Plans to reform driver training rules are good news for transport

News that the Government wants to overhaul training rules for drivers, to boost numbers joining or returning to the sector, is to be welcomed.

As we know, there is a shortage of drivers for the haulage and transport industry, estimated by the?Road Haulage Association?to still be around 50,000, even with work being done to clear the backlog of those wanting to qualify.

So, to encourage more drivers into the sector – that’s HGV drivers, as well as bus and coach drivers – the Government wants to make it more affordable and efficient for drivers to renew their qualifications and return to the industry.

A consultation has been launched, proposing to reform the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC), a professional qualification originally introduced by the EU that lorry, bus, coach, and minibus drivers are required to hold in addition to their driving licence.

Now the UK is out of the EU, the Government is looking at how to change the DCPC to increase flexibility and choice for drivers to help safeguard road safety, and support the industry in retaining and recruiting staff.

There are plans to make it more affordable and more efficient for drivers to renew their qualifications or return to the industry. The existing lengthy training format will be reformed, and there will be more flexibility offered, with e-learning and a shorter ‘new periodic test’ which could save employees time and companies up to ￡460 per test.

If implemented, reforms will establish a National DCPC for use in Great Britain and potentially Northern Ireland. The existing regime, the International DCPC, will remain for travel to, from or within the EU and will continue to be recognised for journeys within the UK.

Road Haulage Association Managing Director, Richard Smith, said:

“We welcome the news that DfT is consulting on proposed DCPC reform to offer more choice and flexibility for drivers. This is a key priority for us as we continue to look for ways to tackle skills shortages in the transport sector.”

As a?leading independent driver recruitment?agency, we can see that change is urgently needed. Drivers should be encouraged to join or re-join this vital sector, that helps keep our supermarket and pharmacy shelves stocked. Let’s not forget, during the pandemic, drivers were key workers because of the essential role they play. According to the RHA, the gap between retiring and new drivers is set to triple the rate of unfilled truck driver positions to over 60% by 2026. Let’s hope these proposed changes help prevent this from happening. The consultation runs until April 27, and you can find?more information about this here.

If you are a driver looking for roles within the transport sector, or a company seeking to hire contract, temporary or permanent drivers,?please get in touch?with the team here at 24-7 Staffing. We excel in perfectly placing people in roles across Salisbury, Amesbury, Chippenham, Bristol and the whole of Wiltshire, the South and South West.

Julian Thompson FIRP

Melody Thompson FIRP

Sandie Rutter

Shane Stevens CertRP (FIRP)