Driver CPC at top of agenda for FTA

Driver CPC was top of the agenda at the Freight Transport Association’s National Council meeting held at the London Hilton on Park Lane on 3 July.

Following a presentation by Rosemary Thew, chief executive – Driving Standards Agency, Council had the opportunity to discuss the DCPC with Ms Thew and her colleagues from the DSA at length.
Since its implementation in 2009 the subject of Driver CPC has raised many questions, and with the 2014 deadline approaching, many aspects of the subject were covered during the Freight Council meeting, including the need for a clear definitive description of what DCPC is, and the proposal that trainers should be required to complete the DCPC themselves.

Another point raised was whether a higher standard of Driver CPC training was required and if a proposed further voluntary accreditation was something to be considered; in conclusion it was agreed that there was a need for a plan to take forward a ‘checklist’ to establish what a ‘good’ DCPC should be.

James Hookham, FTA’s managing director – policy and communications said: “With the deadline in sight - two years to go for freight drivers, and just 12 months for bus and coach drivers - we believe it is critical within that time that it is organised and managed best, and therefore, FTA felt it important to consult with its members on what they think a good DCPC course should look like.”