Transport Companies Mandatory Training in Article 33 of the “new” Tachograph Regulation (EU) No. 165/2014 is probably the best known. There are many myths surrounding the “new” training requirement for transport operators.
But is the obligation really new?
Tachograph Regulation (EU) No. 165/2014 has been fully applicable since March 2016. Hence Article 33 paragraph 1: Transport undertakings shall be responsible for ensuring that their drivers are properly trained and instructed as regards the correct functioning of tachographs, whether digital or analogue, […].
Already in the older Regulation (EEC) No. 3821/85 there was a provision in Article 13 which indirectly and ultimately required the same thing: “The transport company and the drivers ensure the proper functioning and correct use of the tachograph.” This wording, which has been valid for 30 years, has also been incorporated into the new regulation in Regulation (EU) No. 165/2014 Article 32.
There has been a similar obligation for more than ten years Article 10 paragraph 2 of Regulation (EU) No. 561/2006 (driving and rest periods): “A transport undertaking shall organise the work of drivers referred to in paragraph 1 in such a way that the drivers are able to comply with Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 and Chapter II of this Regulation. The transport undertaking shall properly instruct the driver and shall make regular checks to ensure that Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 and Chapter II of this Regulation are complied with.”
Conclusion: The training of the drivers in dealing with the regulations and the control devices (tachographs) is by no means new, but was “always” mandatory.
However, the regulation does not provide information on the type of such training. However, experience has shown that long-term learning success and thus the goal of this regulation can only be achieved through extensive practice. Pure theoretical training is unsuitable and, despite all the assurances, certainly does not meet the requirements due to the poor result. “Learning by doing” The motto must also apply here, which must also apply to all other topics of further education. This is the only way to keep knowledge in mind.
The regulation also does not provide information on the necessary qualifications of the person carrying out the training or on the duration. However, here too, the success of a training course must be reconciled with the objective of the regulation. Anyone who has the training “carried out by someone” or who even carries it out overestimating their own knowledge in order to save costs is simply negligent. Dangerous half-knowledge can do more damage than it helps drivers and, consequently, companies. Therefore, the training courses should only be conducted by highly qualified trainers who are very familiar with the subject and can answer all the questions of the participant.