Speaking on behalf of the RHA, director of policy Jack Semple, said: ‘As we reach the end of the first five-ear period for Driver CPC, it is clear that the mainstream haulage industry has not only come to terms with the requirements but is becoming increasingly positive towards it. This report will give added confidence.
‘A key finding is that 90% of audits have not identified any serious non-compliance in training, which indicates that our DCPC training is generally on the right track in terms of the quality. That does not mean that there is not room for improvement and clearly there is a problem with the remaining 10%; but there is a strong platform for development.
‘A year ago, the RHA successfully urged that auditors should allow a more flexible approach to course delivery, to reflect the issues raised by those on the course, and we are starting to see the benefit of that change. There is more to be done in that respect and we will continue to engage with DVSA/JAUPT in that and other areas of Driver CPC.
‘Meanwhile, the big issue for much of the industry is relaxation of the requirement to deliver a seven-hour course within 24 hours. We will be pressing the importance of allowing greater flexibility with the new DfT minister Claire Perry,’ he added.