Operators have reacted to the introduction of changes to Driver CPC (DCPC) earlier this month.
The first changes came into force on 3 December and introduced a two-strand approach with a new National DCPC qualification, valid only to drive in the UK, and an International DCPC mirroring the previous qualification that is agreed between the UK and EU and that will be required for drivers who work internationally.
National DCPC changes include the introduction of a new driver qualification card, a minimum of three-and-a-half hour training for course modules and a relaxation of restrictions on e-learning.
Prentice of Haddington Managing Director Ross Prentice is one in favour of the changes. He praises the flexibility of module length, which he argues will allow recruits to do training around shifts while making it more digestible. “We still have an international O-Licence, but international work is not something I see us doing again, so a National DCPC course will suit us perfectly well,” he says.
BorderBus owner Andrew Pursey meanwhile argues that, while the shorter module lengths will save time and expense in training his own drivers, he remains “dubious” over whether the new course will provide the same quality. “We’re of mixed views,” he says. “It will affect us from the training perspective; many people that we train will only require the National DCPC so it will affect that part of our income.”
Martyn Hoare, Director of Bluebird Coaches in Weymouth, has expressed wariness about the standard of training after the split. Bluebird will continue to put all its drivers through the International DCPC.
“That gives us the flexibility we need,” he says. “I have drivers that do not go across the Channel, but if there are going to be two standards, will one be better than the other? Any course must have passengers in its best interest. The industry will not benefit from two different standards.”
Further proposals for DCPC will be explored in 2025.
