I read with interest the article about the operator who had not found their Driver CPC (DCPC) beneficial [routeone/Opinion/3 April].
As with many things in life, it’s a case of ‘caveat emptor’.
Unfortunately, Greg White seems to have used one of many DCPC providers which has a portfolio of generic courses, primarily aimed at LGV rather than PCV drivers.
There are around 1750 JAUPT registered providers, most supplying the needs of the LGV market, which is around 80% of the vocational driving workforce requiring a DQC to drive commercially.
Another factor for the PCV sector is that around 80% of PCV drivers are employed by the large groups and almost exclusively drive buses rather than coaches. The demand for courses for coach drivers is therefore relatively small.
The Association of Trainers through its 50-plus members is able to offer periodic training courses focused on coach drivers’ training needs and has courses registered in customer service; disability awareness (mental health rather using low-floor service buses and checking concessionary bus passes); walk round checks for a coach; dealing with emergencies and vehicle evacuation, the latter being a course that certain Traffic Commissioners have instructed some coach operators to undertake following vehicle fires.
The Association has also developed courses in co-operation with CPT on topics such as ‘the school run’, another important topic for many coach operators.
The feedback from our courses is always very positive and I suggest Mr White, and other disgruntled operators who think DCPC needs an overhaul, contact us for their local association member and discover just how good periodic training can be if it’s delivered through relevant, informative and enjoyable courses.
- Alec Horner, The Association of Trainers
