SP Training chooses Renault Trucks T 380 for next generation driver training

SP Training has taken delivery of a new Renault Trucks T 380 box truck from Diamond Trucks, adding a modern, technology-led rigid to its 14-strong driver training fleet. As a training provider, it is committed to ensuring its learners have access to the latest vehicle technology used in today’s transport industry.

The new vehicle, fitted with a Fosters Commercials box body and finished in SP Training’s distinctive livery by AST Signs, replaces an older rigid and will support SP Training’s Professional Driver Training Programme, alongside Driver Trainer Assessor courses and wider logistics training.

Based in Carlisle, Cumbria, SP Training has been delivering logistics training for more than 25 years. The business provides training for individuals and employers across the UK, including HGV and coach driver training, apprenticeships, Driver CPC, transport manager training and workforce development.

With a team of more than 20 instructors, supported by subcontractor trainers when demand requires it, SP Training works with a wide range of learners. These include young apprentices gaining their first vocational licence, experienced drivers looking to upskill, mechanics requiring HGV licences, ambulance-sector drivers and people making a later-life career change.

The new Renault Trucks T 380 joins a mixed training fleet ranging from 7.5-tonne vehicles to rigid trucks and 44-tonne artics and follows the arrival of a Renault Trucks T 430 4x2 tractor unit supplied by Diamond Trucks in 2024.

A modern platform for real-world training

Richard Attenborough, Fleet and Facilities Manager and Driver Trainer at SP Training, said the latest Renault Trucks T models are proving an ideal fit for the business.

“We are training tomorrow’s driver today, so we need vehicles that reflect what learners are going to experience when they move into real-world operations,” he said.

“Having a modern, professional vehicle makes a big difference to the training environment. The Renault Trucks T range gives us the cab space, comfort, visibility and ease of use we need. It is a very user-friendly platform, with a great driving position and the right environment for both learners and instructors.”

The new T 380 is already in daily use supporting candidates working towards their licences, as well as driver assessment and instructor-led training.

Richard added: “The students enjoy training in the latest Renault Trucks vehicles. They get excited about training in it and, from an instructor’s point of view, it’s one of the best training platforms we've come across."

Technology that supports safer training

SP Training chose the Renault Trucks T 380 for its spacious T cab and specified the vehicle with Renault Trucks’ camera-based mirror system, reflecting the type of technology increasingly being introduced across modern fleets.

Dave Trousdale, Driver Trainer at SP Training, commented: “The camera and sensor systems on the T 380 give us a more advanced view of what is happening around the vehicle, helping us coach learners more effectively on observation, positioning and road safety. It means drivers leave us better prepared for the technology they are likely to encounter in the real world.”

The T 380 has been fitted with a bespoke Fosters Commercials box body, designed around SP Training’s operational and training requirements. The body has been specified to carry the necessary test weight while maintaining a body profile that matches the cab height.

Richard added: “Fosters Commercials listened to exactly what we needed from the body. It had to meet the requirements for training and testing but also work properly with the vehicle. They did a fantastic job.”

Supported for the long term by Diamond Trucks

With the latest generation Renault Trucks T cab now proving its value across SP Training’s driver training operation, the business expects to keep the new T 380 in service for the long term, supported by Diamond Trucks.

As well as supplying both vehicles, Diamond Trucks supports SP Training with inspections, servicing, MOTs and day-to-day maintenance, helping keep its training vehicles available for learners and customers.

Richard said: “The support from Mike [Carr] and the team at Diamond Trucks has been brilliant. They listened to what we needed, helped put together the right platform and delivered the truck ahead of time. They also understand our training needs and how important it is to not have a vehicle off the road. They are always very accommodating and turn the vehicles around quickly.”

Michael Carr, Commercial Vehicle Sales Executive at Diamond Trucks, commented: “The Renault Trucks T 380 is a great fit for SP Training, combining the cab space, visibility, safety technology and driver comfort needed in a busy training environment.

“We’re proud to support Richard and the team as they continue to invest in modern Renault Trucks vehicles. It’s a great example of how the Renault Trucks T range can deliver not only for operators, but for the people training the next generation of professional drivers.”