In its response, the RHA referred to the fact that its members are keen for CPC to be amended. In a 2022 RHA survey, 96% of respondents believed that the current DCPC was not fit for purpose.
However, 67% agreed it needed to be reformed, rather than abolished. The association said the issue that was most cited was the seven-hour classroom training being too long and that shorter, and that more practical sessions were needed.
Before issuing its response, the RHA stressed that it had sought extensive feedback from its membership via a survey, a webinar presented by Department for Transport, and nationwide regional council meetings. This process saw the RHA engage with over 2,000 member companies.
“The RHA’s position is underpinned by the essential need to put road and driver safety first; there is no desire to dilute the training required to be a professional driver. Continuous training is crucial to maintain professionalism in the industry and ensure drivers are up to date with current road transport regulations and technological changes,” said the association, in a statement.
The RHA added that it is “supportive of the proposals for greater flexibility in how the 35 hours of training is delivered, greater use of e-learning and a return to driving module.”
Moreover, the RHA listed the following recommendations:
- Greater flexibility within the 35-hour training requirement
- E-learning options
- Return to driving module for lapsed DCPC
- Short term extensions and exemptions
- Ability to recognise non-UK qualifications
- Electronic DQCs
- Rejection of test only option
As regards the last of those points, the RHA said that the periodic test alone “is not in line with maintaining safety standards unless it is combined with mandatory training”. Therefore, the RHA argues that if a test option was to be introduced, it can only be alongside formal training.
One of the issues with the CPC plans is the diversion from EU standards, requiring two separate CPC qualifications. Some industry figures have seen this as something that can add complexity and cost to driver training.
Responding to these concerns, the RHA said:
“As a result of our support for great flexibility within the 35 hours of training, we acknowledge that this will create two separate pathways for International and National Driver CPC. This has the potential to result in difficulties recruiting international drivers and an increase in the cost of training for International DCPC (I-DCPC) due to less demand. To help ease this issue, we propose that where a N-DCPC module conforms with the existing UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), it should be valid to contribute to obtaining I-DCPC.”
Photo: Alan Sansbury from Liverpool, England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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