The impending deadline for Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training is looming over the UK logistics sector, with many professional drivers required to complete their training by the 9th of September 2024 – impacting nearly 500,000 Driver Qualification Cards (DQCs).
In this article, we’ll look at the potential ramifications of the CPC anniversary on the existing driver shortage, explore the challenges faced by drivers and suggest some effective strategies that companies can use to help mitigate the impact.
The driver CPC deadline and the existing driver shortage
The potentially damaging impact of the Driver CPC deadline on an already troubling situation can’t be overstated. With the country grappling with a significant deficit of HGV drivers, the upcoming deadline adds further strain to an already stretched workforce. Recent data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) paints a concerning picture, revealing that nearly half a million Driver Qualification Cards (DQCs) issued in 2019 are set to expire before the end of 2024.
This means that drivers collectively need to complete a staggering 17 million hours of training to renew their cards – or about 2,000 years’ worth. What’s more, disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the uncertainties surrounding Brexit and a surge in demand for drivers have led to a significant backlog in training schedules. Many drivers deferred their CPC training during the pandemic due to the suspension of in-person training, creating a bottleneck of drivers now urgently needing to undergo training before the deadline.
Moreover, as a significant portion of drivers near retirement age, there’s a heightened risk of them exiting the industry early to avoid having to complete their mandatory training – the cherry on an already hugely unappetising-looking cake.
Challenges drivers face in completing CPC training on time
In addition to the problems already mentioned, logistical constraints present further hurdles for drivers striving to complete their CPC training on time. The transportation industry often requires drivers to work long hours and irregular schedules, leaving little time for attending training sessions. With drivers often required to travel extensively as part of their job, it can be tricky for them to fit in training around their work commitments.
The geographical distribution of training centres can also pose challenges for drivers, particularly those based in rural or remote areas. Limited access to training facilities may force drivers to travel long distances to attend sessions, only adding further headaches and expenses to the process.
Another issue is a lack of awareness among drivers about CPC training and what it actually involves. Some drivers may dismiss the importance of maintaining their CPC certification or underestimate the time and effort required to complete the training. This can lead to a severe case of “I’ll do it later” syndrome, making the challenge of meeting training deadlines even more problematic.
If that wasn’t enough, the quality and availability of CPC training courses vary widely, which can impact the effectiveness of the training and the overall learning experience for drivers. Substandard training programmes may fail to adequately prepare drivers for the demands of the profession, leading to gaps in knowledge and skills that compromise safety on the roads.
Overall, the combination of logistical constraints, financial pressures, lack of awareness and variability in training quality creates a complex web of challenges for drivers involved in the CPC training process. Solving these issues will require improving access to training resources, raising awareness about CPC requirements, and boosting the quality and relevance of training programs to better fit the needs of drivers.
Strategies for companies to lessen the impact
To reduce the potential negative impact of the CPC deadline, companies need to adopt proactive measures to support their drivers in completing their training on time. Some effective steps include:
- Incentivise early completion
With very few things talking as loud as money, companies should offer financial incentives or bonuses to drivers who complete their training ahead of the deadline. Encouraging early completion can motivate drivers to put training at the top of their to-do list, and spread out the demand for training slots.
- Provide in-house training
Establish in-house training programs to make it easier for drivers to access CPC courses. Offering internal training enables drivers to schedule sessions during off-peak times and reduce disruptions to their operations.
- Increase recruitment efforts
Expand recruitment initiatives to attract new drivers into the industry. Partnering with driving schools and offering sponsorship for CPC training can build a much-needed pipeline of qualified drivers to help alleviate the shortage.
- Flexible scheduling
Offering drivers flexible shifts can help them to balance training with their work commitments. Providing training in smaller segments or during quieter periods also makes it easier for them to complete the required hours.
- Training cost reimbursement
Companies should also explore options for providing financial assistance or directly covering training costs to alleviate the burden on drivers.
Long-term implications of CPC non-compliance in the industry
Non-compliance with CPC training requirements is a slippery slope for both drivers and companies. Drivers who fall short of completing their training risk losing their professional driving qualifications, putting them out of a job and making the whole situation worse for everyone.
For companies, the implications of CPC non-compliance extend beyond regulatory fines and reputational damage. Disruptions to supply chains due to a shortage of drivers can lead to missed delivery deadlines, lost business opportunities and strained customer relationships. Increased operational costs may also arise from the need to find alternative solutions to cover driver shortages, such as hiring temporary drivers, which you can be sure won’t come cheap.
CPC non-compliance again underlines the importance of taking steps to support drivers in meeting their training requirements. Investing in training programmes, offering financial assistance and providing flexible scheduling options, will help reduce the risk of non-compliance and maintain a stable workforce. With the current driver landscape in unimpressive shape, to say the least, government support may well be necessary – in conjunction with industry-wide collaboration – to deal with the problem.
Retirement trends among drivers
The increasing number of drivers nearing retirement age is another major threat to the industry’s workforce stability. Many experienced drivers may opt for early retirement rather than undergo CPC training every five years, and who could blame them? Unfortunately, with truck driving not even close to a career dream for most millennials and Gen-Zs, holding on to the experienced drivers we have is going to be essential.
To achieve this, companies can implement a number of strategies. Offering phased retirement plans or part-time work options can provide older drivers with flexibility while ensuring a smoother transition out of the workforce. Additionally, providing targeted incentives for completing CPC training, such as covering training costs or offering additional retirement benefits, can encourage more drivers to remain in the industry and complete their training requirements.
Finding a way forward
You can dress it up as much as you like, but there’s no denying that, when it comes to drivers, it’s a fairly dismal picture at the moment. With an existing driver shortage (although not present due to reduced demand, but one that will quickly re-present itself once demand increase) and a swathe of potential retirees about to exit the industry, the impending September 2024 deadline for Driver CPC training certainly isn’t going to help the situation.
During this period and beyond, X2 (UK) can help mitigate the impact of driver shortages brought about by CPC training through our extensive nationwide partner network. If you require temporary support as a stopgap or ongoing fleet management get in touch.