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The driving fort:..

4th September 2008
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

There's not doubting that 'early adopters' of the Driver CPC wilt gain the most from it. So be one by joining us on 18 September at the Commercial Motor Driver CPC Conference at Villa Park.

ON 10 SEPTEMBER 2009, the EU's Compulsory Training Directive (aka 'The Driver CPC') comes into effect, and your world could be turned upside down if you're not ready.

Under the directive, from that date, new HGV drivers gaining a Cl, Cl+E or C+E licence will have to take the CPC as part of the licence-acquisition process.

And although anyone already holding a current HGV licence from that date has 'acquired rights' to the CPC, and will not have to sit the CPC exam, they will still have to undergo 35 hours (or five full days) of 'periodic' training before September 2014, and a further 35 hours every five years thereafter.

You might think it doesn't concern you, especially if your drivers are all existing licence holders. You might also think: "I don't have to do anything about it till 2014..," Think again — and fast.

Between 2009 and 2014, industry experts predict that the current HGV driver workforce will need some 2.5 million training days to satisfy the legislation. In other words, if you leave it to the last minute, you might well find all the training providers are fully booked. And then what will you do?

While we're on the subject, do you know what qualifies as appropriate 'periodic' training? Do you also know how drivers will show their training records are up to date? And what will happen to your drivers if they are stopped in a roadside check and found not to be compliant?

Knowledge is power

Similar to every other piece of legislation in road transport, the early adopters of the Driver CPC are likely to be the winners. So join us on Thursday 18 September at Villa Park in Birmingham at the Commercial Motor 2008 Driver CPC Conference.

Why should you go? Because you'll learn all about the Driver CPC from our acknowledged experts, including top transport lawyer James Backhouse, who will cover the implementation, regulation and enforcement of the EU training directive.

You'll also get the chance to quiz Nick Carter, deputy chief executive and director of strategy and performance at the Driving Standards Agency — the lead Government agency overseeing the introduction of the Driver CPC — in an interactive QSzA forum.

And delegates will have the opportunity to see how has and coach operators have already dealt with the directive — the PSV sector went 'live' with the Driver CPC this month. What issues have PSV operators uncovered?

What will be the reaction of HGV drivers to the new rules? Who better to ask than Peter Boswell of the United Road Transport Union. who will spell out the view from the sharp end.

Next you'll hear how three major training providers — MercedesBenz, Fraikin and the Freight Transport Association — are gearing up for the Driver CPC.

And last but not least, there will be a step-by-step session on how to implement the directive — and make it work for you. •


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