Yard Shunter Training
A yard shunter moves heavy goods vehicles and trailers around your yard or off-road premises — coupling and uncoupling safely and manoeuvring in tight, busy spaces. On-site manoeuvring is a leading cause of workplace collisions, so competent shunters matter.
Whether your staff are new to shunting or experienced hands due a refresh, we train them at your premises on your vehicles — so the skills transfer straight to the job. Training is tailored to rigid or articulated vehicles and to your site’s own layout and procedures.
On your vehicles, on your site
Training matched to your yard, your combinations and the way you actually operate.
Novice to refresher
Pitched to each delegate’s experience and the class of licence they hold.
Established 1997
Almost 30 years of transport training behind every course.
Who it’s for
What the course covers
- The vehicle, trailer and its equipment
- Pre-use inspection and daily checks (tractor unit and trailer)
- Vehicle and trailer controls
- Correct coupling and uncoupling (articulated and drawbar combinations)
- Slow-speed driving and manoeuvring techniques
- Blind spots, loading bays and confined spaces
- Safe parking and general safety precautions
- Site-specific safety policies and your responsibility for others
- The recommended HSE code of signals
For moving vehicles solely on private, off-road premises we can tailor a ‘site-shunter’ course to your operation and vehicle type. For driving on the public road an LGV licence is still required — contact us and we’ll point you the right way.
How it works
- On-site at your premisesDelivered at your premises, on your own vehicles, so the skills transfer straight to the job.
- Half a day to two daysDuration depends on the number of people, their experience, the licence held and the difficulty of the role.
- Theory and practicalBoth the knowledge and the practice of safely manoeuvring vehicles around the yard.
- Assessed on completionEach delegate is formally assessed, with a certificate for successful candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do my staff need an LGV licence to be a shunter?
For driving on the public road, yes. For moving vehicles solely on private, off-road premises we can tailor a site-shunter course to your operation and vehicle type — just contact us.
Is this suitable for novice and experienced staff?
Both. The course is pitched to each delegate’s experience, from complete novices to experienced shunters wanting a refresher.
Can you train on articulated and drawbar combinations?
Yes. Correct coupling and uncoupling is covered for both articulated and drawbar combinations.
How many people can you train?
From a single delegate to a whole team. Group size affects duration, so contact us with your numbers and we’ll advise on the right format.
Does the training support our health & safety duties?
Yes. Training your shunters supports your obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act and PUWER, and each delegate is assessed on completion.
Contact us for details
Tell us your vehicles and site and we’ll come back with full details and a quote for on-site training.