Driver CPC likely to remain post-Brexit, say experts

Experts at a recent industry debate have suggested that the UK’s exit from the European Union will not give rise to the domestic scrapping of the Driver CPC qualification.

Training body RTITB, which attended the Road Transport Brexit Debate in Coventry in October, reported a consensus among participants in the event that Brexit would be unlikely to mean the end of EU regulations such as Driver CPC in the UK – but that reform of the scheme may nonetheless be possible.

The viewpoint is supported by research from RTITB, suggesting that the majority of businesses questioned felt positive towards the scheme, and that the sector would welcome its continuation.

“At RTITB, we feel that it is extremely important to retain Driver CPC legislation post-Brexit, primarily because of the effects on safety and its role in staff development,” said managing director Laura Nelson.

“We strongly believe that Driver CPC has been a positive step forward for training since it was introduced for HGV drivers in 2009. According to our research the industry agrees –  70 per cent of respondents said that it has improved driver training within their company,” she continued.

Half of those surveyed stated that the requirement for JAUPT approval of courses improved the quality of their company’s training, RTITB found – while 58 per cent felt it had improved the quality of training across the industry overall.

69 per cent felt that the practical demonstration element of the Driver CPC added value to the training and testing process, while 62 per cent felt the case study element had proved valuable.

Meanwhile, 58 per cent stated that the rules on the seven-hour duration of courses “do not increase training complexity or cost” for operators, and more than two thirds found that the current course approval process was effective.

Respondents were more equivocal on the amount of training required, RTITB said – with 50 per cent feeling that the 35 hours of training over five years was about right, and 42 per cent feeling it was too much. The remaining eight per cent favoured more training time.

Respondents were split on whether or not the balance of classroom versus practical training needed to be reviewed.

“The review of legislation due to Brexit provides the UK with a fantastic opportunity to listen to the industry and review Driver CPC to ensure it meets the needs of both drivers and employers effectively,” Laura Nelson continued.

“Not only will [the continuation of Driver CPC] ensure there are safer drivers on the roads, but it will also help provide the development opportunities for drivers that will protect the future of this important profession.”