Two years to DCPC Day – promising signs of progress

25th October 2012

With the deadline for completion of Driver CPC training now less than two years away, the Freight Transport Association says that promising progress is being reported by the Driving Standards Agency. 

But leaving DCPC training to the last minute seems to be the biggest risk as businesses defer any spending for as long as is possible in the face of continuing recession.

According to statistics obtained by the FTA, at the end of July there were 2,980 approved courses and 1,195 approved centres, delivering training for those 528,000 drivers who have made a start.  But there remains a shortfall of 1.3 million days plus an unknown number of drivers who have not yet started the training at all.

Progress has been aided by helpful confirmations about enforcement by ministers and licensing authorities, and training providers are developing useful innovations to spread the cost and inconvenience of getting drivers through 35 hours of approved training.

“The next two years will be a crucial test for the road freight industry,” said James Firth, the FTA’s head of Road Freight and Enforcement Policy.  “The message to operators is that if they have not yet started getting their drivers trained, they can still do so in time – but they need to start now. 

“The worst outcome would be a rush for training in spring and summer 2014.  Spaces on courses will be at a premium, with some providers already saying they have every weekend until the deadline fully booked.

“The Traffic Commissioners have assured the industry they will take action against drivers found driving without a complete DCPC after the deadline, and also against operators who allow drivers to drive without a complete DCPC.  Although the legal obligation to complete DCPC does rest solely with the driver, Traffic Commissioners also appear to be taking a dim view of operators they meet at public inquiry that appear to take no interest in the professional development of their drivers.”