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Loading, transporting and offloading petroleum products is a job that requires stringent safety measures and strict regulatory compliance. The Petroleum Driver Passport, also known as the PDP, is designed to ensure that all tanker drivers in the UK are trained and assessed to a consistent standard, therefore improving safety and competence in the industry.
At Schenk Tanktransport, we have strict regulations that ensure all our drivers meet high standards. We prioritise safety, efficiency, and compliance, which means that all of our UK drivers involved in the transportation of petroleum fuel products must hold a valid PDP.
In this blog, we will explore exactly what a Petroleum Driver Passport is, how to obtain it and how we, as a company, ensure strict compliance with this certification.
What is the Petroleum Driver Passport?
The Petroleum Driver Passport is a voluntary training and assessment Scheme established across the industry. Its goal is to enhance and maintain consistently high safety standards in the fuel distribution sector.
The PDP was introduced 11 years ago by the Downstream Fuel Distribution Forum (DFDF), a partnership of employers, industry bodies and trade unions with representation from the Department for Transport and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, with the intention of making the industry safer for all those involved.
The requirement of the PDP Scheme has improved the safety culture across the industry, ensuring that all workers meet set safety requirements and training levels.
The introduction of the PDP has been instrumental in helping to reduce the risks of transporting petroleum fuel products. UK terminals are the enforcement point with respect to drivers holding a Petroleum Driver Passport and they require any driver loading petroleum fuel products to hold a Petroleum Driver Passport. Those joining the industry to become a fuel driver will undergo PDP training courses.
A driver’s Petroleum Driver Passport is valid for five years. After five years, drivers will need to renew their Passport via training and assessment. Though the PDP only requires renewal every five years, all drivers are required to undergo an annual refresher in order to retain the validity of their passports.
Who Needs a PDP?
The PD Passport is required for the following drivers:
- Drivers who transport petroleum products in the UK.
- Drivers who operate within the downstream oil sector.
- Drivers who deliver fuel to petrol stations, distribution centres, or industrial sites.
At Schenk UK, obtaining a PDP is an essential part of our driver training programme, and we will not allow any driver to transport petroleum fuel products without the correct training.
Why is the Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP) Important?
As we have already established, drivers of petroleum fuel products need to hold a PDP and undergo Petroleum Driver Passport training, but the following reasons provide further detail as to why it is so important.
Improving Safety in The Fuel Transportation Industry
The delivery of hazardous materials, such as petroleum, comes with significant risks. Though logistic delivery companies, such as Schenk, will go to efforts to introduce safety management procedures to make the delivery process safer, the PDP provides the added reassurance that all drivers are properly trained and are able to manage the associated risks.
In this industry, it is essential for all drivers to follow the correct loading, driving and unloading procedures, so having drivers complete this additional training helps to ensure this.
Environmental Protection
Petroleum spills and the mishandling of fuel can have severe environmental consequences. At Schenk, we are dedicated to sustainable practices and training our drivers using the PDP syllabus gives us further security that they have the necessary knowledge to follow the necessary health and safety regulations in case of issues such as leaks, which could be detrimental to the environment.
Regulatory Compliance
The rules and regulations outlined in the PDP align with the safety regulations, including the Approved Code of Conduct L133, Unloading Petrol from Road Tankers, Dangerous substances and explosive atmosphere regulations (DSEAR) and the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations.
Obtaining a PDP demonstrates compliance with and understanding of these legal requirements.
Industry-Wide Consistency
Prior to the implementation of the Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP), training and assessment procedures varied significantly among organisations, resulting in discrepancies in safety standards. The PDP introduces a standardised training and assessment framework, ensuring that all drivers, irrespective of their employer, adhere to the same elevated standards of safety and competency.
How Do You Obtain a PDP?
Now that you better understand what a PDP is and why drivers must obtain one, we will explore how to obtain one and provide further details about the assessment process.
Training and Assessment
To obtain their PDP, drivers are expected to complete a PDP training course by an approved training provider.
The course covers the following five learning outcomes. Drivers need to be able to:
1. Prepare to deliver petroleum products by road tanker.
2. Load petroleum products into road tankers.
3. Drive petroleum product road tankers.
4. Offload petroleum products.
5. Deliver petroleum products by road tanker – industry sub-sector requirements
The details of each of these learning outcomes is given in the Petroleum Fuel Tanker Driver: Industry Training Standard. These learning requirements have then been translated into the PD Passport Syllabus, ensuring the training complements and builds on the ADR training, without duplicating it.
After completing their training, the drivers will undergo a theory exam that covers the regulations and safety protocols. This assessment is governed and marked by the PDP Scheme Manager, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). Once they have passed the theory assessment, they then have to complete a practical assessment, where they are expected to demonstrate competence in loading, driving, unloading and following emergency procedures.
Certification and Validity
Drivers who successfully pass both the theoretical and practical assessments will be issued a Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP), valid for five years. However, to maintain the validity of their PDP status throughout this period, drivers must complete annual refresher classroom training and pass a practical assessment covering loading, driving and delivery each year.
Renewal of Certification
Before drivers reach the five-year expiry date, they are expected to undergo the full PDP assessment that includes a full classroom training session, and passing the theory exam and practical assessment in order to obtain their certification. The renewal process is important to ensure that all drivers are aware of the latest industry regulations and are able to continue their compliance.
Maintaining the PDP Scheme
The PDP Scheme was developed by and is overseen by the Downstream Fuel Distribution Forum. The DFDF appointed the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) as the PDP Scheme Manager and they handle the day-to-day running of the Scheme, including approving training providers, registering drivers and marking exams. To ensure the Scheme remains current, the DFDF has established a sub-group, the PDP Management Group, to work with SQA on the management of the Scheme. The remit of this sub-group includes monitoring trends, alerting training providers to new industry information, and reviewing and updating the Syllabus and question banks.
Schenk UK Involvement
As proactive and committed members of the Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP) Scheme, Schenk takes an active role in shaping the future of safety and training standards within the fuel transport industry. Our involvement goes beyond compliance – we actively contribute to industry development by having representation on the both DFDF and the PDP Management Group, further demonstrating Schenk’s commitment to safety and high standards across the industry.
This level of involvement provides Schenk with a unique opportunity to take a forward-thinking and collaborative approach to influencing industry direction. By participating in these groups, we help guide the evolution of safety protocols, training standards, and regulatory alignment. It also allows us to champion the PDP Scheme – —advocating for its adoption, upholding its standards, and ensuring it remains a credible and valuable benchmark for driver competency and professionalism.
Schenk Tanktransport and PDP Compliance
At Schenk, safety is paramount. Through our years of experience, we have learned that transporting petroleum requires the highest levels of skill, professionalism, and expertise. That is why all our employees involved in the transportation of petroleum fuel products must hold a valid PDP.
Over the years, we have developed a comprehensive strategy to ensure compliance with PDP regulations. Some of the ways that we are able to ensure compliance include:
Rigorous and Continuous Driver Training
Training does not just stop at the initial assessment; we provide rigorous training to ensure that all of our drivers are up to date with the latest protocols and industry regulations.
Regular Driver Assessments
We ensure that all of our petroleum tanker drivers complete their yearly refresh assessment and maintain compliance with industry standards. If, at any point, our drivers feel they need to develop their industry knowledge further, we will provide them with additional training.
Commitment to Best Practices
Safety is not something we compromise at Schenk Tanktransport. We follow the strictest safety procedures in fuel handling, taking every precaution to minimise risks while ensuring the efficient delivery of our fuels.
Investment in Safety and Innovation
Thanks to our advanced fleet technology, real-time monitoring systems, and stringent operational procedures, we are able to enhance both safety and efficiency across our operations. To ensure the safety of our drivers and the general public as a priority, our vehicles are equipped with telematics and integrated camera solutions to provide continuous insights into vehicle performance, driver behaviour and driving style.
Safe Transportation With Schenk Tanktransport
At Schenk, we take pride in our commitment to safety and excellence. Thanks to our team of PDP-certified drivers, we are able to provide efficient, reliable and compliant fuel transportation services.
In this article, we aimed to provide a clear explanation of the Petroleum Driver Passport and emphasise its significance in reducing industry risks.
For further information on the PDP scheme and content please visit: www.pdpassport.com
