The Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT) recently launched a consultation seeking feedback from stakeholders on proposed changes to the periodic training system for commercial drivers. The consultation is open from 15th March 2023 to 27th April 2023, and JAUPT have invited input from a wide range of interested parties, including drivers, training providers, industry bodies, and government agencies.
The proposed changes aim to improve the quality and effectiveness of periodic training, as well as make the process more flexible and accessible for drivers. There are five key areas of proposed changes:
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Learning Outcomes JAUPT proposes to revise and update the learning outcomes that training providers must cover in their periodic training courses. The new learning outcomes will reflect current best practices in driver training and focus on topics that are most relevant to commercial drivers today.
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Course Duration and Flexibility Currently, periodic training courses must be at least seven hours long. JAUPT is considering allowing drivers to complete their 35 hours of training in shorter, more flexible modules, and reducing the minimum course length to five hours.
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Monitoring and Evaluation JAUPT plans to improve the monitoring and evaluation of periodic training providers, to ensure that they are delivering high-quality training that meets the new learning outcomes. The agency also intends to establish a system of post-course evaluation, where drivers can provide feedback on the training they received.
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Trainer Qualifications and CPD. JAUPT is proposing to revise the qualifications and continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for periodic training trainers. The new requirements will ensure that trainers are up-to-date with the latest best practices in driver training and can deliver high-quality training that meets the new learning outcomes.
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Online Training . JAUPT is considering allowing some or all of the periodic training to be delivered online, to increase accessibility and flexibility for drivers. However, the agency acknowledges that online training may not be suitable for all topics and will need to be carefully regulated to ensure that it meets the same high standards as classroom-based training.
Overall, the proposed changes to the periodic training system aim to improve the quality and effectiveness of driver training and make the process more flexible and accessible for drivers. JAUPT is committed to working with stakeholders to ensure that the changes are implemented smoothly and that drivers receive the best possible training to maintain their CPC.
The consultation period is an important opportunity for interested parties to provide feedback on the proposed changes and help shape the future of periodic training in the UK. JAUPT has promised to carefully consider all feedback received and to make any necessary revisions to the proposals before implementing the changes.
From a training company standpoint, this could increase the cost of course delivery. We incur the same costs for a five hour or seven hour course. The trainer still needs to be paid and travel and any overnight accommodation costs will be the same. It is likely that if a company has gone to the trouble of taking drivers off the road for a day, five seven hour courses must be less disruptive than seven five-hour courses costing 40% more in training fees.
