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DfT to update the Driver CPC qualification for HGV drivers
29 December 2023
Following a consultation from the Department for Transport, the UK government has announced that it will update its Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification for heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers.
Reforms will include cutting the minimum course length in half from 7 hours to 3.5 hours and decoupling e-learning from trainer-led courses.
This will be in addition to the generation and introduction of extra core course content and encouraging informal assessments at the end of each module.
The DfT intends to bring these changes into effect through secondary legislation using powers within the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act in the summer of 2024.
The Department will also further consult on introducing a new periodic test as an alternative to the 35 hours of training required for qualified drivers who are looking to renew their Driver CPC every 5 years. It is hoped that this would, among other benefits, accelerate the return pathway for drivers returning to the sector.
Key findings from the consultation were:
- 33 per cent of respondents reported that the Driver CPC was effective at improving road safety, compared with 38 per cent who believed it to be ineffective.
- 31 per cent of all respondents thought the qualification was effective at improving professionalism of drivers, and 39 per cent did not.
- 48 per cent of all respondents said that the existing course should be reformed.
- 39 said that it should be abolished altogether.
- 12 per cent said that it should stay the same.
Speaking to Fleet News CEO of Driver CPC periodic training provider TTC Jim Kirkwood commented, “These changes, which recognise that time is money but not at the cost of safety, will protect drivers and fleet operators striving to achieve best practice and improve operational efficiencies.
“We anticipated that the Government’s consultation would ultimately lead to a step-change in the process of renewing and regaining DCPC qualifications, but we are particularly delighted with the increased flexibility with which drivers will soon be able to achieve the required 35 hours of periodic training."
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