VAK Driver CPC LTD, with you for the Journey
Periodic training is designed to complement the individual drivers work and be relevant to their everyday job. Courses may include defensive driving techniques, first aid, health & safety, driver’s hour’s regulations and tachographs. Courses will also enable drivers to keep up to date with changing regulations.
The course syllabus broadly covers:
- Fuel efficient and Eco-safe driving
- Legal requirements
- Health and Safety, service and logistics.
The course is attendance based and does not currently include a test or pass/fail element.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of Driver CPC?
To improve the knowledge and skills of lorry and bus drivers – helping:
- Road safety (and all road users)
- The road freight and passenger transport industries (better staff performance, recruitment & retention and more economical vehicle usage)
- Professional drivers (skill levels and maintenance, career opportunities and professionalism)
- The environment (reduced fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear).
What does the Driver CPC involve?
As well as a driving licence, lorry and bus & coach drivers who drive professionally will have to hold a Certificate of Professional Competence which is renewable every 5 years. There will be an initial qualification for new drivers, and periodic training for new and existing drivers (these implementations apply to all EU member states).
Who will Driver CPC affect?
All professional drivers of lorries over 3.5 tonnes including buses, coaches and minibuses unless they qualify for an exemption.
Can I work as a driver without a Driver CPC?
No, unless in exempted circumstances
Will Driver CPC apply to foreign nationals?
Yes, Driver CPC applies across all EU Member States therefore all of those drivers will be required to qualify and hold a Driver CPC in exactly the same way as UK drivers.
What vehicles may be used for Driver CPC regulated training and testing?
For the Initial Driver CPC there are no EU rules on the vehicles that drivers must use for the training prior to the test. For the Driver CPC practical test, vehicles used must satisfy the minimum test standards for the vocational driving test. There are no EU rules concerning vehicles used for periodic training.
What is DSA’s involvement?
DSA is leading, on behalf of the Department for Transport, the implementation of the project. As well as legislation, this involves establishing and implementing arrangements for training and testing for both the initial qualification and periodic training.
For further information see The Transport Office Website
A Brighter Future
Following a directive from the European Commission’s Directorate General for Energy and Transport we in Britain can expect a directive on Daytime Running Lights (DRL) to be implemented in 2011. According to a large number of scientific studies there are clear benefits for Europe’s road safety to be gained from the introduction of DRL. 14 Member States have DRL in one form or another, and where evaluations have been made on their effects, these have been largely positive. Dedicated Daytime Running Lights has a high potential to increase road safety, helping road users to recognise and identify vehicles better and earlier.
More rubber gives better performance
Research by MIRA Ltd shows that tyres with a 3mm tread have a 25% better performance than those at the legal minimum of 1.6mm (1mm for PCV's and LGV's). In terms of stopping distance this represented an extra 8 metres or 25 feet in wet conditions. In one test, when a tyre with a tread depth of 8mm was compared with one of only 1.6mm, the stopping distance increased by 13 metres, slightly more than 42 feet! The research has led to the majority of motoring experts recommending that motorists change their tyres when tread has worn down to no less than 3mm.
Henry drives our standards even higher!
All ADI’s (Approved Driving Instructors) and registered Fleet Trainers have to take periodic tests of ‘continued ability and fitness to give instruction’ known as a ‘check Test’, the maximum marks for the test is Grade 6, with only 6% of instructors gain this maximum mark. At VAK Driver CPC we strive for excellence and only employ trainers who have achieved this ‘Grade 6’ status. A Grade 6 with no minor faults (i.e. a totally clean sheet) is further classified as exemplary – with less than 3% of instructors achieving this accolade and we’re proud to say that, following his periodic assessment in October, our Henry is one of them – driving our standards even higher.
The morning after dilemma
We’ve all been there. Heading out to the car in the morning and that nagging thought crosses your mind ‘Am I still over the limit after last night’s session?’ Studies show that 51% of drivers have unintentionally driven ‘the morning after’ while still being over the drink/drive limit, which is why almost one in five drink/drivers are caught the morning after. 80% of drivers are unclear that the UK limit for drink driving is just two units of alcohol, which is equivalent to a small glass of wine or a pint of fairly weak beer. Sadly 10% believe that they were safe to drive when twice the legal limit. Drinking and driving ruins and can end careers and lives. The message is THINK before you drive and if you’re not sure DON’T take the risk.
Over 2000 on the road to success
Within the first month of the compulsory Driver CPC training being introduced period 2,141 drivers undertook 2,232 courses and completed 2,311 days training between them and six drivers have completed their full 35 hours of training. More than 16,000 hours training have been completed already. Statistics from “Despatch” the DSA magazine for professionals Dec 08 issue.
Are you listening?
Driving in fog, emerging from concealed junctions, in areas where sightlines are restricted by street furniture, walls or overgrown hedges - all are hazardous and have potential to ruin your day. Consider windows down to hear traffic that you cannot yet see. You could even consider a couple of friendly blips on the horn to warn others of your presence as you start to move off. If motorway driving, when visibility is poor, your window even slightly down (and the stereo off) might just enable you to hear problems ahead and buy you extra life saving seconds.