Driver CPC training was introduced to the UK 11 years ago, but it is still very much a hot topic in the industry. Richard Sharman took part in a week-long course and expresses his thoughts on the subject
10 September 2009 was where it all started: as part of European law, all ‘Professional Drivers’ would have to undertake periodic Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) training.
Anyone who has worked in the coach or bus industry for many years will know that this Government scheme was very much a bone of contention when it was introduced. Some 11 years on and it is still affecting the industry.
Cause of a driver shortage?
Around the time of DCPC being introduced, I was working in management for a large independent bus operator. Drivers with ‘acquired rights’ had until 10 September 2014 to undertake 39 hours of training. Luckily all our driving staff at that time had ‘acquired rights’ so there was no immediate effect. However, it was explained to all driving staff that they would need to attend training to be able to keep driving professionally.
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