Tractor Driving and Related Operations, NPTC

A three day course designed for anyone who requires training in all aspects of tractor driving. Areas covered in the training include the safe operation of a tractor.

The course covers the safe operation of a tractor, including the hitching of attachments and, if appropriate, attaching a front-end loader; preparing the tractor for work and operating it safely; and carrying out daily and routine maintenance. Candidates are strongly advised to continue with supervised practice after the training course ends and before the assessment takes place.

The course includes a mixture of theory and practical application and there is an option of two National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC) qualifications:

• Tractor Driving
• Tractor Driving and Loader.

Assessment

• This will be arranged by an National Proficiency Tests Council Assessor at a future date convenient to you.
• Delegates must stipulate at the time of application if they wish to be assessed on (a) Tractor Driving or (b) Tractor Driving and Loader.

Place of study
Study takes place at the Brackenhurst campus. Located near the market town of Southwell and just 14 miles from Nottingham city centre, Brackenhurst is an idyllic 200 hectare estate with specialist units, making it a unique place to learn.

Brackenhurst benefits from:

• purpose-built teaching facilities
• an equestrian centre
• a brand-new Veterinary Nursing Building and Animal Unit

New student accommodation is also available and students have on-site access to:

• a library
• a careers service
• computing facilities
• a shop
• a cafe
• a bar.

Tour the Brackenhurst campus on an Open Day

• Check out our Flickr photostream!
• Find out more about the facilities at Brackenhurst.

Course content:

• Understand the legislation affecting the use of tractors on- and off-highway.
• Identify the principal hazards faced by a tractor operator, and describe possible risk control measures.
• Inspect a tractor to ensure it complies with this legislation.
• Carry out essential daily and routine maintenance of a tractor, identify safety related faults.
• Understand the purpose and implications of the instruments and controls.
• Drive a tractor safely and efficiently with/without attachments.
• Attach trailed and mounted equipment safely and efficiently.
• Attach a PTO drive-shaft safely and efficiently.
• Manoeuvre the tractor with attachments through areas of restricted height and width in a safe manner.
• Operate a front-end loader safely and efficiently.
• State the procedures to be observed when cleaning and inspecting the tractor and reporting defects.