The Government has announced temporary changes to allow bus and lorry drivers who cannot complete compulsory CPC training to continue to drive.
Most professional lorry and bus drivers must complete 35 hours periodic training every five years to maintain a driver qualification card (DQC).
However, during the coronavirus outbreak the Government acknowledges that it may be difficult for drivers to complete the required training.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has therefore put in place temporary changes in professional driver qualification requirements
This means that drivers whose DQC expires in the period from March 1 to September 30 can continue driving.
In addition, military drivers (who have different training) will be allowed to drive in civilian situations during that period.
Enforcement arrangements
Drivers will not be subject to enforcement action by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in respect of the DCPC regulations. We have informed police forces of this position.
If a driver is stopped by an enforcement officer they can check to see that you have previously recently held a CPC or are in the military (including reservists acting under instruction).
Drivers should carry their expired DQC if they have it.
The drivers that this measure applies to will be required to comply with driver CPC rules from October 1 2020.
Where this applies
These changes apply to Great Britain. Arrangements in Northern Ireland are devolved.
For international road transport drivers should have a Driver CPC, unless the type of transport is exempt from the requirements.
The end date will be kept under review. The proposed schedule includes a substantial period to recover missed training, whose duration will need further assessment.
Insurance
Road transport operators will need to check insurance validity, but should not expect any significant change in premiums, it says.
Remote training providers
Details of all approved periodic training are on the JAUPT website.
Check your training record
You can find out here how much periodic training you’ve already completed.
Never held a CPC or CPC expired before March 1
The Government is considering options for drivers with the HGV or PCV entitlements who have never held a CPC and who want to start driving professionally.
Further information
Contact DCPC_CC@dvsa.gov.uk if you have any questions.
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Gareth has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist having started his career in local newspapers in the 1990s. Prior to joining Fleet News in 2008, he worked in the public sector as a media advisor and is currently news editor at Fleet News.
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