DVSA data suggests 664,000 professional drivers had completed their 35 hours of mandatory training by the Driver CPC deadline today [10 September].
The DVSA had targeted between 425,000 and 675,000 drivers (HGV and PCV) in Britain to have completed their training by 10 September to continue driving professionally, having previously conceded an exact figure wasn't known.
DVSA chief executive Alastair Peoples said: “I would like to thank the drivers and operators who have committed to the training and the wider industry who have been invaluable in helping with the introduction of Driver CPC.
“Driver CPC has a lot to offer and by keeping their skills up to date professional drivers are helping to make Britain’s roads amongst the safest in the world.”
Joan Aitken, lead traffic commissioner on Driver CPC, said: “Traffic commissioners want to congratulate the HGV industry on reaching this milestone. Trainers, drivers and employers have worked hard to ensure drivers are qualified in time and traffic commissioners look forward to seeing the same high level of compliance that was shown by the bus and coach deadline a year ago.
“For those operators and drivers who have not caught up with this deadline, then the message has to be - get this sorted now. Failing to complete the hours and be equipped with drivers holding the driver qualification card (DQC) runs the real risk of action being taken against drivers and operators.”
Driving without the DQC, or failing to produce it, will result in a £50 on-the-spot fine. There is also a maximum £1,000 penalty for repeat offences for the driver and O-licence holder. Offences will also be referred to the traffic commissioners, who have the option to suspend driver and operator licences.
Jack Semple, director of policy at the Road Haulage Association,added: “The industry has the opportunity to progress towards genuine continuing professional development, which enhances drivers’ skills and knowledge and helps to transform both the perception and reality of the profession of lorry driving within a progressive service industry."
However, Driver CPC is not loved in all quarters, with British Aggregates Association recently calling for its postponement fearing it will lead to driver shortages.
