Introduced across Europe as a way to ensure HGV drivers remain compliant and safe on the UK’s roads in 2008, Driver CPC has traditionally been delivered in a classroom environment. That was until the start of the pandemic when gatherings of this type were replaced with remote eLearning to help stop the spread of the virus.

With 35 hours of CPC training needed to be taken by each HGV driver every 5 years for their DQC (Driver Qualification Card) to be validated, it’s a necessary part of being a Lorry Driver in the UK. However, now that classroom-based CPC is able to recommence, it seems that hauliers much prefer the eLearning method.

1,000 Haulage Firms Surveyed

Following the eLearning method for Driver CPC training as many did during the pandemic, is something that is overwhelmingly preferred by haulage operators, according to the 1,000 firms that were surveyed. This was expressed as part of an ‘unequivocal response’ that the industry made to the government.

There’s a strong feeling that the current development regime is in dire need of overhaul, as many made their thoughts known during the consultation about the future of Driver CPC. Involved was the Road Skills Organisation (RSO), who’s Managing Director David Somers had this to say…

“It is quite clear that the people who operate in the logistics and transport sector of the UK want a modern, driver-friendly solution and a modern approach to learning for driver development. The benefits of continuous bite-sized, and accredited professional development are both accepted and fully established.

It is now incumbent on the DfT and DVSA to enable our professional operators to take advantage of the latest in learning technology to maintain and improve standards.”

Almost 95% of Companies Already Using eLearning

Of the 1,000 companies surveyed, the overwhelming majority were said to already be using eLearning across their wider business. The same amount declared that Driver CPC should be being delivered within normal working patterns and hours – something that modular eLearning allows for.

As of the Driver CPC system itself, operators were typically supportive of the professional development that it provides, with 59% saying that it was having a positive influence and impact on their business and just 20% saying that it didn’t. Further to this, almost ⅔ of respondents said that eLearning is more valuable and impactful than classroom training.

New Technologies That Help the Haulage Sector

We’re right behind any kind moves that would make things easier for the haulage industry to work smarter and more efficiently. We’re also keen to embrace new technologies that allow this to happen and eLearning would seem to be something that’s almost universally welcomed by hauliers across the country.

At HGVC, switch to offering remote CPC at the start of the Pandemic and will continue to do so for as long as we are able. We also provide companies across the UK with HGV driver acquisition training that’s scalable to any need. If you’d like to know more about how we help businesses tackle the HGV driver shortage via our network of national training centres, our Driver CPC provision, or anything else, please take a look around our website.

Alternatively, to get in touch, click on ‘contact us’ or call us on 0330 818 8888 today and we’ll be happy to discuss your driver training needs.