Becky Hinshelwood 30th May 2024

Did you complete your last CPC in 2019? Renewal is coming up!

Time flies, as they say. The last five years will likely feel like it’s whistled by if you’re a professional HGV driver maintaining your Driver Qualification Card (DQC)! Perhaps more so than any other 5 year period, a lot has happened since 2019. The pace of technological advances and a global pandemic has meant huge changes have taken place. For many people it also means that our perception of time has been altered. So for lots of drivers, their impending DQC expiration can come as a bit of a shock. We take a look at why periodic CPC is so valuable in the current landscape and how to keep on top of it.

What is Periodic CPC

Periodic CPC training is an ongoing requirement for learning which involves 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years. CPC was first introduced in 2009, so the very first cohort of drivers required to take their initial CPC will be renewing this year for the third time. Periodic training can be in person or online, although prior to the pandemic it was generally an in-person classroom based process. If you fail to complete the required 35 hours and continue driving you can incur up to a £1000 fine.

What is the DQC?

Your Driver Qualification Card is issued on completing the required initial CPC modules. It is renewed every 5 years upon completion of periodic training. Your periodic training is attendance based and is not an exam process. Drivers should carry their DQC at all times when working, and you may receive a fixed penalty for driving professionally without your card. If your card gets lost or damaged, you should apply to replace it immediately at a cost of £25. You can continue to drive professionally while you wait for the replacement to arrive.

The COVID effect

There are nearly half a million Driver Qualification Cards set to expire in 2024. Plus, more drivers than ever before are behind with their periodic training. Why is this though? Firstly, Brexit set in motion an increase in demand for HGV drivers which has a knock on effect on the time available for periodic training. Then with the pandemic, in-person training sessions were suspended. Over 2020 and 2021 the number of periodic training sessions attended fell to a record low. While 2022 saw attendance levels increase again, plus more widespread remote learning options, many drivers now find themselves playing catch up.

What does periodic CPC include?

The full syllabus is available on the UK GOV website. Sessions cover 5 specific areas: LGV Essentials, Fuel Efficient Driving, Health & Safety Awareness, Safe Loading, and Accidents and Fitness To Drive. Topical issues and technological change are all covered within the modules, so to get the most out of training it is worth accessing good quality courses. With this learning comes a good number of benefits to your knowledge and career. One survey showed that more than half of drivers feel that periodic training helps them to be a better driver.

Staying Safe

Safety is paramount in the logistics and haulage sectors. Periodic CPC training emphasises this by equipping drivers with the ability to handle on-road situations safely and confidently. Road environments change rapidly, and recently there’s been much more focus on vulnerable road users, for example.

Leaning and development

It’s important to remember that CPC training can have a positive impact on your personal development. With enhanced problem-solving skills, better decision-making capabilities, and the confidence to handle difficult or stressful situations, you can develop your career and expertise.

Technology

With updated technology constantly changing the game for the transport industry, it’s important to keep abreast of developments. Periodic CPC training helps to demystify these technologies, ensuring that you’re comfortable and capable of using new systems effectively.

Environment and economy

This module equips you to contribute positively to environmental initiatives. It encompasses subjects like reducing CO2 emissions, fuel economy, optimising vehicle performance, and the operation of low-emission zones. This means you’ll not only fulfil legal obligations but also play a part in contributing to a greener, more sustainable industry.

Industry updates

Established training providers are fully integrated within the transport and logistics industry. This means that updates to the curriculum are prompt, ensuring that drivers receive the most current and relevant training. By using your periodic training to stay up to date with industry knowledge, you’ll better retain your employability.

How to stay on top of periodic training

When you look at it, 35 hours of training over 5 years is quite manageable. It equates to 7 hours per year. However, when you’re on the road with a schedule that is often managed by someone else, it’s easy to see how this slips. It’s neither in your or an employer’s best interests to let your DQC expire, though. So it’s worth staying on top of your periodic CPC training.

Remote learning

Here at Easy as HGV, we include remote learning via webinar amongst our periodic CPC learning options. We ensure a high quality of learning across our network of training centres, both in-person and remote. Especially if you have found yourself catching up with training hours after the 2020 – 2021 period, remote learning can be so much more accessible.

Trusted training provider

Periodic CPC can be a daunting prospect, especially for those who struggle with formal learning environments. A good training provider should offer support in a variety of ways, including additional resources and advice. At Easy as HGV, our advisors are accessible to support you in the process and can make sure you’re using the right methods for your circumstances.

Little and often

You can check your training status yourself via the UK Gov website here. Actively keeping track means that you can flag to your employer and avoid any sessions being missed. Transport operators should schedule your workload, as an employee, to allow for you to complete your CPC training in regular 7 hour sessions.

The most important thing to remember if your CPC renewal is due this year is not to avoid it. Whether you have just one session or even more to complete, our friendly advisors can help you to schedule and manage your training. Get in touch here to get started.

Becky Hinshelwood

Becky is a writer for Easy as HGV, specialising in creating engaging content for the HGV industry and covering a variety of topics relevant to small businesses.

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