Driver CPC revisions expected to attract new talent to logistics industry

Red Corporate Driver Training is expecting more truck drivers to be attracted to the UK due to revisions to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) system.

Changes to the Driver CPC, agreed by Parliament in October, took effect from December 3. 

The aim is to increase flexibility, with the minimum length of a training course being cut from seven hours to three-and-a-half hours.

This system changes the way in which training is undertaken – the courses are now run in three-and-a-half hour blocks rather than the previous seven hour sessions, while some aspects of the CPC qualification can now be completed via e-learning instead of being trainer led. However, drivers are still required to undertake 35 hours of training.

The new system is aimed at tackling the shortage of HGV drivers in the UK.

Greg Ford, head of corporate at Red Training, said: "This is a sensible move to offer easier access to the HGV driving industry at a time when logistics companies are struggling to find qualified drivers.

“Our experience in delivering Driver CPC training shows that the shorter time blocks will make this easier for new recruits to get their training in a more accessible way.

“It’s encouraging to see that the overall requirements to attain this qualification have not been watered down – high quality training to drive HGVs is essential for road safety, something we at Red are committed too.”

Elsewhere, from February 1, 2025, further changes to the system will be implemented, including measures to speed up the process for drivers with lapsed CPCs who wish to return to driving.

This will allow drivers to return to driving after completing a new seven-hour ‘return to work’ module and then undertake a further 28 hours of training within 12 months.

Ford added: “As well as attracting new drivers, getting those with lapsed CPCs back behind the wheel is essential to keep the wheels of UK PLC moving.

"This refresher module acts as a quick and handy way for drivers to get back to driving, while also spreading the remaining mandatory training across a calendar year.”