Drivers: Driver CPC Not Negative Thus Far

In the years leading up to the implementation of the driver CPC requirements in the UK, there was plenty of talk about drivers planning to retire or switch careers rather than having to submit to the regulations. And even with weeks to go before the two imposed deadlines, drivers were convinced that the requirements would have a negative impact on the industry. Things have changed in the two years since. Now, the majority of drivers say that the driver CPC rules have not had an adverse impact on what they do.

A survey conducted by RTITB, a UK driver CPC consortium, showed that 74% of the 800 surveyed drivers do not think there has been any negative impact from the rules thus far. Only 24% said that the requirements could affect the likelihood of them continuing to drive professionally for the remainder of their careers.

The survey is in contrast to other past surveys that showed starkly different results. In light of that, RTITB managing director Laura Nelson acknowledges that their results may be skewed by the fact that they only interviewed their own students. But that is not a concern to us in terms of survey accuracy. Drivers are drivers regardless of where they receive driver CPC training.

Are the Roads Any Safer?

We certainly appreciate surveys gauging the attitudes of professional drivers. However, perhaps a far more important question relating to driver CPC requirements is one of whether they have actually made our roads any safer or not. If you recall, that was the impetus behind the regulations when they were conceived more than ten years ago. The original proponents of driver CPC envisioned an EU that was made safer by virtue of requiring professional drivers to prove core competency through training.

If the roads are now safer as a result, then we congratulate the proponents of driver CPC for a job well done. But if not, where did we go wrong? More importantly, what can we do to reach the levels of road safety we truly desire? It may be a matter of more training; it may not be.

Where Can You Receive Driver CPC Training?

The RTITB survey aside, nothing changes the fact that all HGV and PCV drivers must meet driver CPC requirements in order to continue working. That means receiving 35 hours of additional training every five years. You can receive that training here at the HGV Training Centre. We are an approved provider as evidenced by the JAUPT logo and approved centre number found at the bottom of our homepage.

The HGV Training Centre can provide customised CPC training courses for your entire team or, if you are an individual driver, as part of a class of other independent contractors and teams. You need only contact us to learn more about the classes in your local area. Remember, you are required to accumulate 35 hours of training every five years to keep your driver CPC card in force.

Sources:

MHW Magazine – http://mhwmagazine.co.uk/rtitb-survey-reveals-drivers-positive-towards-driver-cpc.html