CPCS Ride on Roller (A31) - Novice

Master the Ride-On Roller and Pave Your Path to New Opportunities

What is the CPCS Ride on Roller course?

The CPCS Ride on Roller course is specifically designed for individuals seeking a formal qualification to operate a ride-on roller, which is essential for various construction and road works projects. This course is structured to accommodate both novice and experienced operators, tailoring the training to their respective skill levels.

For those new to operating ride-on rollers, the training provider will conduct a learner analysis will assess their background and experience. This analysis helps determine the appropriate length of training needed to ensure all fundamental skills and safety protocols are thoroughly covered. Typically, this training might extend over several days to provide comprehensive instruction.

Experienced operators have the option of a condensed program, typically lasting two days. This shorter course is focused on refining skills and updating the operators on the latest safety standards and operational techniques.

Course Content

What can I expect from this CPCS Roller Ticket course?

From the CPCS Ride on Roller course, you can expect comprehensive training that will cover all essential aspects of operating a ride-on roller safely and effectively in construction settings. Here’s a detailed overview of what the course includes:

Pre-Start, Running Checks, and Shutdown Procedures: You'll learn how to conduct all necessary checks before starting the roller, the checks needed while the roller is running, and the proper shutdown procedures to ensure the machine is left safe and secure.
Setting the Roller for Travel: Instruction on how to configure the roller for travel, ensuring it's ready and safe for movement on site.
Awareness of On-Site Hazards: The course will enhance your ability to identify potential hazards on the construction site, helping you to operate the roller safely in various environments.
Setting the Roller for Compaction Duties: You'll receive detailed training on how to set up the roller for different compaction tasks, including adjustments for specific site conditions and materials.
Placing the Roller in and Out of Service Condition: Training will include how to properly secure the roller when not in use and prepare it for operation.
Recognising Compacted/Uncompacted Areas: The course teaches how to discern between compacted and uncompacted areas, a crucial skill for ensuring quality and efficiency in compaction tasks.
Conditions that May Cause Instability of the Roller: You will learn about various conditions that can affect the stability of the roller, such as uneven ground or improper loading, and how to manage these risks.
Safety Procedures When Working Up to Unsupported Edges: Specific safety protocols will be covered to address the risks associated with operating near unsupported edges, critical for preventing accidents.
Loading and Unloading Procedures On/Off a Transporter: Finally, you'll learn the correct procedures for loading and unloading the roller from transport vehicles, an essential skill for transporting the roller between different job sites safely.

Overall, this CPCS Ride on Roller course prepares you thoroughly for safe and effective operation of ride-on rollers, focusing on practical skills, safety awareness, and adherence to operational standards.

Entry Requirements

Are there any entry requirements for the CPCS Roller ticket training course?

Before enrolling on the course, learners must meet the following requirements:

Health, Safety, and Environment Test: Learners need to have passed the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test for Operatives within the last two years. This test confirms a basic understanding of essential safety practices needed for working on construction and industrial sites.
Language Skills: A strong grasp of both spoken and written English is necessary. This ensures learners can effectively comprehend course materials, follow safety instructions, and communicate clearly while on the job.

These entry requirements are there to make sure that all participants are well-prepared for the course, allowing them to fully benefit from the training and enhancing safety and learning outcomes on site.

Assessment

How is the CPCS Ride on Roller training course assessed?

The CPCS Ride on Roller training course is evaluated through a blend of instructional methods and assessments designed to ensure that participants are competent in operating ride-on rollers. Here's a breakdown of the assessment process:

Instructional Phase:

The course includes a mixture of classroom-based teaching where theoretical knowledge, including safety regulations, operational procedures, and handling techniques, are discussed. This is complimented by practical exercises where learners get hands-on experience operating the ride-on roller under supervised conditions.

Assessment Day:

Following the initial training phase, there is a dedicated assessment day which consists of the CPCS technical tests. These tests are designed to evaluate the learners' understanding and practical skills comprehensively.

Theory Test: This may include written or verbal questions focusing on safety knowledge, operational proficiency, and the ability to handle potential on-site scenarios.
Practical Test: Participants must demonstrate their ability to safely and effectively operate a ride-on roller, performing specific tasks that they would typically encounter in a real-world setting.

Successfully passing both the theory and practical elements of the CPCS technical tests is required to obtain certification. This structured approach ensures that operators are well-prepared to handle ride-on rollers safely and proficiently on any construction site.

Certification

Upon successfully completing the CPCS technical tests for the Ride on Roller training course, learners will receive a Red CPCS Trained Operator Card. This card is valid for two years and indicates that the holder has met the initial training requirements to operate ride-on rollers under supervision.

Progression to CPCS Blue Card:

After obtaining the Red CPCS Card, operators are expected to gain practical, on-site experience. Within the two-year validity period of the Red Card, operators must also complete an NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations, focusing specifically on preparing and operating ride-on rollers. Successfully achieving this NVQ is essential for applying for the Blue CPCS Competent Operator Card.

The Blue Card, which demonstrates a higher level of skill and experience, is renewable every five years and signifies the operator's continued competence and commitment to safety in plant operations.

This structured pathway ensures that operators not only acquire the necessary skills but also maintain and update their proficiency over time.

FAQs

Available training dates

Search below to browse through thousands of course dates across the UK.

Find a training date

FAQs

What is a ride on roller?

A ride-on roller is a type of heavy construction equipment used primarily for compacting materials like soil, gravel, concrete, or asphalt in the construction of roads and foundations. Unlike handheld compactors, ride-on rollers are larger machines that an operator can sit on and drive, much like a small vehicle.

Types of Ride-On Rollers

Ride-on rollers come in various sizes and configurations, each suited for specific types of projects:

Single-Drum Rollers: These rollers have a single large drum in the front and wheels or a drum at the back to provide support. They are primarily used for compacting large flat areas and are effective on granular materials as well as asphalt.
Double-Drum Rollers: These feature drums both in the front and the back, which allows for greater control and uniform pressure distribution. Double-drum rollers are ideal for asphalt projects like roads and pathways where a smooth finish is required.
Tandem Rollers: A form of double-drum roller, these are used for finishing projects to create a high-quality, smooth surface.
Pneumatic Rollers: Equipped with several rubber tires instead of steel drums, pneumatic rollers are used for compacting soil and asphalt, providing more uniform compaction due to the flexibility of the tires.

Features and Uses

Vibration and Oscillation: Many ride-on rollers have vibrating drums that help achieve deeper compaction. Oscillation or vibrating forces help to compact material beneath the surface, creating a dense and solid foundation.
Manoeuvrability: Smaller ride-on rollers are agile and can work well in confined spaces, making them suitable for both large construction sites and smaller projects like landscaping or pathway construction.
Versatility: Some models come with adjustable settings that allow the operator to control the amount of compaction force, making them versatile for different materials and layers of compaction.

Ride-on rollers are essential in various sectors, including road construction, agriculture, landscaping, and anywhere a solid, compacted base is required. They ensure that the foundation or the paving material is compact enough to withstand large loads and maintain durability.

How much do Roller Operators make in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, the average salary for a roller operator is approximately £32,503 per year, or around £16.67 per hour. Those entering the field can expect to start at an annual salary of about £29,250, while highly experienced roller operators can earn up to £40,000 per year. These figures reflect the range of pay across different experience levels in this profession.

How to get a road roller licence?

To get a road roller license in the UK, specifically the Group G category for driving rollers, you can follow these practical steps:

Book the Test: Schedule your driving test for the Group G category online at the official government website: https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test (during booking, you can specify your preferred location for the test.)

Test Confirmation: After booking, the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) will contact you to confirm the date and time of your test. It’s possible to arrange back-to-back tests at the same location if multiple people are taking the test.

Test Day Arrangements:

Meet the Examiner: On the day of the test, the examiner will arrive at your chosen location (typically a yard or similar setting where the road roller is stored).
Discuss the Route: Before starting, you’ll discuss a suitable test route with the examiner. This considers the slow speed of the roller and any specific traits of the vehicle, such as starting mechanisms for vintage rollers.

Perform the Test: The driving portion generally lasts about 45 minutes. It includes:

Navigating out of the yard and onto public roads.
Completing turns in both directions.
Performing controlled and emergency stops.
Reversing around a corner and pulling out from behind a parked vehicle.

Observational Skills: Ensure you demonstrate clear and constant awareness of your surroundings by actively checking mirrors and making your observations obvious to the examiner.

Highway Code and Signage: After the driving, expect to answer questions on the highway code as it pertains to rollers or specialist vehicles.

Road Sign Identification: You will also be asked to identify various road signs.

Test Cost: As of the latest information, the test costs £62.

By preparing thoroughly and familiarising yourself with the road roller you will be tested on, you can approach your Group G driving test with confidence. Remember, the key is to demonstrate safe and competent driving practices specifically adapted to the unique characteristics of a road roller.