DVSA warns of major Driver CPC clampdown to tackle rule breaking

The DVSA and JAUPT will take action against any driver or training provider that is found to repeat the same periodic training subjects as part of the Driver CPC.

The enforcement agency and the accreditation service said they had started monitoring training provider uploads and driver records and could revoke a driver qualification card (DQC) if they find that the rules have been broken.

The move follows a review of the Driver CPC directive by the EU commission, which now states that “a range of different subjects should be covered over the 35 hours”.

The Driver CPC has faced criticism that there is nothing in place to prevent drivers taking the same course multiple times in order to complete the required hours.

In a statement, JAUPT said: “If we identify training that does not support professional driver development because of unnecessary repetition we may take action against the driver and the trainer.

“This could include revoking a DQC and reconsidering a training body’s approval to deliver periodic training.”

It added: “DVSA strongly encourage those trainers with a limited range of approved courses to consider increasing the range of subjects they offer.

“Centres who can only deliver one or two courses would find it difficult to provide suitable variety.

“There are no circumstances under which repeating the same course five times in a short period is justifiable.”

The Traffic Commissioners Office has also taken a dim view of drivers failing to plan a suitable training regime.

It has previously stated: “Driver CPC training should either be varied or specifically tailored to a driver’s weaknesses.

“Taking the same courses repeatedly is not good enough.

“Failing to put structured development plans in place for drivers not only increases the risk of an incident occurring but would reflect very poorly on an operator if they were called before a traffic commissioner.”

However, the DVSA acknowledged that there were situations where repeating a course was necessary and JAUPT said it would be publishing FAQs which will go into more detail and provide specific examples.