RHA urges operators to ensure Driver CPC training is completed in good time, as the deadline nears

The RHA has warned companies not to leave Driver CPC training to the last minute, with a year remaining of the current cycle.

HGV drivers are legally required to complete 35 hours of training over a five-year period to remain legally compliant.

Although all new HGV drivers have taken the Driver CPC as part of their licence acquisition since 10 September 2009, existing drivers had until 9 September 2014 under acquired rights to complete their periodic training.

The deadline for the next five-year period is now less than a year away, and those that don’t complete the required training by 10 September 2019 will forfeit their Driver Qualification Card (DQC) and the right to drive for a living.

DVSA can also issue a fine of up to £1,000 for anyone driving professionally without a DQC.

RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett, said: “If you leave it to the last few months you might struggle to find suitable courses or enough spaces to book for your drivers.

“I’d urge hauliers to arrange driver training days now. Having drivers who can’t drive is disastrous for an operator.”

The DfT has already said that regardless of Brexit and the UK’s final deal, it intends to retain the Driver CPC regime.

You can check how many hours you have clocked as a driver via the DVSA’s online record on its dedicated Driver CPC page, and the agency also lists available Driver CPC courses there.

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