As experts suggest that Driver CPC will remain following the UK’s forthcoming departure from the European Union, research by we conducted has shown that the majority of businesses feel positive towards Driver CPC training.
“At RTITB, we feel that it is extremely important to retain Driver CPC legislation post-Brexit, primarily because of the effects on safety and its role in staff development,” explains Laura Nelson, RTITB Managing Director.
At a recent industry debate* attended by RTITB, experts suggested that the upcoming Brexit will not mean the end of EU-legislation, such as Driver CPC, in the UK, but it may be reformed. Research conducted by RTITB in October 2016 indicates that LGV/HGV sector would welcome this continuation of Driver CPC.
“We strongly believe that Driver CPC has been a positive step forward for training since it was introduced for HGV drivers in 2009. According to our research the industry agrees with 70% of respondents said that it has improved driver training within their company,” says Laura.
Half of those surveyed stated that the requirement for JAUPT** approval of courses improves the quality of their company’s training and an even greater amount, 58%, feel that this has improved the quality of training across the industry overall.
Of those questioned, 69% agreed that the Part 4 (practical demonstration) test within Driver CPC adds value to the driver training and testing process, with 62% in agreement that the Part 2 (case study) test also proves valuable.
In addition, the delivery of training is proving achievable for the majority of companies, with 58% stating that the rules on the duration of courses (7 hours) do not increase training complexity or cost for the company. Plus, more than two thirds of those surveyed (67%) find the current course approval process to be effective.
One area in which respondents’ opinion was split was in regards to the amount of training legally required. Although 50% are happy with the requirement for 35 hours over 5 years and feel it is about right, 42% feel it is too much. The remaining 8% would favour more training time, and feel the current requirements are not enough to ensure safety and best practice.
Opinions are also divided in regards to the balance of classroom versus practical training, with a 50/50 split in responses as to whether this needs to be reviewed.
“The review of legislation due to Brexit provides the UK with a fantastic opportunity to listen to the industry and review Driver CPC to ensure it meets the needs of both drivers and employers effectively,” says Laura.
“At RTITB, safety is our major focus, so we believe that continuing with Driver CPC post-Brexit is crucial,” says Laura. “Not only will it ensure there are safer drivers on the roads, but it will also help provide the development opportunities for drivers that will protect the future of this important profession.”
The RTITB Master Driver CPC Consortium is largest in the industry, giving members access to a vast collection of high quality training topics, as well as the opportunity to contribute to the future of Driver CPC both within the consortium, and on a national level. To assure a consistent high standard of training for LGV drivers across the UK, RTITB’s Driver Training Standard approved organisations offerLGV driver training that helps businesses gain workplace ready drivers. The Driver Standard also provides training materials for the initial Driver CPC.
Learn more about the RTITB Master Driver CPC Consortium.
*Debate referenced is the Road Transport Brexit Debate – Coventry, 12 October 2016 – http://rtbrexitdebate.com/brexit2016/en/page/home
**JAUPT – Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (UK)
RTITB’s survey was conducted via SurveyMonkey in October 2016 among members of the RTITB Master Driver CPC Consortium who deliver Driver CPC training non-commercially.