Driver CPC is on everybody's mind at the moment, and with good reason. This brand new qualification heralds yet another sea-change for the transport industry and promises wide-reaching implications.
Leading UK transport training and support group, Novadata has been preparing for the new course for some time and its expert instructors are ready to help its clients take that first step towards Driver CPC certification.
The EU Directive 2003/59 that introduces the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) comes into force across all European Union member states on 10 September 2008 for bus and coach drivers and will be followed on 10 September 2009 for lorry drivers. In future, just holding a vocational driving licence will not be sufficient for someone who wishes to drive such vehicles for a living. Employers will have a responsibility to ensure all the drivers they employ hold the correct certificate and licence.
To highlight the first stage of this legislation, Novadata has organised a very special launch event for the new Driver CPC for Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV). At one minute past midnight on 9 September 2008 the company will conduct the UK's first seven hour approved course towards attaining the PCV Driver CPC. With a focus on the Legal Requirements strand, course content will include training on Analogue and Digital Tachographs and Drivers' Hours law. This inaugural session, for bus and coach drivers, will end at 08.00 hours. Once participants' names have been uploaded to the DT's online database, the event will conclude with a full champagne breakfast.
Novadata's Managing Director, Derek Broomfield explains: "We want to demonstrate to our clients that the new Driver CPC is something very positive for the industry. It raises the bar and places value on driver skills and knowledge. With a primary purpose of improving road safety through maintaining high driving standards, the Driver CPC will strengthen the professional and positive image the transport industry is now actively pursuing."
An EU requirement, the new legislation aims to recognise and accredit skills for the road freight and passenger transport sectors, encourage drivers to continually update their skills and knowledge and raise the status of bus, coach and lorry drivers to promote driving as a career.
Those qualified as professional drivers on the start date will have 'acquired rights' for the next five years and will not need to hold a CPC during that period. However, they will need to start working towards gaining the Driver CPC, if they hope to continue driving beyond the next five years. After 10 September new drivers will have to take an initial Driver CPC test before being able to drive professionally. Thereafter, all professional drivers will need to prepare themselves to take regular 'periodic training' of 35 hours every five years to qualify and subsequently retain their Driver CPC. If the end date passes without a driver undertaking any such training, the Driver CPC will expire, and the driver could face legal charges if he/she continues to drive in a professional capacity.
Novadata is one of the few accredited training organisations able to deliver DSA approved courses which will count towards 'periodic training' for Driver CPC.
Derek Broomfield continues: "Training is one of the most important elements in transport today, and good driver skills have never been more essential. At a time when companies are facing the twin challenges of rising fuel prices and the unavoidable need to reduce carbon emissions, we aim to ensure this potentially complicated new CPC legislation remains straightforward for all our clients.
"We are holding this unusual launch event to turn a spotlight on professional drivers from all sectors and underline their ongoing commitment and dedication to improving road safety. We are always advising our clients not to leave training to the last minute. This time we are actively encouraging them to be the very first and to play a part in making transport history!
"We're also hoping to be the first organisation to register a driver who has completed his/her first session of periodic training. As the DSA hasn't yet released details of how this will work, it will be interesting to see if procedures are in place by 10 September."
Novadata's PCV Driver CPC 'Curtain Raiser' event is being held at the company's HQ at Braintree in Essex. Situated close to the A120 and within easy reach of the motorway network and less than 30 minutes from Stansted Airport, it offers straightforward access from all areas in and around the East of England, Midlands and Greater London.
Bookings are now being taken. To reserve your place telephone: 01376 552999 or e-mail:
su@novadata.co.uk. For further details see: www.novadata.co.uk