Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) - Driver Training

The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a mandatory qualification for professional drivers of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in many regions, including the European Union and the UK. It ensures that drivers meet professional standards of competence and safety. To maintain their CPC status, drivers must undergo periodic training every five years, known as Driver CPC (DCPC) periodic training, consisting of 35 hours of training.

The Issue at Hand

Following our meeting with The Road Transport Consultancy Ltd, it soon became clear that 9^th September 2024 being the 15 year CPC training anniversary, so, for many professional drivers this means there will be a huge amount of lorry drivers who must complete their mandatory CPC training or leave the industry.

A driver missing the deadline cannot drive professionally until they finish their training, and could be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without having a Driver CPC.

A significant number of older HGV drivers, who have been in the profession for many years, are approaching the deadline for their CPC refresher training. This upcoming requirement has raised several concerns:

Reluctance to Undergo Training: Many older drivers may be reluctant to invest time and money into periodic training. This reluctance can stem from a variety of reasons, including nearing retirement age, dissatisfaction with the training process, or a belief that their extensive experience outweighs the need for formal training.

Financial and Time Constraints: The cost of the training and the time required to complete it can be burdensome, especially for smaller logistics companies or self-employed drivers. The expense and downtime can be significant deterrents.

Retirement Decisions: Many older drivers are now faced with a critical decision: to retire or to undertake their CPC training. For some, the prospect of returning to education and assessment is daunting, especially if they are close to retirement age. This decision could significantly impact the overall number of active drivers in the industry.

Potential Driver Shortages

The reluctance or inability of many older drivers to refresh their CPC certification could lead to a wave of retirements and exits from the profession. This scenario could exacerbate the existing driver shortage problem, which is already a pressing issue in the haulage industry. Several factors contribute to this:

Ageing Workforce: The haulage industry has an ageing workforce, with a significant portion of drivers over the age of 50. As these drivers retire or leave the profession due to CPC requirements, the industry will face a gap that is not easily filled by younger drivers.

Barriers to Entry: The rigorous training and certification process, including CPC, can be a barrier for new entrants into the profession. Younger individuals may be discouraged by the costs and time commitment required to become a professional driver.

Market Pressures

The potential shortage of HGV drivers due to CPC training requirements could have several adverse effects on the haulage market:

Increased Costs: A shortage of qualified drivers can lead to higher wages as companies compete for a limited pool of drivers. This increase in labour costs can, in turn, raise the overall cost of logistics and transportation, especially with some crazy sign on bonuses that were being offered after Brexit to entice drivers to sign with other hauliers.

Delivery Delays: Insufficient driver numbers can lead to delays in deliveries and disruptions in supply chains. This is particularly critical for industries that rely on just-in-time delivery models, such as retail and manufacturing.

Operational Strain: Haulage companies may experience operational strain as they attempt to manage driver shortages while meeting delivery demands. This strain can result in overworked drivers and potential safety issues, further complicating the situation.

Market Strategies

To address these challenges, several strategies could be considered:

Incentivising Training: Providing financial incentives or subsidies for CPC training could encourage older drivers to complete their periodic training. This support can reduce the financial burden and make the process more appealing.

Flexible Training Options: Offering flexible and accessible training options, such as online courses or modular training sessions, can help drivers manage their time and commitments more effectively: Driver CPC Training at The Road Transport Consultancy.

Promoting the Profession: Initiatives to attract younger individuals to the profession, including career awareness programmes and apprenticeships, can help to replenish the workforce. Highlighting the benefits and opportunities within the haulage industry can make it a more attractive career option.

Policy Adjustments: Regulatory bodies could consider temporary extensions or adjustments to the CPC requirements to allow more time for drivers to complete their training without facing penalties or being forced out of the profession.

HGVs, Certificate of Professional Competence, Certificate of Professional Competence

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