New driver qualification certificate
Until now, virtually every professional driver (truck and bus) had to attend a new course every five years and deal with a whole range of further training topics. This was documented by entering the code number "95" in his driver's license. Without this entry, a truck driver was not allowed to drive commercially. As of May 2021, a number of things will change in this area. For example, the language of the exceptions that determine when a driver is not required to obtain an initial qualification and complete regular continuing education has been revised. Starting in May 2021, the "Driver Qualification Certificate" will be newly issued nationwide. It serves as proof of an existing professional driver qualification and replaces the entry of the key number "95" in the driver's license. The "Driver Qualification Certificate" can also be issued in cases where it was previously not possible to enter the code number "95" in the driver's license. For example, in the case of a foreign driver's license.
Further training remains at a high level
The topics and content of the advanced training for truck drivers remain at the usual high level. The subject areas of the five modules are constantly updated and adapted. These include content from areas such as eco-training, social regulations for freight transport, safety technology and driving safety, the driver as a service provider, image bearer and professional, as well as load securing. Some areas are also strongly linked to Edscha TS topics. Load safety, for example, always plays a prominent role in Edscha TS hood solutions. By the way, so does a practice-oriented technology that impresses with its speed and convenience. Those who use Edscha TS - Concealment Solutions may therefore already know many of the answers to the questions that will later arise in one of the modules.
Professional driver qualification register as a central office
As of May 2021, the "Professional Driver Qualification Register" managed by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) will also begin operation. In this register, the qualification measures of drivers will be recorded and can be exchanged within the EU if necessary. The organizational processes required with the establishment of the "Professional Driver Qualification Register" necessitate the standardization of the recognition and monitoring procedure for training centers. This is because in the future these will also be able to transmit data to the KBA for storage in the professional driver qualification register. In the future, drivers will be able to receive credit for other training courses they have completed, thus reducing the amount of training they need to complete. In addition, the learning content to be taught has been updated and is no longer listed exhaustively in order to be able to react more flexibly to technical innovations in the course of instruction.
New regulations for the transport of dangerous goods
Since the beginning of this year, there have also been new regulations for affected companies and drivers in the area of hazardous goods transport. In particular, many provisions of the ADR regulations for the safe international transport of dangerous goods by road have been revised. The ADR specifies which goods are to be classified as dangerous goods and which safety measures are to be observed during transport. Further regulations concern labeling and documentation as well as the design of containers, tanks and dangerous goods vehicles. It regulates both commercial and private transport of dangerous goods. The new regulations are mainly more precise formulations of important text passages and clarifications of terms. Companies and drivers who have to apply the ADR 2021 regulations can take advantage of a transition period until June 30, 2021. After this date, dangerous goods transports must be handled even more safely than before in accordance with the ADR regulations.
Money for new trucks! But only if...
The much-discussed truck scrapping premium is coming - with immediate effect. With this step, the German government wants to support the purchase of brand-new trucks, which until now fulfilled the requirements of the current Euro VI emission level, with up to 15,000 euros, if an old truck of the Euro III, IV or V emission levels is scrapped at the same time. Another new feature is that the subsidy will only be granted if a turn-off assistance system (AAS) is installed in the new truck. This is intended to increase traffic safety when trucks turn right. The main reason for this is the large number of accidents that occur when truck drivers, who are usually seated higher up, overlook cyclists or pedestrians in the blind spot next to their vehicles. Modern turn assistants can send out warning signals or brake automatically in such situations. However, these technical systems have not yet been made generally mandatory.
