RHA welcomes review of HGV driver training

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed a review into HGV driver training - which is being carried out in a bid to reduce the burden on drivers and get more truckers behind the wheel.

It comes after months of lobbying from the RHA, pushing for reform of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification.

For months, the RHA has called for Government to act if it wants to show a serious commitment to tackling the driver shortage and remove the barrier for experienced, qualified lorry drivers returning to the cab.

An RHA statement said: “We are delighted that Government has listened and heeded our advice by announcing a review into the qualification.

“The RHA has long campaigned for urgent reforms, including an extension to the validity of Driver CPCs expiring this year and help retain drivers who may otherwise be tempted to retire or find alternative work. ”

The RHA is also proposing proposes a “one for one ” Driver CPC, meaning that a driver should be allowed to extend or renew a Driver CPC entitlement for one additional year if they undertake one training module.

The statement added: “RHA looks forward to engaging with the review to ensure these much-needed reforms are introduced, removing the barriers for drivers joining the industry, whilst maintaining safety standards.

“We also welcome the work on upgrading lorry park facilities which will be vital in improving driver wellbeing and encouraging more people to join the sector - and look forward to working with the Department for Transport on this. ”