Driver Hire: make virtual DCPC permanent
Driver Hire Training has reported positive feedback following its move to become one of the first companies to offer Driver CPC online during the coronavirus outbreak, and is now advocating that the authorities allow online DCPC training on a permanent basis.
In late March, the government announced an automatic extension to expiring driver qualification cards (DQC), but there was still strong demand for Driver CPC training – from those looking to get back into professional driving, for example, or those who wanted to get ahead during a quiet period of work.
Previously, the option of online Driver CPC had not been permitted, but in response to the crisis, the rules were changed and temporary permission was given for Driver CPC providers to deliver their training via web conference – with apps such as Zoom, Webex and Teams standing in for face-to-face learning venues.
Driver Hire Training says it has now trained well over 1,000 individual drivers and delivered more than 20,000 driver training hours in a virtual classroom.
“The feedback from our delegates has been outstanding,” says John Keelan-Edwards of Driver Hire Training.
“It is clear that they really love this new way of getting the training they need. Our overall satisfaction score, from over 1,500 surveys, is 95 per cent. And if anyone had any doubt about drivers adapting to the new technology, they needn’t have worried – we have never yet had a case where someone was unable to complete the training.”
Keelan-Edwards points to many advantages to delivering Driver CPC online: the need to travel is removed, and there is greater flexibility of training times, with evenings, weekends and split courses (within the mandatory 24-hour period) easier to arrange, making training much more accessible.
The variety of communication options offered by the online platform also brings a greater ability for all delegates to contribute, says Driver Hire. Training costs have come down, since no venue is required; and drivers like being able to compare their experiences with colleagues from around the UK, in a way that does not happen in a classroom setting.
“We are totally convinced that the new approach to Driver CPC is the right one for the future,” said John Keelan-Edwards.
“Learning from home even helps to reduce our industry’s carbon footprint. I have written to the Department for Transport, JAUPT and DVSA to propose that the new arrangements should be made permanent, and am very hopeful that a decision on this will come soon. It really is a win-win for everyone.”
