Logistics UK - formally the Freight Transport Association (FTA) - has reacted positively to the changes to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) brought in on 22 July, 2020.

James Firth, Logistics UK’s Head of Road Freight Regulation said, “During the negotiating process, FTA ensured that any changes did not make the DCPC overly prescriptive and we are pleased that the ability to identify what training a professional commercial vehicle driver needs remains with industry – be that the employer or the drivers themselves – rather than with politicians.” 

The changes to the certification, which cover amendments to minimum qualifications, training standards and the delivery of periodic training, as well as exemptions for drivers in specific industries, came into force in the UK on 22 July, 2020.  The new directive has not imposed training rigidly – as it was feared it might – but now emphasises the importance of adapting and tailoring training to the individual’s own role, including relevant legal and technological developments, and remedial training as appropriate – mirroring the way the Directive has historically been implemented in the UK. 

The most noticeable change will be the inclusion of new flexibility around e-learning.  Courses can now be designed to allow delegates to take up to two hours of a seven-hour course as e-learning content the day before a classroom session.   

James continued, “This is the biggest change in delivery of Driver CPC since its inception in 2008. We will see how the training industry takes the option up, but we are pleased to see DVSA is looking for new ways of allowing delivery within the constraints of the Directive.” 

Photo: James Firth