DfT consults on Driver CPC reforms

The government has opened a consultation on proposals for reform of the Driver CPC (DCPC) qualification, following a review of the scheme in response to the driver shortage, which wrapped up in January.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is seeking views from interested parties on how the DCPC is maintained, and proposes to take advantage of increased regulatory autonomy following Brexit as regards drivers returning to the industry.

If implemented, the reforms would establish a so-called National DCPC for use in Great Britain, with the possibility of extension to Northern Ireland should ministers agree given that DCPC is a devolved matter.

The existing regime would become known as International DCPC, and would still be required for drivers travelling to, from or within the EU, including the Republic of Ireland. This would also continue to be recognised for journeys within the UK.

Possible measures under consideration for the National DCPC include an accelerated route to return to the sector for former drivers, and the option of a new periodic test, delivered by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), as an alternative to periodic training.

Minimum course lengths may also be reduced, in order to enhance flexibility as regards the delivery of DCPC.

In a strongly worded statement, Logistics UK said the proposals may raise serious safety concerns and could “devalue the professionalism of the road haulage sector”.

“Logistics is a highly regulated industry that places the safety of all road users at the heart of its operations and any changes to the Driver CPC regime must respect that premise,” said Chris Yarsley, senior policy manager for road freight regulation at Logistics UK.

“Today’s consultation is bad news for road safety and haulage operators, as well as drivers.

“Within its own consultation announcement, DfT has said that much of the current industry training relates to issues impacting safety, and that the new, proposed periodic test – which would replace the current 35 hours of periodic training – could result in significantly less training being offered and, therefore, available overall.

“Operating and driving heavy commercial vehicles is a challenging, complex role and to reduce the training opportunities for drivers when they need to be operating in line with the safest possible practices is simply unacceptable and could compromise the vital safety on which much of our industry is based.

“DfT has also indicated that the proposals would result in more complexity within the DCPC regime itself, including a two-tier system for domestic and foreign driving qualifications, and that the new regime tabled would create confusion for drivers, leading to switching of courses, and therefore increased training time and costs.”

Mr Yarsley continued: “The department’s own plan states that these changes have the potential to create higher overheads, ‘which would most likely be borne by drivers of employers in the form of test and possibly training fees’ – an unacceptable burden to place on our members.

“Logistics businesses have already faced a 12.6 per cent rise in vehicle operating costs, are facing a reduction in energy support and are investing in decarbonisation technologies in line with government targets.

“Already operating on narrow margins, these businesses cannot continue to absorb yet more rising and unnecessary costs, which would ultimately be passed on to consumers.”

He said that the logistics industry had worked hard to ease the driver shortage via awareness campaigns such as Generation Logistics, and the creation of HGV Driver Bootcamps to boost recruitment.

“At a time when industry is trying to attract more people into the sector, and into such highly skilled jobs, any reduction in the professionalism required for the role would be a retrograde step and would devalue the skilled nature of the work required,” he added.

“Our members have never questioned the need for a Driver CPC regime, and welcome the reputation which attaining the current standard bestows on their businesses and their drivers.

“When providing a response to the DfT review of the training in January 2022, Logistics UK called for the flexibility for businesses to deliver the training most suitable to their own drivers to be retained.

“Logistics is not a ‘one size fits all’ sector and there are huge advantages to businesses being able to tailor the drivers’ training content to suit their business needs.

“The proposed periodic test will potentially cover a wide range of issues, some of which might not be relevant to the driver, so could direct attention away from training that matters.

“Logistics UK will be undertaking urgent work with its members to respond to these proposals and identify worthwhile methods to improve, rather than compromise, road safety, while increasing efficiency for businesses and the wider economy.”

Meanwhile Richard Smith, Road Haulage Association (RHA) managing director, said: “We welcome the news that DfT is consulting on proposed DCPC reform to offer more choice and flexibility for drivers.

“This is a key priority for us as we continue to look for ways to tackle skills shortages in the transport sector. We look forward to reflecting our members’ views in the weeks ahead.”

RHA said many of its members across the haulage and coach sectors feel that the current Driver CPC arrangements are a barrier to driver recruitment and retention. The organisation, which has been involved in extensive discussions with government around the reforms, said it would study the DfT’s report on the DCPC review in detail and respond in due course.

DfT will be outlining more about the proposed changes and how they might affect operators in a free webinar, which will take place on Tuesday 14 March between 6pm and 7pm. It will include a question-and-answer session.

Readers wishing to view the webinar can register and find out how to submit questions for the Q&A here.

A recording will be made available after the event.

The consultation can be read and responded to at the gov.uk website, where the DfT’s report is also available.

Consultation responses must be received by 11.45pm on Thursday 27 April.