Stay Compliant: Why You Need a Transport Manager Refresher Course in 2026
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Let’s be honest: when was the last time you properly updated your transport management knowledge? If you’re scratching your head trying to remember, it might be time to consider a Transport Manager Refresher course.
The transport industry doesn’t stand still. Regulations change, Traffic Commissioner expectations evolve, and the DVSA keeps updating what they look for during audits. Staying on top of all this while running day-to-day operations? That’s a challenge. And it’s exactly why refresher training has become more important than ever in 2026.
Whether you’re a newly qualified Transport Manager finding your feet, a seasoned pro who needs to brush up, or office staff wanting to understand compliance inside-out, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Transport Manager Refresher courses and why they matter for your operation.
1. What Exactly Is a Transport Manager Refresher Course?
A Transport Manager Refresher course is designed to update your knowledge on current regulations, best practices, and what the authorities actually expect from your operation. Think of it as a compliance health check combined with professional development.
These courses typically cover:
- Operator Licensing requirements
- Drivers Hours and Records
- Digital Tachograph use and analysis
- Driver Licensing rules
- Planned Preventative Maintenance systems
- Road Safety and Enforcement updates
The goal isn’t to teach you from scratch: you already know the basics. It’s about making sure your knowledge is current and that your systems would pass muster if the DVSA came knocking tomorrow.
2. Is Transport Manager Refresher Training Actually Required?
Here’s where things have shifted in recent years. The Senior Traffic Commissioner now specifically requires continuing professional development for Transport Managers in their Statutory Guidance. This isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore: it’s becoming a compliance assessment tool.
2.1 The Five-Year Baseline
Traffic Commissioners mandate that transport managers complete refresher training at least every five years. That’s the minimum requirement to maintain compliance with your Operator’s Licence.
But here’s the thing: five years is a long time in this industry. Best practice? Annual refreshers are advisable.
2.2 Why the DVSA Cares About Your Training
The DVSA now assesses an operator’s compliance partly based on whether transport managers have undertaken continuing professional development. So when an inspector turns up for an audit, one of the things they’re checking is whether you’ve kept your knowledge current.
What does this mean for you? If you haven’t completed a Transport Manager Refresher course recently, it could count against you during a compliance review: even if everything else looks fine.
3. Why You Shouldn’t Wait Five Years Between Refreshers
Sure, the minimum is every five years. But waiting that long is a bit like only servicing your vehicle when the engine warning light comes on. By then, you might already have problems.
3.1 Legislation Keeps Evolving
New regulations and laws pop up regularly in the transport industry. What was acceptable practice two years ago might not cut it today. A Transport Manager Refresher course ensures you’re working with current information, not outdated assumptions.
3.2 Traffic Commissioner Guidance Updates
Traffic Commissioners regularly issue updated guidance and expectations. Miss these updates, and you might find your operation falling short of standards you didn’t even know existed. Annual refreshers mean you won’t get caught out.
3.3 Maintaining Professional Standards
Let’s face it: transport management is a professional role with serious responsibilities. The Traffic Commissioner expects you to maintain high-quality professional knowledge. Regular refresher training demonstrates that commitment.
4. Who Should Attend a Transport Manager Refresher Course?
This training isn’t just for the person named on the Operator’s Licence. It’s valuable for anyone involved in keeping your operation compliant.
4.1 Newly Qualified Transport Managers
Just passed your TM exams? Congratulations! But passing the exam and running a compliant operation day-to-day are two different things. A Transport Manager Refresher course bridges that gap by showing you exactly what the DVSA and Traffic Commissioner expect in practice.
4.2 Experienced Transport Managers
Been doing this for years? That experience is valuable: but regulations change. A refresher course makes sure you’re not relying on outdated knowledge or practices that have since been superseded.
4.3 Office Staff and Compliance Teams
You don’t need to be the named Transport Manager to benefit from understanding compliance requirements. Office staff who handle driver records, maintenance scheduling, or licensing paperwork will find this training invaluable for their daily work.
4.4 TM Exam Students
Currently studying for your Transport Manager CPC? A refresher course can be a massive help. You’ll see how the theory applies in practice and get a better understanding of what examiners and regulators actually focus on.
5. What Makes Our 2-Day Transport Manager Refresher Different?
We’ve designed our Transport Manager Refresher course based specifically on DVSA audit requirements. That’s not a throwaway statement: we literally cover exactly what the inspectors look for.
5.1 Audit-Focused Content
Rather than generic compliance training, we focus on the systems and documentation that DVSA inspectors actually check during audits. You’ll leave knowing whether your operation would pass inspection: and what to fix if it wouldn’t.
5.2 Road Haulage and Passenger Transport
Whether you’re running lorries, coaches, or both, this course covers the compliance requirements for both Road Haulage and Passenger Transport operations. One course, complete coverage.
5.3 Driver CPC Hours Included
Here’s a bonus that makes this course even more efficient: if you’re also a driver, we can include up to 14 hours of Driver CPC with your refresher training. That’s nearly your full periodic training requirement sorted in one go.
6. Course Details: What You Need to Know
Ready to book? Here are the specifics for our upcoming Transport Manager Refresher course:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days |
| Dates | 11th & 12th February |
| Times | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Location | Our training centre in Wishaw, Central Scotland |
6.1 Pricing (Including VAT)
We’ve kept pricing straightforward:
- £350 for the 2-day Transport Manager Refresher course
- £379.50 for the course + 14 hours of Driver CPC
That second option represents excellent value if you need both TM refresher training and Driver CPC hours. You’re essentially getting your Driver CPC for an extra £29.50.
7. Don’t Wait for an Audit to Find Out
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: most operators don’t think about compliance training until something goes wrong. Maybe it’s a DVSA inspection that raises concerns. Maybe it’s a Traffic Commissioner calling you in for a Public Inquiry. By then, you’re on the back foot.
A Transport Manager Refresher course lets you get ahead of problems before they become problems. You’ll identify gaps in your systems, update your knowledge, and demonstrate to the authorities that you take compliance seriously.
Think of it as insurance. You hope you’ll never need to prove your compliance credentials: but if you do, you’ll be glad you invested in keeping them current.
8. Ready to Book Your Transport Manager Refresher?
Don’t wait for an audit to find out if your compliance is up to scratch. Get it right now and stay one step ahead of the game. 🚛🚌
Our next Transport Manager Refresher course runs on 11th & 12th February at our training centre in Wishaw, Central Scotland. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.
Interested? Drop us a message or visit Open Road Training to get booked in. We’re happy to answer any questions about the course content, what to bring, or how the Driver CPC add-on works.
Keep your operation compliant. Keep your licence safe. Keep your knowledge current.