Fleet drivers are required to have CPC training. These requirements are asked for by the government. As of 2014 all truckers are going to have to have CPC training if they want to remain as drivers in the industry. CPC training or Certificate of Professional Competence Training is designed to streamline the training process of all haulage drivers in an attempt to make the roads and drivers safer. CPC training covers buses, coaches, minibuses, HGV vehicles, and anything that weighs over 3.5 tonnes.
All drivers need the training that are in haulage or fleet companies. This means anyone who drivers buses, coaches, HGV vehicles, minibuses or anything over 3.5 tonnes will need to undergo the CPC training.
Understanding what it is and who needs it is just part of what you should know. CPC training requires all drivers to undergo 35 full hours of periodic training. It is possible to get more training, but 35 is the minimal requirement. This training will last for five years. It involves attending courses that deal with professional driving aspects. Upon taking the training the individual will receive a driver qualification card. This card tells companies hiring new employees who has been trained and can go out on the road as a driver. The qualification will expire after five years, so the company must keep up with their drivers to ensure they get the proper CPC training again.
The demand for CPC training has increased for several reasons. First, the government wants to make the roads safer. This was brought on by several HGV incidents with bikers. It has also been something needed given the updated technology and industry. The 21st century is not like earlier decades because there is better formal training out there.
There are a couple of ways you can get CPC training. Some fleet companies have a training facility they work with directly. These companies help drivers get the qualification card. You can also search the internet for the proper training facility.
An announcement in mid- July has offered a new way to get CPC training. The government has approved a National Academy for driver training. This Academy has a membership option that helps drivers search for the CPC training, employment and much more.
There are specific approved courses meaning an approved training facility has to be used. The courses need to have the DSA or Driving Standards Agency behind them. They can also have the JAUPT or Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training logo. The JAUPT has a website that can be searched to find CPC training facilities.
For those who already have a position with a company, talking over the CPC training options with their employer can be a major help. There are plenty of UK based facilities to help one get proper training. JAUPT will definitely provide the answers one needs to find training centres and then the driver can go on from there with the 35 hours required.