DCPC enforcement curtailed by Covid-19
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The Department for Transport (DfT) has enacted temporary changes to allow truck and bus drivers unable to complete compulsory Driver CPC (DCPC) training to continue to drive.
This article was correct as of 3 April; but as the coronavirus situation develops, all advice and guidance is subject to change. Readers are advised to keep up-to-date via trade association and government channels.
The announcement, which came on 31 March, saw DfT acknowledge that during the outbreak, “it may be difficult for drivers to complete the required training”, partly due to the suspension of classroom-based programmes.
“This means that drivers whose DCPC card expires in the period from 1 March 2020 to 30 September 2020 can continue driving,” it said. This end date would be kept under review.
As a result of the changes, the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) would not be subjecting drivers to enforcement action in respect of the DCPC rules, DfT said. Police forces have been made aware.
However: “if you are stopped by an enforcement officer, they can check to see that you have previously recently held a DCPC,” said the DfT.
“Drivers should carry their expired DCPC card if they have it. The drivers that this measure applies to will be required to comply with DCPC rules from 1 October 2020.”
DfT is encouraging remote DCPC training where possible, and said it was “considering options” for drivers with HGV or PCV entitlements who have never held a DCPC and want to start driving professionally.
The changes as announced by the DfT apply to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), but:“for international road transport, drivers should have a Driver CPC, unless the type of transport is exempt from the requirements,” the department said.
GB operators should visit the DVSA website for full details and in case of further updates.
Policy is devolved in Northern Ireland; but the province’s Driver & Vehicle Agency has announced similar changes, stating that “no enforcement action will be taken against drivers whose CPC has expired between 1 March and 30 September 2020”.
Northern Ireland fleets can keep apprised of relevant updates via the ‘Motoring’ section at the NI Direct website.
