Novadata already hold regular Driver CPC sessions on Saturdays
Derek Broomfield, Managing Director at Novadata, explains: "We have taken this step as we appreciate that many drivers, particularly owner-drivers, have very demanding schedules and that attending courses held during the working week can seriously impact on business commitments."
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 on the 10 September 2009 for all truck drivers in the UK. This involves drivers undertaking 35 hours of periodic formal driver training - effectively five full days - over a five-year period in order to retain their licences.
Broomfield continues: "We know that some drivers are presently over-looking the new legislation, often due to pressure of work. But Driver CPC cannot be ignored. For those who have not yet started their 35 hours of periodic training, the time left now is three years for coach drivers and four years for lorry drivers. The clock is ticking.
"The main challenge is to accept that the legislation is here to stay. From September 2014, lorry drivers will be illegal if they've not completed their 35 hours of periodic training. And yet the courses are not difficult and involve no written work or examination.
"We anticipate demand for training rising rapidly as the 2013/2014 deadlines draw closer with inevitable consequences in terms of supply and costs. We are working closely with our clients to ensure they plan a programme of training which guarantees they get their Driver CPC at an advantageous cost and in good time for the deadlines."