DfT: Driver CPC should be more flexible, not less

The Department of Transport (DfT) has set out its stall on the future of Driver CPC – suggesting it would be unlikely to support major expansions of the project’s scope, the introduction of a post-training testing regime, or the rollout of more prescribed standards and syllabus content across the EU. The DfT also argued for increased flexibility in the delivery of periodic training.

In the UK government’s official policy response to the European Commission’s recent consultation on the subject, roads minister Robert Goodwill appeared to argue in favour of retaining the status quo in many areas of the DCPC, saying that any future policy developments should “benefit from a strong evidence base.”

Highlighting his priorities for the future of DCPC, he continued: “The culture of the road haulage and passenger transport industries is fundamental to good, safe working practices in a truly professional set of drivers. I want to encourage the industry to make the most of the DCPC requirements, and having flexibility allows it choice and encourages ownership.

“The current choice Member States have should be retained unless it is clear it is not working effectively. This includes the initial qualification processes (minimum training periods vs training and tests), periodic training (including when to do the 35 hours during the five years), the requirements for driver trainer organisations and instructors, and the form of cards/ licence codes.”

Goodwill also appeared to reject calls for the expansion of the scope of Driver CPC.

“Targeting DCPC towards professional drivers of larger vehicles appears to be proportionate, but it seems more difficult to justify these requirements on top of driver licensing and its associated testing for drivers of smaller vehicles such as vans, or drivers of large vehicles related to hobbies or a minor part of their work,” he said.

The minister added that “a clear legal definition of a professional driver, distinct from the definition of a vocational licence holder, might be helpful.”

As part of its response to the EC, the DfT said it would support the widening of the DCPC training syllabus where “it offers road safety benefits and is seen to enhance the professionalism of the industries,” but “would not support the creation of a uniform European syllabus for periodic training” – raising concern that “a more prescribed training regime and uniform syllabus defined at a European level could undermine current high standards in UK.”

“The industries affected by DCPC have diverse needs,” the Department said. “A specified, uniform syllabus beyond what was already prescribed… risks omitting essential elements because a syllabus could not be all encompassing. It also risks mandating courses that are irrelevant for particular drivers’ activities.

“Instead, we suggest that there should be better self-regulation by drivers and their employers to ensure that training undertaken is relevant to their particular needs. We shall work with the industries in the UK to promote such an approach.”

The Department also said it would support greater flexibility to allow the delivery of periodic training to  take place in periods of less than seven hours (such as 2 x 3.5 hours). It promised to “seek clarification on whether an assessment of learning outcomes” con be included within courses, but would “not support a post-training testing regime.”

In addition, the DfT called for greater clarification regarding the scope and exemptions laid out by the European directive. This follows controversy in the UK over domestic interpretation of the rules, which recently resulted in new exemptions being announced for around 76,000 individuals. The EC has already announced its intention to form a working group to review Driver CPC exemptions.

James Firth, head of road freight and enforcement policy at the Freight Transport Association, said: “The minister has recognised the importance of flexibility in the driver training regime to ensure that drivers receive effective and relevant training.  FTA will be working closely with the Department for Transport once negotiations on changes to the Directive begin in Brussels in the coming months.

“Any changes to the Directive would not come into force until 2018 at the earliest.  We believe there are improvements that can be made to DCPC which don’t require changes at European level, and FTA will be working with the Department and the new combined DSA/VOSA agency to raise standards in driver training at a domestic level.”

The DfT’s full response to the European Commission can be read here.