Ride on Road Roller CPCS A31 Course
Key Features
Of this Ride on Road Roller A31 Course:
- Covers safe operation of ride-on road rollers across single drum, tandem and three-wheeled variants on varied surfaces
- Includes pre-use checks, compaction techniques, edge work and working near live traffic or services
- Addresses stability, ground conditions, slope work and emergency procedures in real site environments
- Combines classroom theory with extensive practical time on representative equipment
- Leads to a recognised CPCS red or blue card on successful completion of theory and practical tests
Course Date Availability
Ride on Road Roller A31 training at the following 5 centres. Prices from £795 per person :
| Training Centres | Next Available Dates |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | 22nd Jun 2026 |
| Doncaster | 10th Jun 2026 |
| Edinburgh | 23rd Jun 202626th Aug 2026 |
| Taunton | 23rd Jun 202620th Jul 2026 |
| Tonbridge | 15th Jun 202629th Jun 2026 |
Course Information
Overview:
The CPCS A31 Ride on Road Roller course provides comprehensive training for operators who need to compact surfaces safely and effectively on construction and civil engineering sites. Delegates learn to handle single-drum, tandem and three-wheeled rollers while managing different material types, gradients and site constraints that are typical in UK road construction and maintenance work. The qualification confirms competence in pre-use inspections, correct compaction passes, working near excavations or live carriageways and clear communication with banksmen and other plant. In 2026 this remains the standard industry benchmark for demonstrating that an operator can contribute to quality compaction while minimising risk to themselves and others on site.
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed for:
- Experienced plant operators seeking a formal CPCS category for ride-on rollers
- Groundworkers and labourers moving into roller operation roles
- Site supervisors who need to understand roller capabilities and limitations
- Highway maintenance teams required to demonstrate competence for public sector contracts
- Construction contractors working on new roads, car parks and hardstanding areas
What You Will Learn
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Conduct thorough pre-start checks and identify defects on single and double drum rollers
- Select appropriate roller type and drum configuration for different materials and layer thicknesses
- Perform straight-line and overlap passes to achieve specified compaction density
- Work safely on inclines, cambers and edges while maintaining machine stability
- Coordinate with ground staff and manage exclusion zones around the machine
- Recognise and respond to changing ground conditions, weather and nearby services
Course Agenda
Overview:
The course runs over three to five days depending on delegate experience and combines one day of theory and legislation with two to four days of practical instruction and assessment. Sessions take place in a dedicated training area with representative roller models and realistic site simulations.
Key Modules Covered
What you will learn:
- Health, safety and legal responsibilities including LOLER, PUWER and HSG guidance
- Machine types, controls and instrumentation for ride-on rollers
- Pre-use inspections, fluid checks and reporting procedures
- Compaction theory, pass patterns and density testing awareness
- Manoeuvring, turning and working on slopes and restricted areas
- Working near pedestrians, traffic and underground services
- End-of-shift procedures, parking and isolation
- Theory test preparation and practical skills assessment
Private Courses On-site
Ride on Road Roller CPCS A31 training is also available as a dedicated course, at your premises, and on a date and time of your choosing. Advantages of group / private course is the convenience of candidates being in familiar surroundings and not having to travel, the lowest price, and the ability to have the course tailored to your own application.
Latest Delegate Feedback
⭐ Rated 4.5 By Our Candidates - (185 reviews)
Something wholly worth attending...
★★★★★
5 ⭐ – Andy L - Mon 11th May 2026
From start to finish the Ride on Road Roller CPCS A31 class conducted on our site was full of useful and useable content.
★★★★★
5 ⭐ – Dominika - Sun 10th May 2026
Ride on Road Roller A31 Course conducted on our site was fun and useful.
★★★★★
5 ⭐ – Stephen S - Sat 9th May 2026
Good value...
★★★★★
5 ⭐ – Mick H - Fri 8th May 2026
Accreditation & Next Steps
What you will achieve as a result:
Delegates who pass both the CPCS theory and practical tests receive a CPCS red trained operator card valid for two years. Within that period they must complete an NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations to convert to a five-year blue competent operator card. The qualification is recorded on the CITB database and is widely accepted by principal contractors and clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most commonly asked Ride on Road Roller CPCS A31 questions:
Duration varies from three to five days. Novice delegates usually complete a five-day programme while experienced operators may finish in three days with focused practical assessment.
No formal prior experience is required for the novice route, but delegates must be physically fit, over 18 and able to understand written and spoken English at site safety level.
Legislation, machine stability, compaction principles, ground conditions, hazard identification and pre-use inspection requirements are all included.
Assessment consists of a multiple-choice theory test and a practical test where delegates demonstrate pre-use checks, manoeuvring and compaction tasks to CPCS standards.
Successful delegates are awarded a CPCS red trained operator card. Conversion to the five-year blue competent card requires completion of an appropriate NVQ.
The red card lasts two years. The blue card is valid for five years and requires ongoing site experience and refresher training to maintain.
Delegates need safety boots, hi-visibility clothing, hard hat, gloves and any prescription glasses or hearing protection they normally use on site.
Yes. Training includes single drum, tandem drum and three-wheeled ride-on rollers with both smooth and padfoot configurations.
A31 covers ride-on rollers only. A32 is for pedestrian-operated rollers and focuses on smaller, walk-behind machines used in different situations.
Practical sessions include slopes, restricted spaces, edge compaction and coordination with other plant and personnel to mirror typical UK construction sites.
Yes. CPCS recommends refresher training every five years. Many contractors also require evidence of ongoing operating experience for card renewal.
Some providers can deliver the practical elements on client premises provided suitable equipment, space and welfare facilities meet CPCS requirements.
Prices per person typically start at £795. Discounts available for multi person or group bookings (depending upon location)
More Information
Operators who hold the CPCS A31 card demonstrate they can contribute to consistent compaction quality while following current site safety standards. Regular refresher training is recommended every five years or when moving to significantly different roller models or site conditions.
Last updated: May 2026 • Part of XYZ Training Group