The Government has pledged to reform the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) qualification to increase flexibility and address driver shortages.
The announcement by the Department for Transport follows a consultation earlier this year, which saw strong support for reforms.
Under the changes, the DfT will consult further on introducing a new periodic test as an alternative to 35 hours of training, for drivers looking to renew their DCPC. This would also be available for drivers looking to return to the sector and will form an accelerated return pathway for them.
It will also reform training by reducing the minimum course length from 7 hours down to 3.5 hours, and will decouple e-learning from trainer-led courses.
The DfT will also work with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to develop more core course content and encourage informal assessment at the end of modules.
The existing qualification will remain for drivers who operate internationally, effectively creating two DCPC routes – national and international.
The changes are intended to address driver shortages by helping former drivers return more easily, countering concerns over the high costs, poor flexibility and extended length of training of the current format.
The Government said it had carefully considered the contributions received in the initial consultation and reviewed the impacts of implementing reforms.
A total of 1,190 consultation questionnaire responses were received, as well 16 position papers from industry stakeholders. The department also received 177 emails which were free text based on the proposals without answering the consultation questions directly.
Most respondents agreed with proposals for reforms to periodic training, e-learning, returning drivers, short term exemptions and extensions as well as electronic Driver Qualification Cards (DQCs). Views were also sought on proposals for a test option for periodic renewal.
The changes for training reforms will be brought into force through secondary legislation using powers within the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act.
The DfT said it’s planning to bring forward this secondary legislation to start in summer 2024 but this will not include the introduction of the new periodic test.
Proposals for periodic testing will be brought into force at a later point, which could be via secondary legislation or further to a slot in an appropriate bill – these will be the subject of a further consultation.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) welcomed the changes, saying that it’s long campaigned for reform of Driver CPC to increase its flexibility whilst acknowledging the importance of continuous training ensuring professionalism and safety standards are maintained.
Declan Pang, RHA director of public affairs and policy, England, commented: “We support the proposals for greater flexibility in how the 35 hours of training is delivered, greater use of e-learning and a fast route for returning drivers.
“We note that the Government will consult further on introducing a new periodic test as an alternative to 35 hours of training for drivers looking to renew their DCPC. We believe the periodic test alone is not in line with maintaining safety standards unless it is combined with mandatory training. Therefore, if a test option was to be introduced, it can only be alongside formal training.”
Drivetech, the AA’s specialist driver training division, also commented on the reforms, which it said showed an understanding of the diverse challenges faced by professional drivers.
Nick Butler, director at the business, said: “Increased flexibility for drivers gaining and maintaining the qualification will ultimately make it easier for them to navigate the process, while potentially causing less disruption to business operations too.
“We also applaud the Government’s intentions to work with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to encourage end-of-module informal assessments. As experts in the driver training field, we know that flexible learning can build a more dynamic and effective learning experience for drivers.
“We hope that the upcoming consultations and discussions will strike the right balance between flexibility and high standards, paving the way for a future where drivers are not only well-prepared but can also thrive in an environment that values adaptability and expertise.”
And TTC said the changes would protect drivers and fleet operators striving to achieve best practice and improve operational efficiencies.
Jim Kirkwood, CEO of TTC, continued: “We are particularly delighted with the increased flexibility with which drivers will soon be able to achieve the required 35 hours of periodic training.”
He added: “Decoupling e-learning from trainer-led courses is another significant move that will vastly improve the convenience for drivers who will be able to undertake their training, around their work and personal schedules with greater ease. This, combined with the shorter trainer-led courses makes it easier for drivers to remain DCPC compliant.”
