For many HGV vehicle operators that have to complete the Driver CPC training legislation they see it purely as box ticking exercise, rather than a method of self-improvement and a way of learning new skills to aid their every day life.
Since the legislation was first introduced in 2009 the modules and format available to drivers was very one dimensional, drivers have primarily attended classroom-based training courses for seven hours and received their Driver CPC contribution. However, the introduction of Safe Urban Driving amongst others have changed this format.
Safe Urban Driving training incorporates two elements both theory and practical content are delivered to make up the seven-hour Driver CPC requirement. The new course format has been widely well received by delegates throughout the United Kingdom with thousands of drivers attending this course since its introduction. The new format allowing delegates to participate in a hands on practical training exercise caters to different learning styles and engages all delegates, the different learning styles of people has been widely discussed for a number of years and this is definitely a step in the right direction for Driver CPC training. Utilising this format means delegates are more likely to store the information that is delivered within the training course, when you sit drivers down in a classroom for 7 hours there is always a chance that they will switch off to the subject.
This is not the only reason that Safe Urban Driving has proven to be such a popular Driver CPC training course. There is also the relevance and importance of the subject within the modern urban environment that HGV’s operate in on a daily basis, the content delivered is relatable for drivers that experience these situations most days automatically making it more engaging.
When you consider these elements it makes you consider, why are so many Driver CPC training courses solely classroom based? Why are there not more approved courses offering both theory and practical content? It seems as though going forward we could see this format of training being implemented on a more widespread basis with more courses on offer, we have already seen the introduction of Van Smart and similarly Driver Assessment courses could a Driver CPC module be next?