Driver CPC training deadline 2019

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It's that time again! Five years on and the Driver CPC training deadline 2019 is approaching. For professional lorry, bus or coach drivers in the UK, the deadline to complete your driver CPC periodic training and maintain your current DQC card is 9th September 2019.

If you haven’t already done so, make sure you’ve completed 35 hours of periodic training by 9 September 2019.

Brexit?

Even though we may or may not be leaving the EU, drivers of lorries and buses will still need a valid CPC to continue to operate in the UK. It is illegal for professional drivers to operate without an up to date Driver Qualification Card (DQC).

Finding a training course

The TMconsultant (training) Consortium has members across the country. You can find them here. Get in touch with a trainer near you!

Alternatively, you can visit the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT) website. Only courses taken with approved centres count towards periodic training.

I'm not sure how much training I have taken

You can check how much training you’ve already taken and when you’ll get your next DQC by using the government online driver enquiry service. You can also give your employer temporary access to your training records.

What happens if I miss the driver cpc training deadline

Don't! As you cannot drive professionally unless you hold a valid driver qualification card (DQC) and you could be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without a valid DQC.

Need more information?

You can find out more about Driver CPC training on GOV.UK

Like to become a Driver CPC trainer?

We've compiled a very useful blog on How to Become a Driver CPC Trainer.

How can I join the TMconsultant (training) consortium?

You find out all about how to join the TMconsultant Driver CPC training consortium here.

Alternatively, get in touch. Here to share the knowledge!

Do you know your Operator Licence Undertakings?

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Do you know your Operator Licence Undertakings? I do get asked this question more nowadays as this information isn’t that easy to find due to operator licence applications being all online. So for anyone looking here they are!

What are Operator Licence Undertakings?

They are a set of undertakings which, when issued with your operator licence, you will sign and agree to abide by. Not doing so will probably result in you appearing in front of the traffic commissioner! Depending on your application there may be some extra provisions added to the statuary operator licence undertakings.

Undertaking No 1.

The laws relating to the driving and operation of vehicles used under this licence are observed.

Undertaking No 2.

The rules on drivers’ hours and Tachographs are observed, and proper records are kept and that they are stored, also that records are readily available on request

Undertaking No 3.

To ensure vehicles and trailers are not overloaded

Undertaking No 4.

That all vehicles operate within speed limits

Undertaking No 5.

To ensure drivers promptly report any defects that could prevent the safe operation of the vehicle or trailer and that all defects are recorded in writing.

Undertaking No 6.

To ensure all vehicles and trailers, including hired vehicles and trailers, are kept in a fit and serviceable condition.

Undertaking No 7.

To ensure you are keeping full records for a 15 month period for all driver reports of defects, safety inspections, routine maintenance and repairs to vehicles.

All these records need to be available on request.

Undertaking No 8.

In respect of each operating centre specified, the number of vehicles and number of trailers kept there will not exceed the maximum number authorised at each operating centre. (Which will be noted on the licence)

Undertaking No 9.

An unauthorised operating centre is not used in any traffic area.

Undertaking No 10.

You will inform the traffic commissioner against yourself, company, business partners, company directors and the nominated transport manager/s named on the application.

Undertaking No 11.

That you will ensure that you will notify the traffic commissioner of any changes within 28 days, EG: proposed changes to maintenance arrangements. A change in the financial status of the licence holder (Liquidation etc) or a change to the limited company status or partnership that may affect the licence.

Applying for an operator licence?

Are you thinking about applying for an Operator Licence and are finding it a daunting task? At TMconsultant we undertake your new operator licence application on your behalf, ensuring everything is in order before sending your application to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner. We can also help with licence variations and changes current operator licence. If you would like to know more please visit our Operator Licence Application Help page for more information and prices

Contact Us

The RHA Webinar sales pitch

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Last week I got involved with a Road Haulage Association (RHA) Webinar “Driver CPC is here to stay after Brexit”, which I thought was actually quite good for a number of reasons. It was entertaining, the hosts were friendly, well informed and engaging. I enjoyed the interactive aspects, where you can type your questions, which the hosts answer in real time. In fact, I do like the people at the RHA (generally) and these chaps exemplified this.

The subject matter was a great choice, as most operators and drivers alike are keen to know what’s going to happen to driver CPC after Brexit. I imagine most savvy people will have a basic understanding of what will happen to EU legislation after Brexit. It was however, reassuring to know my understanding was on track!

So why my title ‘The RHA Webinar sales pitch’? Well, I do also have some criticisms. After the session it would have been nice to receive an email containing a link to listen again, together with slide show etc. There was a mention of ‘after session access’ but no instructions were given as to how this works.

My main gripe, is not necessarily the sales pitch itself, but the subtext of the promotional message. Now, I’m all for using creative and innovative ways to promote a business, but I feel it shouldn’t be at the expense of the smaller players. I very much doubt the hosts meant anything other than good intent. But the way the RHA explain why you should spend your money with them for training, rather with a competitor, I think should be reviewed. So here’s what I mean, the hosts were selling their training products and justifying why they are more expensive than the competition. The message was because you get what you pay for. Now, to a RHA member listening, that would seem like a perfectly reasonable proposition. However, it also implies (by default) that the other training providers are not a worthwhile investment. It’s a blanket generalisation of the rest of the transport training industry. This is of course not case. For example, our very own consortium member JK Transport Training won the Talent in Logistics Driver CPC Training Provider of the Year Award 2017. And as far as I’m aware they were up against the big boys too! Anyway my point is this. Yes, there are some not so great training providers out there but you don’t have to pay through the nose to get a decent day’s instruction.

If you would like to get involved with future RHA sales pitches….sorry webinars, go here.

For advice about Driver CPC training or if you would like to join the TMconsultant consortium go here. Here to share the knowledge!