1 in 6 drivers let their DQC lapse last year but companies can play a key role in supporting training and retention!
Despite rising unemployment across the UK the shortage of qualified commercial vehicle drivers remains challenging. Figures supplied by the DVLA in a recent report suggest that the UK may have lost over 117,000 qualified drivers in the last year alone, based on lapsed driver qualification cards (DQC’s), equating to 1 in 6 drivers having not renewed this essential qualification. As driver numbers dwindle, pressure on working drivers grows, increasing the risk of burnout as drivers struggle to meet demanding deadlines.
TTC sees first-hand how difficult is for drivers to fit mandatory Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training into a packed schedule. However, organisations that prioritise driver well-being, including access to convenient CPC training, can help reduce driver risk and minimise turnover.
Alarming driver shortage
The scale of driver shortages is stark. The RHA estimates that the UK needs to train 60,000 new HGV drivers each year for the next five years, to keep up with demand and replace those leaving the profession. There are also shortages across passenger transport with a 3.4% shortage of bus drivers and a 12.4% shortage of coach drivers. Meanwhile on-going growth in e-commerce is increasing demand for delivery drivers.
Of equal concern is the fact that the UK workforce is aging and half the drivers with current Driver CPCs are aged 48 or over, while 15% of all currently-qualified drivers are aged 55 to 59[v].
Keeping great drivers behind the wheel
The best employers are already doing so much to retain professional drivers, investing in everything from advanced telematics systems to plan and prioritise routes and rotas, to technology providing real-time insights into driver behaviour to help target training.
As the industry continues to see a decline in drivers amidst and ageing workforce though, it is more important than ever to help current drivers keep on top of driver training. Drivers have to do 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep their CPC to drive a lorry, bus, or coach.
Crucially, if a driver misses a deadline to complete their CPC training, they cannot drive professionally until they have that training is completed. As competition to attract professional drivers intensifies, every day a driver is off the road makes a huge difference, impacting operations. Training and compliance really is a business critical priority.
Convenience is key to addressing the driver shortage
As the day-to-day pressure of work intensifies finding time to complete Driver CPC training can be a challenge. TTC is an approved DVSA training centre for Driver CPC periodic training with over 73.5 hours of engaging training options to choose from. Importantly, online courses are available seven days a week, so drivers can fit in training at a time that suits them, while in person courses are also an option.
Sources:
