Driver CPC Reform 2024: Pros and Cons of the Return-to-Driving Module and the Impact of the DVLA Backlog on the HGV Driver Shortage
Evaluating the Proposed “Return to Driving” Module: An Opportunity to Address the Driver Shortage and the impact caused by the DVLA backlog
In response to the ongoing HGV driver shortage, the UK government has proposed changes to the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) system. One key element is the introduction of a “return to driving” module, which would allow drivers who have let their CPC qualification lapse to complete a 7-hour course before resuming work. The remaining 28 hours of training could then be completed within 12 months. While this approach may provide some short-term relief, it’s important to take a balanced view of both the benefits and challenges it presents.
The Potential Benefits of the Proposal
The proposed return-to-driving module could provide an accessible route for former drivers to re-enter the workforce more quickly, helping to alleviate some pressure on the industry. By lowering the initial training burden, the module could encourage drivers who left the industry to consider returning. For businesses facing driver shortages, this could be a useful tool to quickly bring experienced individuals back onto the road.
According to Route One, the reform aims to give more flexibility to drivers and businesses while maintaining the core training requirements over time(routeone ). The idea is to provide an immediate solution to driver shortages while ensuring that full compliance is achieved within a reasonable period.
Addressing the Real Barrier: DVLA Medical Delays
While the return-to-driving module might seem like a helpful solution, it doesn’t fully address the more significant issue—the DVLA’s backlog in processing medical renewals. Many drivers, particularly those over 45, are required to undergo regular medical evaluations to maintain their licences. Currently, the DVLA is experiencing significant delays in processing these medical renewals, with some drivers waiting months to get cleared. According to GOV.UK , delays at the DVLA have been exacerbated by the pandemic and other administrative challenges(GOV.UK ).
Without addressing these delays, many qualified drivers remain unable to return to work, regardless of changes to the CPC system. As noted by Route One, the DVLA has been working to reduce these delays by allowing other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, to handle some medical assessments. However, these improvements are still in progress(routeone ). Until the DVLA backlog is cleared, the impact of any CPC reform will be limited.
领英推荐
A Balanced Approach to Driver Safety and Training
While the return-to-driving module could help streamline the re-entry process for drivers, there are concerns about road safety. The CPC training is designed to keep drivers up to date with industry regulations, safety standards, and new technologies. Allowing drivers to return to work with only 7 hours of training may lead to gaps in knowledge, potentially affecting safety. However, the requirement to complete the remaining 28 hours within 12 months helps balance this concern by ensuring that all drivers eventually meet the full training requirements.
As Route One reported, the flexibility of the proposed module has generally been well-received by industry stakeholders. There is broad support for reforms that encourage returning drivers, especially in an industry facing such acute shortages(routeone ). However, it’s crucial that these changes are implemented in a way that maintains the high safety standards the industry relies on.
Conclusion: A Step in the Right Direction, but More Is Needed
The government’s proposal to introduce a return-to-driving module is a positive step toward addressing the driver shortage, but it is not a comprehensive solution. The initiative offers a quicker path for lapsed drivers to return to work, which could ease some of the immediate strain on the industry. However, as long as DVLA medical delays persist, many qualified drivers will remain unable to rejoin the workforce, limiting the overall impact of this reform.
To fully resolve the driver shortage, efforts to improve the DVLA’s medical processing system must continue alongside any changes to the Driver CPC . At CKP Group , we believe that sustainable solutions require a combination of efficient administrative processes and practical, flexible training options that ensure both compliance and safety.
?