A Banksman is an operative trained to assist vehicle movements on or around site. The TTS course covers both hand signalling for staff directing vehicles and practical instruction and assessment for those drivers being directed.

The training has two objectives:

• Drivers of large (heavy) goods vehicles get practical guidance on safely reversing and allows them to understand non-verbal directions when driving.


• Those directing vehicles receive practical advice on how to give instructions to drivers.

Banksman training ensures that an organisation meets its legal requirements and reduces the risk of costly accidents when carrying out reversing manoeuvres.  It is regarded as industry best practice for maintaining a safe working environment and reduces the risk of injury or vehicle downtime when drivers are engaging in vehicle manoeuvres.  

Banksman training is suitable for Drivers / Signalmen / Reversing Assistants who are involved with the movement of vehicles within a site. 

This could be anyone that regularly drivers a large goods vehicle (either rigid or articulated) and is involved in manoeuvring, loading and unloading vehicles or anyone that is responsible for directing drivers within a site.

Participants of this course will learn how to give and understand non-verbal directions.

Banksman training is usually something that’s provided by your employer in the transport industry, however, drivers working through an agency, for example, might find Banksman training to be beneficial when applying for jobs because it demonstrates competency and is evidence of proactive health and safety awareness.

Our Banksman training course teaches delegates how to guide large goods vehicles (either rigid or articulated), using the universally recognised HSE approved code of signals.

The course content includes:

• Health & Safety issues


• Responsibilities/instructions of a banksman


• Hand signals


• Practical application of hand signals


• Responsibilities/instructions for drivers

A Banksman / Reversing Assistant Course is awareness training and is no longer a certified course (formerly HSE), however it is considered industry best practice for all relevant staff to receive this important health and safety training.  

In many organisations, employers or their insurance provider may require this training to be refreshed or updated on a regular basis. 

Trainees will receive a certificate of attendance upon completion of the course provided a sufficient level of competence has been observed.

TTS can provide Banksman training at our transport training centre in Nutts Corner or at your premises as required.  It is often beneficial for training to be completed on the site where trainees will be carrying out or assisting manoeuvres.  It is recommended that staff work in a group when receiving this training.  Please note, a minimum number of participants will be required for Level 2 Banksman for Reversing Vehicles training if it is to be carried out on business premises away from TTS.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of the registered charity, Transport Training Board for Northern Ireland, TTS has a genuine, longstanding interest in facilitating best practice and the highest levels of compliance for the industries that we serve.

We are recognised as an industry-leading training provider, supporting the Northern Irish transport industry with trusted career development.  Because our sole attention is on the transport and retail motor sectors in Northern Ireland, we have a real depth of knowledge, backed by over 50 years’ experience.

We focus on providing class-leading expertise, purpose-built facilities and modern teaching methods to deliver relevant skills for the 21st century.  

As well as delivering training at our conveniently located and modern Nutts Corner facility, with ample free parking, we can also provide on-site training as required.

Course Cancellation 

No refund will be made to delegates who fail to attend classes or who do not complete the course. Cancellation must be made in writing or by email ten working days before the course commences or course closing date, otherwise full fees will be charged and no refund will be made. 

Course Transfers/Substitutions 

Companies and individuals may substitute participants at any time prior to the start of the course without additional payment. Companies and individuals can transfer their booking(s) to another date without any additional payments. Course transfer requires that notification by phone or e-mail is received by Transport Training Services at least 10 working days prior to the course commencement date. 

You will have the right to cancel the booking of a training course up to ten working days before the commencement of that course or course closing date. In that event you will be entitled to a full refund, less a £10.00 administration fee. At any time in advance of a course, you can substitute the name of the attendee for another name, without charge. 

We reserve the right to cancel any training course. We shall not be required to provide any reason for such a cancellation. In that event you will be entitled to a full refund.