As this issue of CBW went to press on 11 December, the DfT published its response to a consultation on proposals to reform the driver CPC qualification system for PCV and HGV drivers. The proposal included the introduction of a pass/fail test as an alternative, parallel option to periodic training, the removal of the current minimum duration for training courses, the introduction of a new specific pathway for previously experienced drivers, or returning drivers, to re-join the sector, short term extensions to existing DCPCs and short term exemptions from needing a DCPC in exceptional circumstances, the introduction of an exchange and recognition scheme for driving qualifications obtained outside the UK, and the removal of the requirement to carry a DQC while driving, with evidence of someone having a DCPC being electronically stored.
The Government’s response includes recommendations to introduce a new National DCPC (N-DCPC) that will cover driving solely in the UK, a boon for those operators whose vehicles never go abroad, allowing training to be done in blocks of 3.5 hours instead of 7 hours, and increasing the amount of e-learning permitted to 12 hours. Under the N-DCPC, drivers returning to the sector would be permitted to undertake the first seven hours of training before returning, and the remaining 28 within the first year.
Responding to the recommendations from the Government, CPT’s Operations Director Keith McNally said: “Whilst we welcome the limited amount of additional flexibility that the Government recommendations will introduce, parts of the bus and coach sector are continuing to experience significant driver shortages and this announcement is a lost opportunity in terms of helping address those.
“We are very disappointed that the minimum course duration recommended is 3.5 hours; the proposal for shorter course modules would have enabled drivers to undertake some training on normal working days, rather than taking them from behind the wheel for a whole day.
“Measures to make it easier for drivers to return to a driving role are now not expected until 2025 and proposals to introduce a periodic test option as an alternative to 35 hours of training will also be subject to further consultation. In light of the driver shortages that continue to be seen, we had hoped for rapid progress after the consultation in March 2023.”
A more detailed look at the proposals will appear in next week’s issue.
