Changes to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) given Parliamentary approval this week have been widely approved, writes Carol Millett.
The amendments include a cut to the minimum length of the training modules from seven to 3.5 hours. However, the length of the entire course remains unchanged at 35 hours.
Other changes include the decoupling of e-learning from trainer-led courses and moves to encourage more flexibility in end of module assessments, as well as the introduction of an accelerated pathway for returning drivers.
Responding to the changes, Chris Yarsley, Logistics UK senior policy manager for road freight regulation, said: “The revisions to the Driver CPC ensure road safety is maintained while introducing much-needed flexibility into the training regime that will help retain drivers and ease the process for those returning to the industry.
“Our members have never questioned the need for the Driver CPC regime and welcome the reputation which attaining the current standard bestows on their businesses and their drivers.
“The revised DCPC still requires 35 hours of training but now that the minimum course length has been reduced from seven hours down to three-and-a-half hours, it will make scheduling training less burdensome for drivers and operators, while ensuring training material is focused and relevant.”
He added: “Reforming the role of e-learning will increase flexibility for operators and the option to retain full trainer-led periodic courses means that those drivers who are not comfortable with e-learning will still have access to face-to-face training.
“Logistics is not a ‘one size fits all’ sector and there are huge advantages to businesses being able to tailor drivers’ training content to suit their business needs.
He also welcomed the decision that qualified drivers, with a lapsed DCPC, will be able to access an accelerated pathway to return to driving instead of the previous requirement of completing 35 hours of training.
However, he warned: “It is, however, critical that any form of ‘return to driving’ module is of the same rigorous standard as other DCPC modules to ensure returning drivers are aware of any changes in safety-critical legislation such as drivers’ hours and load security.
“Logistics UK supports the principle of ‘outcome-based learning’ and is ready to work with DfT and DVSA to help encourage training to include some form of summative assessment at the end of the training module.
“However, our members have always been adamant that a periodic ‘pass/fail’ test as an alternative to periodic training is a sure way to exacerbate driver shortages and could see another wave of departures from the sector, which would put the supply chain at risk.”
