Eliminating Unnecessary Repetition of Periodic Training JAUPT:0342

The EU commission have reviewed the Driver CPC directive which now specifies that “a range of different subjects should be covered over the 35 hours. Therefore, DVSA wishes to reemphasise that drivers must not unnecessarily repeat the same periodic training subjects within a rolling five-year period.

DVSA and JAUPT will now monitor training provider uploads and driver records. If we identify training that does not support professional driver development because of unnecessary repetition we may take action against the driver and the trainer. This could include revoking a DQC and reconsidering a training body’s approval to deliver periodic training.

DVSA knows most operators and trainers of good repute will encourage a varied training regime as a matter of course. Operators and trainers who allow or encourage repetitive training without suitable justification create a road-safety risk by failing to maintain driver’s skills and damage the reputation of the driver training industry.

DVSA strongly encourage those trainers with a limited range of approved courses to consider increasing the range of subjects they offer. Centres who can only deliver one or two courses would find it difficult to provide suitable variety. There are no circumstances under which repeating the same course five times in a short period is justifiable.

The Traffic Commissioners Office also takes a dim view of drivers failing to plan a suitable training regime and have stated: “Driver CPC training should either be varied or specifically tailored to a driver’s weaknesses. Taking the same courses repeatedly is not good enough. Failing to put structured development plans in place for drivers not only increases the risk of an incident occurring but would reflect very poorly on an operator if they were called before a Traffic Commissioner.”

DVSA acknowledges there are situations when repeating a course is necessary and justifiable. JAUPT will shortly publish FAQs on our website which will go into more detail, providing specific examples.