Opinion

“As the Driver CPC deadline approaches – are you ready?”

Colin Rutherford, Turners (Soham) trading as Lewis Tankers
“Sixty per cent of Lewis Tanker drivers have already completed five CPC training modules and have their Driver Qualification Card. Our aim is to ensure all our remaining drivers have the required 35 hours to qualify well before the September 2014 deadline.”
Mick Smith, Suckling Transport (part of SBG Silvio Bertani Group)
“At Suckling Transport we looked at all the options and decided early on to carry out the training inhouse. We sent our driver trainers to our ADR training provider who put them through a train the trainer course. This included a number of JAUPT approved courses that we have delivered to our driver workforce. Rather than complete 35 hours training in one go, we delivered the courses in 7-hour segments periodically. This helped with resources and spread out the costs as well.
“As we approach September 2014 I’m pleased to say we’re in extremely good shape for our driver CPC compliance.”
Ann Dawson, Norbert Dentressangle Tankers
“Norbert Dentressangle invests heavily in driver training and through our dedicated in-house scheme has developed a robust Safe Driving Plan. Linked to this we provide CPC training that is accredited by the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT).
“For tanker drivers we’ve combined this with the introduction of the Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP) which ensures that all training remains current and complies with the latest legislation. I am a big supporter of the PDP scheme and its policy of an annual practical assessment.
“Norbert Dentressangle Tankers has had a strong representation with the Downstream Oil Distribution Forum (DODF) since the launch of improving safety and driving standards within the fuel industry in early 2012. It has been a commitment of our company from the start to further improve best practice as part of the DODF.
“For many years we’ve offered comprehensive ADR training to both internal and external candidates, and it is our intention to fully support the PDP scheme with extensive training through our dedicated driver training centre, which delivers bespoke programmes.”
Tony Leighton, Suttons Group
“Suttons has accredited DCPC trainers within our inhouse pool of driver training instructors. Our trainers deliver accredited DCPC courses and because this is all carried out inhouse, we don’t need to rely on third party input and can control the pace of our training so that we meet all requirements. We’re well on track to achieve all our DCPC training in advance of the deadline.”