Comparing OLAT Training for LGVs and PCVs

OLAT training courses, also known as Operator Licence Awareness Training courses, are carefully designed to ensure that licence holders are fully aware of their responsibilities with regards to compliance and licensing.

They tend to be targeted at Restricted Operator Licence holders – the individuals who oversee operations, either as Directors of the company or as fleet managers. They are not necessarily licensed to drive the vehicles, but they do have a thorough understanding of the compliance checks and regulations needed for the enterprise to remain legal.

There are two different types of OLAT training courses available under most training providers, one for LGVs and one for PCVs. But aside from the different acronym, how do these two training programmes differ?

Understanding what LGV training covers

LGV stands for Light Goods Vehicle – and is a term which typically sits alongside HGV which refers to Heavy Goods Vehicles. This training is designed for those who operate and manage fleets that transport goods from one place to another. Sometimes it’s the organisation’s own equipment and products, and other times it might be for another business; whatever the need, LGV OLAT training is all about the safe transportation of goods by road.

This training covers areas from driver hours monitoring to managing the vehicles themselves and any issues – including damage, adequate signage for dangerous goods, and more.

How Does PCV Training Differ?

PCV refers to the transport of passengers, underpinned by different standards with regards to safety and compliance across vehicle maintenance, driving hours, licencing and more.

Because OLAT training is designed to increase knowledge of the legal responsibilities of company directors and fleet managers, this level of OLAT training covers all the same areas of vehicle maintenance, driver hour monitoring, and more. It also emphasises the importance of preventative maintenance across the mechanics of a vehicle, pre-empting issues which may affect fleet standards.

Do I Need OLAT Training?

OLAT training gives operators an overview of exactly what is involved in holding an O Licence application, while also outlining legal compliance checks and regulatory responsibilities of transport managers and fleet managers.

It is an ideal way to refresh and upskill fleet managers and company directors on the complexities of safely and effectively running a transport enterprise, with the OLAT training considered beneficial for Company Directors who have a legal responsibility for fulfilling O Licence undertakings, especially those who are identified on the original O Licence application.

What’s more, undergoing an OLAT course also counts towards a driver’s own CPC training, of which they have to complete a certain number of hours to continue holding their licence.

All of these things mean that OLAT training is a succinct and concise way to meet regulatory needs within a transport business or enterprise, empowering individuals to understand their legal responsibilities and stay ahead of regulatory changes across the industry.