London, UK: The Department for Transport (DfT) is consulting on changes to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in order to make make it “cheaper, shorter and more effective”.
The CPC is currently obtained by passing four tests and renewed by completing 35 hours of training every 5 years, which can cost up to £500 for each individual training.
The industry has raised concerns that in its current form the qualification is making it more difficult to retain and attract drivers to the sector, with high costs, poor flexibility and extended length of training among the main barriers to progress.
The key changes include offering more flexibility with e-learning and a shorter ‘new periodic test’ which could save employees time and companies up to £460 per test in early estimates. The existing lengthy training format will be reformed.
Roads minister Richard Holden said: “Lorry, bus and coach drivers are some of our economy’s unsung heroes. That’s why we must look at how we can support the continued growth of this industry.
“These reforms are yet another example of how we can make the most of our Brexit freedoms to make lorry and bus driver training, in some cases, cheaper and more proportionate so we can retain and attract more people to the sector and continue to grow our resilient supply chain.”
RHA managing director, Richard Smith, said: “We welcome the news that DfT is consulting on proposed DCPC reform to offer more choice and flexibility for drivers. This is a key priority for us as we continue to look for ways to tackle skills shortages in the transport sector. “
