Government to Review Driver CPC
11 November 2021
The Government has announced it is reviewing Driver CPC training for lorry drivers to see how it can be improved to help ease HGV driver shortages.
A review is to be launched to look at ways to improve compulsory ongoing training for existing and returning HGV drivers.
This is the latest of 30 measures being taken (https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/hgv-driver-shortage-uk-government-response/about) to support the road haulage sector and encourage vocational driver recruitment and retention.
Drivers currently need to complete 35 hours of periodic Driver CPC training every 5 years. Some drivers have to pay for this training themselves and are not paid whilst attending training. Industry feedback suggest this deters many drivers who have left the profession from returning and industry leaders are calling for reform.
The review will look at how Driver CPC can be improved to reduce the burden on drivers – both returning and new – and ensure it doesn’t act as a barrier to working in the sector.
The review will be informed by input from a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives of drivers, road transport operators, employers, trainers and road safety groups so look out for further information on how you can have your say.
The review will explore whether:
- different training requirements should apply for more seasoned drivers
- the current requirement for 35 hours’ (5 working days’) periodic training should be more evenly spread over the 5-year period, advice is already to even it out
- drivers new to Driver CPC should cover a specific range of topics
- durations for each training course are rigid as they currently last a minimum of 7 hours (or split into 3.5 hour session across 2 days)
- the scope of Driver CPC including where it includes non-professional drivers
- there should be more of an obligation for employers to support drivers with the cost of training
- Driver CPC qualifications obtained in the EU should continue to be recognised in the UK for drivers moving to live and work here
For further information, contact the Regulatory team on Regulatory@backhouses.co.uk or 01254 828300
