driver CPC).
- The Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) System: How the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) assesses an operator's risk and how to maintain a good score.
- Enforcement and Penalties: The powers of enforcement officers and the potential consequences of non-compliance, such as fines or the loss of the operator's licence.
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