Description

OLAT, Refresher & Intro to Transport Management Courses

Running a transport operation comes with serious responsibilities. You need to understand operator licensing, stay on top of regulations, and ensure your team knows what they’re doing. Operator licence awareness training is designed to help with all of these areas. Whether you’re a seasoned Transport Manager, an Assistant TM stepping up, or an operator who needs to understand the legal framework, we’ve got training options that fit your role.

Our courses give you the knowledge you need without the unnecessary fluff. Choose from three flexible options: a focused 1-day OLAT course, a comprehensive 2-day TM Refresher, or combine both into a 3-day Introduction to Transport Management programme.

Understanding Your Training Options

1. One-Day OLAT (Operator Licence Awareness Training)

OLAT stands for Operator Licence Awareness Training, and it’s designed for anyone who needs to understand the legal requirements of holding and maintaining an operator licence. This isn’t about becoming a Transport Manager: it’s about understanding your responsibilities as an operator.

The course covers everything you need to know about:

• The different types of operator licences and which one applies to your operation
• Your legal responsibilities as a licence holder
• What the Traffic Commissioner expects from you
• Maintenance requirements and compliance
• Driver hours and working time regulations
• How to avoid common pitfalls that lead to public inquiries
• What happens when things go wrong

You’ll walk away with a solid understanding of what it takes to run a compliant operation. Many operators take this course before applying for their first licence, while others use it as a refresher to ensure they’re staying on the right side of the law.

Who should attend? Company directors, business owners, operations managers, and anyone responsible for an operator licence who doesn’t need the full Transport Manager CPC qualification.

2. Two-Day Transport Manager Refresher Course

Already hold your Transport Manager CPC? This refresher course keeps you sharp and up to date with the latest regulatory changes, industry best practices, and compliance requirements.

The transport industry moves fast. New regulations appear, enforcement priorities shift, and technology changes the way we operate. This two-day course ensures you’re not working with outdated information.

We cover:

• Recent changes to operator licensing regulations
• Updates to driver hours and tachograph rules
• Current Traffic Commissioner guidance and focus areas
• Best practice in vehicle maintenance management
• Risk assessment and compliance monitoring
• Case studies from recent public inquiries
• Practical approaches to common compliance challenges

The course gives you time to discuss real-world scenarios with other Transport Managers, share experiences, and learn from each other. You’ll return to your operation with fresh insights and practical solutions to the challenges you face every day.

Who should attend? Existing Transport Managers who want to stay current, refresh their knowledge, and network with other industry professionals.

3. Three-Day Introduction to Transport Management

This is our most comprehensive option, combining the OLAT course with the TM Refresher content to create a complete introduction to transport management. It’s perfect if you’re working as an Assistant Transport Manager or stepping into a management role without holding the full CPC qualification.

Not every role requires the full Transport Manager CPC. Many operations have a CPC-qualified TM at the top, with assistants and deputies who handle day-to-day compliance tasks. This three-day course gives those individuals the knowledge they need to support the operation effectively.

You’ll gain:

• A complete understanding of operator licensing from the ground up
• Practical knowledge of daily compliance requirements
• The ability to support your Transport Manager effectively
• Confidence in handling routine compliance tasks
• Understanding of when to escalate issues
• Knowledge of best practices across the industry

By combining both courses, you get the legal framework (OLAT) and the practical management skills (Refresher) in one intensive programme. You’ll understand both the “what” and the “how” of transport compliance.

Who should attend? Assistant Transport Managers, Operations Supervisors, Fleet Coordinators, and anyone supporting a Transport Manager who wants comprehensive knowledge without pursuing the full CPC qualification.

Why Compliance Training Matters

You might be thinking, “Do I really need formal training?” Fair question. Let me give you a straight answer.

The Traffic Commissioners take operator licensing seriously. They expect operators to understand their responsibilities, and they regularly call operators to public inquiry when things go wrong. Ignorance isn’t a defence: it’s an admission that you weren’t taking your responsibilities seriously enough.

Recent public inquiry reports show common themes:

• Operators who didn’t understand their maintenance obligations
• Companies that couldn’t demonstrate effective management systems
• Directors who delegated everything without maintaining oversight
• Operations that ignored Traffic Commissioner guidance

Training protects you, your business, and your operator licence. It demonstrates professionalism and commitment to compliance. If you ever face a public inquiry, showing that you invested in proper training strengthens your position considerably.

Choosing the Right Course for Your Needs

Still not sure which option fits your situation? Let me break it down:

Choose the 1-Day OLAT if:

• You’re looking to gain an understanding of operator licencing.
• You’re a director or owner who needs oversight knowledge
• You don’t need Transport Manager qualification
• You want focused training on operator licensing specifically

Choose the 2-Day TM Refresher if:

• You already hold Transport Manager CPC
• You want to stay current with regulatory changes
• You need to refresh your knowledge after time away
• You want to network with other Transport Managers
• You’re looking for practical solutions to current challenges
• You want to know exactly what is expected from you as a Transport Manager

Choose the 3-Day Introduction to Transport Management if:

• You’re working as an Assistant Transport Manager
• You support a qualified TM but want comprehensive knowledge
• You’re moving into a transport management role
• You want the complete picture without pursuing full CPC
• You need both legal framework and practical management skills

Practical Details and Next Steps

All our courses take place at our Training and Exam Centre in Wishaw, Central Scotland. We keep class sizes manageable so you get proper attention and opportunities to ask questions. You’re not sitting in a lecture theatre with 50 other people: you’re learning in an environment where discussion and interaction are encouraged.

We provide all course materials, and you’ll leave with resources you can refer back to when you’re dealing with compliance issues in your operation. Our trainers bring real-world experience: they’ve worked in transport operations, dealt with Traffic Commissioners, and faced the same challenges you’re dealing with.

You can check available dates and book your place directly through our website. We run courses regularly throughout the year, so you can find dates that work around your operational commitments.

Stay Compliant, Stay Confident

Transport compliance doesn’t need to be complicated or intimidating. With the right training, you’ll understand exactly what’s expected and how to deliver it. Whether you need a quick focused course or comprehensive management training, we’ve designed options that fit your role and your schedule.

Don’t wait until you’re facing compliance issues or preparing for a public inquiry. Invest in proper training now and operate with confidence. Your business, your licence, and your peace of mind are worth it.

Ready to book? Got questions about which course suits your situation? Get in touch: we’re here to help you make the right choice.