Parliament has recently approved a range of updates to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC), a move that many see as a significant step towards enhancing road safety across the UK.
The revised DCPC now allows for shorter training sessions, reducing the minimum time per module from seven hours to 3.5 hours, though the overall training requirement remains at 35 hours. Further adjustments include separating e-learning components from trainer-led sessions, increasing flexibility in module assessments, and offering an expedited pathway for drivers re-entering the industry.
Chris Yarsley, senior policy manager for road freight regulation at Logistics UK, commented on the changes: “The revisions to the Driver CPC ensure road safety is maintained while introducing much-needed flexibility into the training regime that will help retain drivers and ease the process for those returning to the industry.
The revised DCPC still requires 35 hours of training but now that the minimum course length has been reduced from seven hours down to three-and-a-half hours, it will make scheduling training less burdensome for drivers and operators, while ensuring training material is focused and relevant.
Reforming the role of e-learning will increase flexibility for operators and the option to retain full trainer-led periodic courses means that those drivers who are not comfortable with e-learning will still have access to face-to-face training.”
However, Yarsley did also point out that any form of ‘return to driving’ module needs to remain at the same rigorous standard as other DCPC modules to ensure these drivers are up to date on any changes to safety legislation, drivers’ hours, and load security.
Logistics UK is also supportive of “outcome-based learning” and is prepared to work with the Department for Transport and DVSA to explore options for end-of-module assessments. However, Yarsley warned that implementing pass/fail testing instead of ongoing periodic training could worsen driver shortages, potentially impacting the stability of the supply chain.