This is the latest newsletter from the Confederation of Passenger Transport re Driver CPC:
6 September 2013
The deadline of midnight on Monday 9 September is fast approaching for those drivers who took advantage of the original acquired rights when the Driver CPC scheme commenced in 2008. This Newsline Special reports on a number of related issue that will be of interest to our Members.
What the deadline means
Drivers will need to be able to demonstrate that they have completed 35 hours of accredited DCPC training if they are to be able to drive for hire and reward beyond the deadline. This is demonstrated by presentation of a Driver Qualification Card (DQC). Those drivers who have not completed their 35 hours by 9 September will be committing an offence if they drive on a regulated activity after 10 September and the operator will be putting their O licence at risk of revocation by the Traffic Commissioner for permitting the offence to take place.
CPT has been warned that early enforcement of these requirements can be expected.
Not completed the 35 hours of training?
CPT is aware that there are still some of drivers who have not completed all their 35 hours of training required to receive their DQC. In some cases there are very good reasons for this. Members should be aware that as long as the date of the first module undertaken is still within 5 years, it is permissible to carry over training hours beyond the deadline as long as no actual driving takes place until the DQC has been issued. This would assist operators where, for example, it has not been possible for a part time or casual driver to take part in a particular training course.
Remember though that any periodic training that has been completed more than 5 years ago will no longer count towards the current accumulation of hours.
Don’t have your driving licence?
CPT has also been contacted by members who have drivers that had been unable to attend booked Driver CPC courses because they were not in possession of their driving licence companion document/photocard. It is a statutory requirement that these documents are provided prior to commencement of a course. CPT is aware that some drivers are unable to do this because a question has been raised during a licence renewal. This is often related to a vocational medical issue. While this may well be a reason not to issue new licence documents immediately, it should not be a reason to preclude a driver from attending a DCPC training module.
Consequently CPT has agreed with DVLA that where renewal is being sought, existing vocational licence documents will now be returned to drivers, once an issue has been flagged up. This will enable candidates to present their licence to accredited trainers so that they can satisfy the statutory requirement and upload candidate details.
DSA seeks feedback on Driver CPC
Comments requested by 16 October 2013
DSA is asking for views from the freight and passenger transport industry ahead of an EU assessment of Driver CPC periodic training. Members will recall that the EC last month launched a public consultation about Driver CPC training; DSA is asking for industry feedback to help inform will the British government’s response to this consultation. Have your say by replying to DSA’s online survey.
And remember, this is only the beginning
The 9 September deadline is only the beginning – the process is continuous and operators should now be keeping a close eye on DCPC renewal dates for all their staff ongoing.
Drury House
34-43 Russell Street
London
WC2B 5HA
020 7240 3131
paulineg@cpt-uk.org © CPT UK 2013 View online
Copyright © CPT-UK 2013
You are currently signed up to CPT newsletters. To unsubscribe click here
Legal Disclaimer: Any information in this newsletter is for general guidance only and represents the writer’s understanding of certain aspects of law, statistical information and industry operational practice at the time of sending. The writer, CPT, its officers, servants and agents do not accept any responsibility for loss or damage (including economic loss) arising from any mis-statement or error, nor from the use of, or reliance on, this material. This email is not intended to provide legal advice or professional counselling.
Login
Register
FAQ
