The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact on the road transport & logistics industry in a variety of ways.

The news that the Driving & Vehicle Standards Authority (DVSA) has advised that there should be no further classroom-based Driver CPC training until 21^st June 2020 has potentially left HGV drivers whose Driver Qualification Card (DQC) runs out before then, with a problem. How to complete their annual round of periodic training before the deadline date on their card.

However, training providers who meet required DVSA standards can offer online training.  Driver Hire is one of them and has a wide range of online Driver CPC training courses available.

“Obviously we can’t offer any courses that feature an on-road or practical element,” says John Keelan-Edwards, Driver Hire Risk Management Director. “Following conversations with the DVSA, they’ve given us the green light to run 16 courses covering subjects including up to the minute instructions on Drivers’ Hours and the Working Time Directive, Fuel Efficient Driving, Manual Handling and Health & Safety.

“Clearly, at this current critical time for the whole nation, it’s imperative that logistics operations in key sectors want to keep as many drivers on the road as possible. Losing drivers because their DQC card has expired is an unnecessary risk – this is the way to avoid it. Equally, it’s a perfect opportunity for drivers working in non-essential sectors, who may have been temporarily stood down, to complete their annual round of training. The same applies to drivers who are self-isolating because they may have been in contact with someone who has the virus.”

A review of the advice regarding classroom-based training will take place in June.

Call a member of our friendly team on 0808 178 9977 for more information, or browse our range of online courses here.

The Coronavirus pandemic has created a unique situation for all of us. Government guidelines on social distancing has meant face-to-face training courses have had to be cancelled or postponed, and we understand our customers’ concerns around the impact COVID-19 may have on training for their drivers.

DriveWise has responded to these concerns. Whilst time is an increasingly precious commodity in the transport industry at the moment, managers still have a responsibility to uphold compliance and manage road risk. DriveWise has therefore developed a variety of online ‘short burst’ Topical Pitstop Workshops, covering a selection of courses – just 20-30 minutes per topic – including speed awareness, mental health, fatigue and more.

In addition, a bespoke online course, the ‘Doorstep Delivery Drivers’ Course‘, has been launched specifically aimed at delivery drivers. With home deliveries rising rapidly as more people work from home, additional drivers are being recruited to meet demand. This course is specifically aimed at those drivers who have received little training, may be driving an unfamiliar vehicle and experiencing the pressure of having to meet tight delivery deadlines, whilst keeping themselves safe from infection.

For course overviews, please download the following:

• Topical Pitstop Workshops – overview sheet
• Doorstep Delivery Drivers’ Course – overview sheet

If you require further information, please call a member of our DriveWise team on 0808 178 9977 or submit an online enquiry today.