Point of View: Driver CPC
I have now delivered a seven hour Driver CPC package to more than 100 of our drivers. With 200 still to train and after reading various reports in transport publications, I would like to put forward my views on the Driver CPC training.
The feedback we are receiving from the drivers here at DSV Road is very positive. All our drivers can, hand on heart, say they did learn something on the course and that it was beneficial to them. Of course there will be those who say they know it all, but those that know everything know nothing.
If you learn one thing on this course that prevents you receiving a graduated fixed penalty, or ultimately saves a life, then it is not a waste of time. Drivers – don’t become complacent.
Driver CPC has been a long time coming and HGV drivers have been complaining for years that their industry does not get the credit it deserves. Now we have a chance to show the public that we are the professionals of the road and that you need more than just a licence to drive a truck.
If someone had taken the time to give me some training, I might have fewer scars, both mental and physical. If fleet operators want to turn this Driver CPC into a positive, I would suggest they start putting their drivers through this training as soon as possible. It is possible to find a trainer who will tailor the course to your needs and in doing so you can also keep your Health and Safety Executive paperwork up to date.
Believe me, it works.
Stephen Smith Company trainer DSV Road
What is Driver CPC?
Driver CPC is a new qualification for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers, designed to improve career- long knowledge and skills. New drivers coming into the
profession have to pass an initial qualification along with their vocational licence, and all drivers have to take 35 hours of training every five years.
Digital tachograph cards When does yours expire?
The Driver and Vehicle Licens- ing Agency (DVLA) started issuing digital tachograph cards to drivers and companies in July 2005. Now DVLA is issuing re- newal reminders to those whose cards are due to expire.
It is vital that you act on these reminders, as cards expire after five years, which means that the microchip will stop recording driver activity and will prevent operators from managing data in the vehicle units.
To ensure that you receive your renewal reminder for a driver card you need to check that the address on your driving licence is up to date as this is the address the renewal will be sent to.
The renewal reminder for com- pany cards will be sent to the address shown on the front of your card.
So that you receive your new card before the current one ex- pires, you must apply at least 15 working days before the expiry date. Look at field 4B on your card to check when it expires. The reminder will tell you exact- ly what you should do to renew – just follow the instructions and pop it in the post to DVLA!
For more information, including details on how to renew your card without a reminder letter, go to
www.businesslink.gov.uk/ transport.
www.dsa.gov.uk Despatch Magazine 17
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