Thatcham launches IMI-accredited ADAS course

Following the launch of industry-first ADAS repair guidelines in May, Thatcham Research has announced new IMI-accredited ADAS calibration training designed to close an emerging skills gap.

The new course will provide vital competencies to technicians, including how to interpret information relating to a specific vehicle's ADAS features and determine the required method of calibration. It will also cover the correct use of tools and equipment and how to identify, locate and follow software-specific recalibration methods.

Dean Lander, head of repair sector services, Thatcham Research said: "The evolution, and widespread adoption, of ADAS features on new vehicles presents the whole repair sector with a challenge. It's paramount that repaired vehicles are returned to customers with these potentially life-saving features operating as they were pre-accident. This course will give technicians the knowledge and skills to do that job and provide peace of mind that ADAS has been reinstated safely."

More and more vehicles come equipped with ADAS - four million cars on the road today are fitted with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and all the 29 cars tested by Euro NCAP so far this year have at least one ADAS technology fitted as standard.

Since the publication of its 'Managing vehicle repairs involving ADAS' document, Thatcham Research has been engaged in industry consultation with key industry associations and bodies, including the IMI, SMMT, BVRLA, NBRA and Independent Garage Association.

Lander said: "We've been looking for consensus on the key issues to be addressed. Chief among these are the lack of technical capability and capacity to effectively manage the current volume of ADAS in repair."

"The process continues as we work towards releasing a Code of Practice at the end of the year, to ensure a sustainable, standardised approach to the repair of ADAS-equipped vehicles."

Steve Scofield FIMI, head of business development for the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) said: "It is imperative that the ADAS Code of Practice drives technician competence in recalibration so that vehicles are repaired with safety features such as AEB fully reinstated. Motorists need to have the peace of mind that repairs are done so that ADAS technology remains wholly effective.

"The IMI continues to work with the sector to ensure this competence standard is up to date and assessed in a consistent way. ADAS competence is a global challenge but the UK market, with the support of Thatcham, is without doubt leading the way. And, via the ADAS Code of Practice and the TechSafe campaign, the sector is pulling together to provide consumers, wider industry stakeholders and government with the confidence that vehicle safety and residual values post repair are maintained.''