Govt relaxes rules on driver training for 'essential' logistics sector

01/04/2020 | DOMINIC BROWNE

The Government has announced a temporary relaxation on bus, coach and lorry driver training during the coronavirus crisis to support the vital transport and logistics industries.

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) qualification requires most professional lorry and bus drivers to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to maintain a driver qualification card (DQC).

During the coronavirus outbreak, it may be difficult for drivers to complete the required training and so the Department for Transport (DfT) has put in place temporary changes.

Drivers whose DQC expires in the period from 1 March 2020 to 30 September 2020 can continue driving, the DfT announced.

It also said it was considering options for drivers with the HGV or PCV entitlements who have never held a CPC and who want to start driving professionally. In addition, military drivers - who have different training - will be allowed to drive in civilian situations during that period.

Roads minister Baroness Vere has also written to the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association.

She said: 'It is essential that the work of the logistics sector should continue to the greatest extent possible through the Covid-19 crisis.

'Haulage drivers, managers, warehouse staff and all other logistics professionals need to continue to go about their business to keep supply chains moving, and government policy is clear that this applies to all supply chains and not only those of food and medical supplies.'

She said that all travel related to this industry was considered 'essential travel' and had communicated this to police chiefs.

The news comes after the police were criticised for over-enforcement of the new restrictions on movement and interpreting the actual law incorrectly.

Reports suggest that construction workers have been stopped on their way to work, despite the government asking the industry to continue working.

Enforcement arrangements

Drivers will not be subject to enforcement action by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in respect of the DCPC regulations. 

If you are stopped by an enforcement officer they can check to see that you have previously recently held a CPC or are in the military (including reservists acting under instruction).

Drivers should carry their expired DQC if they have it. The drivers that this measure applies to will be required to comply with driver CPC rules from 1 October 2020.

Where this applies

These changes apply to Great Britain. Arrangements in Northern Ireland are devolved.

International road transport drivers should have a Driver CPC, unless the type of transport is exempt from the requirements.

The end date will be kept under review. The proposed schedule includes a substantial period to recover missed training, whose duration will need further assessment.

Insurance

Road transport operators will need to check insurance validity, but should not expect any significant change in premiums.

Remote training providers

Details of all approved periodic training are on the JAUPT website.

Check your training record

You can find out here how much periodic training you’ve already completed here. 

Never held a CPC or CPC expired before 1 March 2020

DfT is considering options for drivers with the HGV or PCV entitlements who have never held a CPC and who want to start driving professionally.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Mobile Street Scene Operative

£24,796 - £25,989 per annum
We are currently looking for a Mobile Cleansing Operative to join our Northallerton team. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Highway Design and Construction Manager

Grade N, scp50 £62,443 to scp53 £65,663 per annum, plus essential car user allowance
We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recruiter: Bolton Council

Asset Senior Maintenance Engineer (CDC)

Grade 10, £47,154 – £51,235
Do you have a positive approach to work and enjoy the challenge of a busy role? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Structures Engineer

£40,777-£45,091
We are seeking to recruit a Highway Structures Engineer - Asset Management Graded 11. The post holder will be responsible for undertaking the workloa Durham
Recruiter: Durham County Council

Arboricultural Consultant

£36168.0000 - £42551.0000 per annum
Arboricultural ConsultantPermanentFull Time, 37 hours per week£36,168 to £42,551 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Flood Risk Engineer - Epping Forest District Council

£40.0000 - £45.0000 per hour
Flood Risk Engineer Epping, EssexFull-Time, Temporary 37 Hours per Week 3 Months Contract* £40-£45 per hour, Umbrella Closing Date
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Senior Engineer

Starting Salary from £43,545 based on skills and
Job TitleSenior Engineer (x2 v... Frogmore Complex, Wandsworth, London,
Recruiter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Electrical Design Engineer

Grade 9 £35,412 to £39,152 - Grade 10 £38,220 to £41,771 - Grade 11 £40,777 to £45,091 - Grade 12 £44,075 to £48,226 p.a.
The Construction Consultancy Services (CCS) team provide client-side construction consultancy services across a range of professional disciplines to d Durham
Recruiter: Durham County Council

Street Lighting Electrician CDC

Grade 8, £33,708 - £37,399
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2311e

£26,403 - £26,824
This is a predominantly office-based role with some site visits required. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Lawyer Planning and Highways - WMF2312e

£56,883 - £59,198
To be a success in our Legal Team you will have experience as a Planning and Highways Lawyer Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Street Cleansing Operative

£26,403.00 - £28,142.00, Grade 5, 37 hours, Permanent
An opportunity exists in the Council's Street Scene Services for a Street Cleansing Operative Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Civil Engineering Technician (HDM)

Grade 4 - Grade 6
Do you want to join a team helping to shape the future of Wakefield through Highways Development Management? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Highways Maintenance Operative Apprentice

£28,729.00 per annum (Subject to review)
As part of your apprenticeship, you will be enrolled onto a Lead Traffic Management operative course Staffordshire
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative Apprentice

£28,729.00 per annum (Subject to review)
As part of your apprenticeship, you will be enrolled onto a Lead Traffic Management Operative level 2 apprenticeship Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative Apprentice

£28,729 (Subject to review)
As part of your apprenticeship, you will be enrolled onto a Lead Traffic Management Operative level 2 apprenticeship Rothersthorpe, Northampton
Recruiter: Amey

Head of Design Services

£77,536 - £83,366
You will lead the delivery of a high-performing Technical Services Partnership (TSP). Lincolnshire
Recruiter: Lincolnshire County Council

Highways Maintenance Operative Apprentice

£28,729.00 per annum (Subject to review)
As part of your apprenticeship, you will be enrolled onto a Lead Traffic Management Operative level 2 apprenticeship Ecclesfield, Sheffield
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative Apprentice

£28,729.00 per annum (Subject to review)
As part of your apprenticeship, you will be enrolled onto a Lead Traffic Management Operative level 2 apprenticeship. Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative Apprentice

£28,729.00 per annum (Subject to review)
As part of your apprenticeship, you will be enrolled onto a Lead Traffic Management Operative level 2 apprenticeship Knottingley, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Amey
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW