driver hire training
All professional drivers of large goods vehicles must have a Driver
Qualification Card, or DQC. There are a small number of exemptions, but
essentially if you’re driving an HGV / LGV (licence categories C, C1, C1+E or
C+E), then Driver CPC is a legal obligation. Professional PCV drivers with
equivalent licences are also required to hold a DQC. Ongoing requirement Whether
the initial DQC was gained as part of the drivers’ initial licence acquisition
or by attending Driver CPC training courses, Driver CPC is an ongoing
requirement. It is mandated by EU law (Directive 2003/59) and is designed to
improve the knowledge and skills of drivers, as well as enhancing safety on our
roads. The requirement for Driver CPC has not changed as a result of Brexit and
there are no Government plans to do so – the relevant regulations pass into UK
law. We believe that done well, Driver CPC training makes a positive
contribution to the road transport industry, supporting the ongoing professional
development of the drivers who make such a valuable contribution to our society.
What must a driver do? Each DQC is valid for five years from the date of issue.
This means that – unlike the 2014 deadline set when Driver CPC was introduced –
each driver’s renewal date is unique to them. All drivers must undertake 35
hours’ periodic training before the end of the five years following the issue
date on their DQC. If the training is not undertaken during that time, they will
not be permitted to drive professionally until they have completed their 35
hours. The best way to ensure that a DQC doesn’t lapse is to carry out at least
one day’s mandatory periodic training every year. To check your Driver
Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) training record, visit the
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency website. The consequences If a driver is
caught driving commercially without their Driver Qualification Card: Both driver
and operator face fines of up to £1000 Driver suspended from driving
commercially until training is completed Possible reduction in driving
workforce, and operations adversely affected If operations are affected, your
reputation with customers could be damaged If convicted, operator’s OCRS rating
will drop to red Likely increase in insurance premiums What should I look for in
Driver CPC training? When choosing your Driver CPC training provider, look for a
wide range of relevant topics for drivers to choose from. This keeps the
training useful, interesting and engaging. Look out for interactive elements,
such as videos, quizzes and feedback sessions, which will benefit drivers, and
add real value to the training.
