Choosing correct DCPC module is essential
I was reading the article by Greg White of White's St Albans [routeone/opinion/3 April].
In it he complained about the training he had been given while attending a Drivers CPC (DCPC) course, as it was mostly about the safe loading of an LGV; nothing to do with the coach Industry.
We had a similar problem where we had booked general courses for our mix of LGV and PCV licence holders, opting for 'protecting vulnerable road users'. This was thought to be useful.
As it happens it is only for LGV drivers, so could not go toward our PCV drivers’ qualification. They had to re-attend a different session with a coach company that was specifically aimed at the industry.
I think Mr White should have targeted his training better and may well find that it was a day and seven hours of his life wasted, as if it was not intended for PCV drivers, it may not count toward his DCPC Qualification.
I contacted JAUPT about this and there are very few courses that have dual-qualification status. So the answer to his final question: “Why are DCPC Courses not tailored toward the need of the people that are actually doing them, namely PCV or LGV drivers?”
The simple answer is that they are, but you have to select the correct module.
- Austin Reeves