Let’s be honest for a second: the world of transport management can be a bit of a minefield. Whether you’ve been sitting in the driver’s seat for twenty years or you’re brand new to the logistics game, the rules and regulations are enough to make anyone’s head spin.
At Open Road Training Ltd, we live by the motto "Training for Tomorrow." We don’t just want you to pass a test; we want you to be a top-tier professional who keeps the wheels of industry turning safely and legally. That’s why we’ve come up with a deal that’s honestly too good to ignore.
We’re offering a 3-day Introduction to Transport Manager course (also known as the Operator Licence Awareness Training, or OLAT). But here’s the kicker: if you enjoy it and decide to jump onto the full Transport Manager CPC course with us, we will discount the cost of the intro course from your full course fee.
In short? You get the introduction for absolutely FREE.
1. What Exactly is the "Intro" Course?
Before we get into the "how" and "why," let’s talk about what this course actually is. Officially, it’s our Operator Licence Awareness Training (OLAT).
1.1 The Basics
This is a intensive 3-day program designed to give you a solid foundation in the "Golden Rules" of holding an Operator’s Licence (O-Licence). It covers the legal obligations that a company takes on when they are granted permission to run commercial vehicles.
1.2 Why do people take it?
Usually, people take this course for three reasons:
- Directives from the Traffic Commissioner: Sometimes, if a company has had a "slip-up," the Traffic Commissioner will mandate that the directors or managers attend an OLAT/Refresher course to refresh their knowledge.
- Career Progression: You want to move into management but aren't quite ready to commit to the Transport Manager CPC course yet.
- The "Head Start": You’ve booked your CPC but want to make sure you don't walk into day one feeling completely lost.
2. How the "Free" Offer Works
We wanted to make this as simple as possible. We know that investing in your career is a big decision, and the full Transport Manager CPC is a significant commitment of both time and money.
2.1 The Step-by-Step Process
- Book the Intro Course: Head over to our OLAT Refresher product page and book your spot. You pay the standard fee at the time of booking.
- Attend and Learn: Spend three days with us soaking up everything there is to know about compliance, maintenance, and drivers' hours.
- Upgrade Your Future: If you decide that you want to go all the way and become a fully qualified Transport Manager, let us know.
- Get Your Discount: When you book the full Transport Manager CPC course, we deduct the price you paid for the OLAT course from the total.
This means you’ve had three days of expert training, a massive head start on your revision, and it hasn't cost you a penny extra in the long run.
3. Who is This Course Perfect For?
We’ve seen all sorts of people walk through our doors at Open Road Training. This offer is specifically designed to help three types of people.
3.1 The "New to the Industry" Crowd
If you’ve just joined a transport office or you’re looking to switch careers from a different sector, the jargon alone can be overwhelming. Tachographs, GV79s, OCRS scores: it’s a lot. Taking the 3-day intro gives you the "lay of the land" without the high-pressure environment of the full CPC exam prep.
3.2 The "Old Hands" Who Want a Reality Check
Don't shoot the messenger, but just because "that's the way we've always done it" doesn't mean it's the way the DVSA wants it done today. Laws change. Technology evolves. We often find that experienced transport staff find the intro course eye-opening. It highlights areas where they thought they were compliant but might actually be leaving the business at risk.
3.3 The CPC Candidates
The Transport Manager CPC exam has a notoriously high failure rate across the country. It’s a tough nut to crack. By taking the OLAT course first, you are essentially doing "pre-season training." By the time you start the full course, you already understand the core concepts, leaving you more brainpower to focus on the complex case studies and calculations.
4. Why Compliance is Your Best Friend
In this industry, "compliance" isn't just a buzzword; it’s the difference between a thriving business and a revoked licence.
4.1 The Role of the Transport Manager
The law states that a Transport Manager must have "continuous and effective" responsibility for the transport activities of the business.
"The statutory duty is not to be a 'Transport Manager' in name only. It is to ensure that the operator’s licence is managed in accordance with the law and the undertakings given to the Traffic Commissioner."
This means:
- You are responsible for making sure drivers don't work too many hours.
- You ensure vehicles are inspected every 6 to 13 weeks (depending on your licence).
- You make sure the company doesn't overload its vehicles.
4.2 The Risk of Getting it Wrong
If you think training is expensive, try having a "Public Inquiry." If a business fails a compliance audit, the Traffic Commissioner can take away the licence, meaning the business effectively stops existing overnight. Our intro course teaches you how to spot these red flags before the DVSA does.
5. What Will You Learn in the 3 Days?
We don't just sit and read from a Powerpoint. We get stuck into the practicalities. Here is a breakdown of what we cover:
- Operator Licensing: How to get a licence and, more importantly, how to keep it.
- Driver Management: Understanding the complexity of EU and Domestic Drivers' Hours. (If you want a preview of this, check out our video on completing drivers' schedules).
- Maintenance Systems: How to set up a robust system for vehicle inspections and daily walk-around checks.
- Financial Standing: Understanding the money you need to have in the bank to satisfy the legal requirements.
- The OCRS System: Understanding how the DVSA "grades" your business and how to keep your score in the green.
6. The "Training for Tomorrow" Vibe
At Open Road Training, we like to keep things casual but professional.We believe that people learn best when they are comfortable and engaged. We don't do "boring." We use real-world examples, a bit of humor, and a lot of common sense to make sure the information sticks.
We know that some of you might be looking for external transport manager services or just want to stay up to date with the latest posts and updates, but there is no substitute for knowing the rules yourself.
7. How to Book Your Spot
Are you ready to give your career a boost? Whether you are aiming for that big promotion or you just want to make sure your current business stays on the right side of the law, this is the perfect starting point.
- Check our Course-dates to find a time that suits you.
- Book the OLAT / Intro course here.
- Show up with an open mind and plenty of questions.
Remember, if you decide to go for the full Transport Manager CPC later, this 3-day course ends up costing you nothing. It’s the ultimate "try before you buy" for your professional development.
Summary of Benefits
- Risk-Free Learning: Test the waters of transport management before committing to the full CPC.
- Cost-Effective: The intro course fee is deducted from the full course price.
- Expert Guidance: Learn from the Open Road team.
- Flexible: Perfect for new starters and seasoned pros alike.
- Compliance-Focused: Protect your O-Licence and your livelihood.
If you have any questions about the course content or how the discount works, don't hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you navigate the road ahead. We’ll see you in the classroom!
Want to see more of what we do? Check out our video sitemap for more educational content or browse our full product list for other training opportunities.