CPC deadline looms in drivers’ blindspot
The deadline to complete training for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification is less than four months away, yet reports have highlighted that 75% of drivers still need to complete the mandatory training.
The CPC qualification was first introduced in 2009 for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers, with the aim of improving road safety and maintaining high standards of driving. It states 35 hours of periodic training must be completed every five years. Drivers have a deadline of 9 September to complete the next phase of their training.
Encore Personnel has found that 75% of its drivers still need to complete their CPC training and many are unaware of how many hours they have completed. However, if they do not complete the training, come October, it will be illegal for them to continue as a driver. They could face a £1,000 fine or worse still lose their job.
To combat this problem, Encore is offering free training to drivers under its Approved Driver Scheme, which to date has invested £14,000 in ensuring 250 drivers complete their 35 hours of CPC Training.
However, as this is an industry-wide problem, the free training is also available to the drivers of its clients.
