Letchworth, March 6th<\/sup>, 2018<\/strong> \u2013 Only 24% of drivers have completed the full 35 hours CPC training required of them by 2019, with nearly half of drivers (49%) still at least 14 hours short.<\/p>\n The research of commercial drivers and operators unveiled that over 52% of the respondents welcome training as they feel it helps them to be a better driver, and over half would like to see new industry courses introduced. \u00a0And despite the reputation of one-day, classroom based training, this is the preferred way of delivering CPC training over half day courses, online modules, videos and Toolbox Talks, with 40% of drivers agreeing with this method.<\/p>\n The survey was carried out by a leading training provider for the road transport industry and TFL\u2019s<\/a> primary DCPC training contractor, Fleet Source. <\/a>It revealed that 83% of the drivers surveyed have been driving professionally for ten years or more.<\/p>\n \u201cCommercial drivers are required to do 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC),\u201d said Nick Caesari, Managing Director at Fleet Source. \u201fDriver CPC is the standard applied to initial driver training and career-long continuing education. If drivers fail to complete their 35 hours CPC training and they are driving professionally, then they can be fined up to \u00a31,000,\u201d Caesari continued.<\/p>\n 96% of respondents are concerned for vulnerable road users around their vehicles and \u2018Vulnerable Road User\u2019 is the most attended training course by drivers. However, drivers voted \u2018Vehicle road worthiness\u2019 as the most important training topic in their opinion.<\/p>\n \u201cWith the ever-increasing number of cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists on our roads, it is essential that HGV, PCV and PSV drivers are able to operate safely and reduce the risks of driving in today\u2019s busy environments,\u201d Caesari commented. There are various training courses that can help with this and also count towards drivers\u2019 required CPC hours,\u201d said Caesari. \u201cWhen choosing driver training, we should consider the roles, responsibilities and opinions of drivers to ensure they are receiving the most relevant driver training that is important to them, to make sure drivers continue to see value in the training they are attending\u201d Caesari continued.<\/p>\n The survey also revealed that drivers are not always confident in recognising relevant agencies or bodies. With only one in ten (11%) drivers being totally confident that they know what identification undercover police should carry. And only 28% being totally confident of being able to recognise a legit highways officer.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is a concern that drivers are not totally confident in recognising professional bodies relating to the transport industry. \u00a0It is clear that training is needed that will assist drivers to be one hundred per cent confident in ensuring that the person they are being approached by is in fact who they say they are. Being educated on this subject can help protect drivers and the public from everyday risks,\u201d Caesari concluded. \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The research also showed that not all drivers are sure if they have certain policy and procedures in place for key risk factors when being on the road. 1 in 3 drivers said they didn\u2019t or didn\u2019t know if they had policies and procedures in place when it comes to \u2018where to\u2019 and \u2018where not\u2019 to park, and 31% say they didn\u2019t or didn\u2019t know if they had policies and procedures in place for the security of keys.<\/p>\n \u201cThe research suggests that more can be done to support and protect commercial drivers,\u201d Caesari added. \u201cIt also reveals that drivers want to be trained and would welcome new courses. Fleet Source\u2019s driver courses are interactively designed to engage delegates and ensure the experience is interesting, thought-provoking and enjoyable, whilst achieving the training objectives. We believe that employees who are trained and are able to demonstrate their competency will be an asset to any company. To sum it up \u2013 better drivers mean better business,\u201d Caesari concluded.<\/p>\n