Transport training and support group Novadata will be holding a series of free seminars on the new Driver CPC Regulations for Road Transport, Logistics and Passenger Carrying businesses.
The Driver Certificate in Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is one of the biggest changes in the transport industry since the LGV driving test was introduced in 1969. The EU Driver CPC Directive came into force on the 10 September 2008 for all bus and coach drivers and from the 10 September 2009 all truck drivers in the UK will also have to work towards gaining the new qualification. This will involve drivers undertaking 35 hours of periodic formal driver training - effectively five full days - over a five-year period.
Although existing drivers will not need their CPC until 2014, a potential shortage of trainers suggests that leaving it until the September 2014 deadline may cause problems.
Derek Broomfield, managing director at Novadata, warns that demand for courses will be high: The Driver CPC is a major challenge for the transport industry. Whether a firm operates one vehicle or 100 this new legislation will affect their business. It has been estimated that the Driver CPC will impact on almost 1,000,000 drivers in the freight industry alone and will require around 3,000,000 training hours annually.
Predictably there will be firms that do no forward planning and leave their training needs until the last minute. They should bear in mind that after September 2014 those who don't hold the qualification will not be able to drive. We anticipate demand for training rising rapidly as the 2014 deadline draws closer with inevitable consequences in terms of supply and costs. However, sensible haulage firms will already be planning to meet their responsibilities. We are working closely with our clients in order to plan their approach.
"Importantly, Driver CPC is focussing the industrys thoughts on how to get the best from a legal necessity. Designed to encourage safer and more fuel-efficient driving, we believe the new qualification will raise standards and improve the image of the industry through creating
better skilled drivers. The 21st Century Professional Driver faces a vehicle packed with the very latest technology, designed to be used by experts with a high level of proficiency. In addition, todays drivers have to be highly skilled in all the techniques required to manoeuvre a vehicle in confined spaces as well as driving long distances on motorways.
Essex based Novadata, with a long history of transport related training, has taken an industry lead with the Driver CPC. One of the first training organisations to receive accreditation for Driver CPC, Novadata delivered the UKs very first course for PCV drivers in September 2008.
Derek Broomfield explains: We have designed a series of information sessions aimed at drivers, owner drivers and any road transport, haulage, bus or coach company employing drivers or running a fleet of vehicles as part of their business.
These seminars will explain to delegates just how they should be preparing for the new legislation. They will also receive an Action Plan to take away and use in their operation. Experienced trainers will give an overview of the rules, while representatives from the bus and coach sector, where the new legislation has already been implemented, will give delegates an insight into some of the issues they are likely to have to manage.
Novdata has also just extended its CPC offer by launching Driver CPC Train the Trainer. This new 5-day course - Driver CPC Train the Trainer - provides comprehensive training to become an approved trainer in Driver CPC for PCV and LGV drivers. More information about this course will be available at the free information sessions.
If you would like to attend one of these FREE seminars please contact Novadata on 01376 552999 or info@novadata.co.uk
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