Introducing the New Driver Training

When VOSA introduced the new Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training program back in September 2008 their deadline of September 2014 for all drivers to have completed this training seemed like an eternity away. I’m sure there are more than a few procrastinators out there who shoved CPC training into the back of their mind because the deadline was so far away. Well, 2011 is half way over now and that repressed knowledge of the training you must complete is beginning to bore a hole in the back of your mind. You only have three years left and desirable classes are filling up quickly because half the trucking industry had the same thought as you. Worse than that there’s probably some huge exam you have to take in order to pass CPC training, and then if you fail you’ll lose your ability to provide for your family and you’ll all end up under a bridge in a refrigerator box!
Before you have a complete anxiety attack, take a few deep breaths, and a few minutes to read about truck driver CPC and fully understand the requirements of the program and what you need to do in order to continue your truck driving career.

What Does the DSA Want From Me???

One of the biggest misconceptions about periodic training is that there is a comprehensive exam required to satisfy the training; this simply is not true. The only requirement to complete your CPC is simply show up, just put in the requisite 35 hours of training. Another common misconception is that drivers with multiple licenses must complete 35 hours of periodic training for each license they hold, this is not the case; no matter how many professional licenses you hold you still need only complete 35 hours of CPC training.
The goal of periodic training is not to torture drivers with more rules and regulation, to goal is to create a culture of skilled and knowledgeable drivers. The requirements are also fairly simple; every five years drivers must complete 35 hours of CPC training. The 35 hours may be broken down into classes as short as seven hours. If you opted to take seven hour classes that would mean you would only have to take one class per year in order to meet the requirement. You even get to choose which classes you would like to take; if there’s an area of your job that you are a little unsure of, or maybe just a subject that peaks your interest you can choose to devote your CPC training to those subjects. The goal is for drivers to receive training that is relevant to their job.

Who is Required to Take CPC Training?

All lorry drivers, coach drivers, and bus drivers are required to take CPC training and hold a driver qualification card (DQC) by September 2014. Those entering the driving profession since periodic training has been implemented are required to complete this training in conjunction with the training that is required to receive licensure. In many respects it is much easier for new drivers to complete and understand the new training procedures since they never had to work in an industry without these guidelines and will have everything clearly explained to them in their driver’s training.
Things are a bit more confusing for acquired rights drivers. First, there are multiple deadlines for existing drivers ranging from September 2013 to September 2014; the deadline is based on when your original licensure was obtained. Once you’ve established your deadline you’ll need to speak with your employer to see which CPC classes would best suit the needs of the company as well as your need to grow as a driver. Be careful not to wait until the last minute to sign up for classes, as there are thousands of drivers currently vying for a seat in upcoming classes. There are rumors that the high demand for classes may also be driving the prices up. It’s best to act soon to be able to get an applicable class that doesn’t cost a small fortune.

It Will All be Over Soon

It’s always a bit confusing and unnerving when new rules and regulations are added to the books. CPC training is a reasonable program that has been put in place throughout the E.U. which simply has a goal of creating more competent drivers. Once you’ve grown accustomed to the new requirements you may actually find that you enjoy taking a yearly seven hour class that teaches you new and exciting things about your profession. The classes will greatly build your knowledge base and will give you new skills that employers value.