The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has renewed a two-year contract with BSM in which it will provide intensive driver training courses to MOD soldiers.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has renewed a two-year contract with BSM in which it will provide intensive driver training courses to MOD soldiers.
The Ł5 million deal, which was agreed after a tender process, sees BSM providing 95 driving instructors across the MOD’s 20 Defensive School of Transport’s sites in the south of the country – reinforcing BSM’s position as the largest single supplier of driving instructors.
As part of their phase two training, MOD soldiers are required to pass a B and B plus E category licence, which allows them to operate a single motor vehicle or a motor vehicle with a trailer – a crucial element in progressing with the MOD.
BSM instructors will provide students with a rigorous teaching programme, consisting of seven and half hours driving per day, for eight consecutive days before sitting a test. The MOD is requesting an 85% pass rate for their soldiers - BSM’s successive track record in intensive training in this area ensures over a 90% pass rate.
Mike Walden, training manager for the Defensive School of Transport - south, said: “BSM has provided a constant supply of instructors to meet our normal throughput and provided additional resources to meet our operational requirement. Over the years, they have consistently improved the pass rate.”
Andy James, commercial director at BSM, said: “This win strengthens BSM’s position as a market leader in the driver training industry, and reflects our commitment and expertise.
“Working with our instructors, providing intensive training to increase pass rates, helps ensure that BSM always meets the needs of its partners.”
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BSM/RAC Press office contacts:
Lucy Haughey on 01603 354337/07800 690 149 and Adam Cracknell on 01603 684 916/07800 699 517
Notes to editors:
About BSM
Founded in 1910, BSM is the UK's most experienced national driving school. Each year it teaches over 160,000 learners how to drive. It has approx. 3,400 driving instructors across the UK.
While BSM is best known for teaching learner drivers, it is also one of the largest providers of training for driving instructors. It is a founding member of ORDIT (Official Registry of Driving Instructor Training) and plays an active role in lobbying the Government on road safety and learner driver-related issues.
About RAC
With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections and checks, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists' needs. RAC incorporates BSM, RAC Auto Windscreens, RAC Direct Insurance and HPI.
Aviva bought RAC in May 2005. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one in seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 14%.
RAC's news releases and a selection of images are available from the internet press centre at www.racnews.co.uk.