I see loads of threads on dcpc most of which complain about it, at the risk of getting a load of abuse thrown at me this is what I think it comes down to…
The only complaint I have with it is that you should be make sit 7 different topics and there should be a better range of classes to choose from,
Other than that I generally think it’s quite a good idea, I’ve seen countless drivers that either don’t know all the in’ s and outs of the drivers hours or no clue about properly loading and strapping etc.
Or possibly they should have a class on how to read a low bridge sign that says 12ft on it!!
When you see loads spread over the road, units buried In a low bridge or a lorry on its side because the load was all to one side of the trailer when loaded, you have to ask, does the driver need more training to stop this happening or is it just ignorance?
Never going to get a classroom course which makes drivers better out on the road - only on-road training will do that and its very expensive
The laws are a different matter - classroom fine for those but that takes care of one course for those that need it which means doing an assessment to see who does need it
V8-Chris:
I see loads of threads on dcpc most of which complain about it, at the risk of getting a load of abuse thrown at me this is what I think it comes down to…
The only complaint I have with it is that you should be make sit 7 different topics and there should be a better range of classes to choose from,
Other than that I generally think it’s quite a good idea, I’ve seen countless drivers that either don’t know all the in’ s and outs of the drivers hours or no clue about properly loading and strapping etc.
Or possibly they should have a class on how to read a low bridge sign that says 12ft on it!!
When you see loads spread over the road, units buried In a low bridge or a lorry on its side because the load was all to one side of the trailer when loaded, you have to ask, does the driver need more training to stop this happening or is it just ignorance?
I agree that ongoing training is a good idea, unfortunately the way the DCPC was written up by the EU and implemented by the UK Government makes a mockery of proper training, the DCPC in it’s current form has very little to offer as far as training is concerned.
ROG:
Never going to get a classroom course which makes drivers better out on the road - only on-road training will do that and its very expensive
I completely disagree with that, you can learn a lot about the principles of load security in a classroom, then there’s the principles of fuel efficient driving, basic vehicle maintenance ec’t, proper use of a tachograph, I’m sure there’s plenty of other subjects that can be taught in a classroom that I haven’t mentioned, all of these subjects make for a better and more efficient driver.
The problem is that all of those subjects can also be learned for free without compulsory training attendance.
I think the training systems in the uk are almost zero, practically anyone can take a test and drive that vehicle, but it doesnt even begin to give that driver knowledge of the job in hand. Most operators want a driver with 2yrs experience, but they are not prepared to give that driver experience, only relying on another operator. In my opinion there should be proper training schemes set up, even by the current companies who arrange training and the test, which should be the last thing done. Government could play a part with subsidies, or benefits paid to those willing to train, it would also give them a work ethic. Trainers could exist for retirees like myself, to teach loading practices, the use of ropes/chains, maybe tanker procedures etc but certainly a better training centre than what we have. My peek into the DCPC is the fact that i think they maybe could have given out a pre questionare to see who need training, and personally, i didnt need it, for 50 years behind the wheel, driving old and modern day vehicles, and the practices that go with that, tacho exp, WTD knowledge and driving regs means i am well equipped to do the job and earn my card ( which i have ) and found it a complete and utter waste of time and my employers money, and so did the majority on the course, and even correcting the so called college boy instructors who to my knowledge have never sat behind the wheel of a truck, and i think i speak a great deal for many other experienced drivers too.
Classroom work on load restraint safe driving etc is great BUT then it should also be followed up by practical lessons. Say the day split in half. I don’t think the CPC is a bad idea it’s just pit into practice the wrong way.
End of the day it’s part of the new rules you gotta contend with so you got 2 choices, 1 get out of trucking and find a new job or 2 ■■■■ it up get on with it and pick up any helpful tips and hints you can.
taffytrucker:
Classroom work on load restraint safe driving etc is great BUT then it should also be followed up by practical lessons. Say the day split in half. I don’t think the CPC is a bad idea it’s just pit into practice the wrong way.
End of the day it’s part of the new rules you gotta contend with so you got 2 choices, 1 get out of trucking and find a new job or 2 ■■■■ it up get on with it and pick up any helpful tips and hints you can.
Kind of agree with this one. Its ok sitting in a classroom telling a driver to throw a strap over this part or that to make the load safe but at the end of the day the driver has never handled a ratchet strap in his life.
the practical side of the job needs to be kept at a practical level and not a powerpoint presentation. A classroom is ok for driver hours, road signs and the rules to which we must operate.
We all now have our dcpc card but yet the same idiots are still doing the same things wrong. Lorries are still rolling over and loads still being lost, drivers are still clocking up countless infringements and the yard muppet is and always will be the yard muppet.
The problem - as always - is money. Who is going to pay for it all? Companies won’t pay it, government won’t pay it, drivers won’t pay it = waste of time even talking about it.
Left hand down!:
The problem - as always - is money. Who is going to pay for it all? Companies won’t pay it, government won’t pay it, drivers won’t pay it = waste of time even talking about it.
Suits me fine. Whilst all the idiots carry on wrecking the place I will carry on working.
Left hand down!:
The problem - as always - is money. Who is going to pay for it all? Companies won’t pay it, government won’t pay it, drivers won’t pay it = waste of time even talking about it.
Had to go pick up another combine this week. I’ve picked up a few of these since last July but while I was down there I bumped into another driver as I was chaining down who showed me a slightly different easier and quicker way of doing it. Just goes to show you can learn something every day.
As for the comment about costs. It’s the law to have the CPC so no matter the costs it will have to be paid if you wanna stay trucking
I think Robroy started a thread called DCPC missed opportunity. And that what I think we have, everybody no matter how experienced can learn something, but the DCPC was done for the lowest price and easiest possible way. Probably because the haulage industry was,scared of the cost of training and loss of staff if it actually involved having to learn and pass an exam. Although I’m sure many would have complained about sitting exams. Proper training is expensive and on road training even more so which is why most of us sat in a classroom trying to stay interested.
They should have made the courses pass/fail instead of just an attendance course
maybe not make it overly hard to pass, but at least people would pay attention if they thought it mattered
every course I was on nobody gave a flying ■■■■ as they knew all they had to do was sit there until it was finished. there were people on their phones all the time, people falling asleep…
that’s not to say that if they HAD listened that the info given out on the courses would have been any benefit to them, one of them had a video about risk assessment in a workshop with cables lying on the ground, unguarded machines etc! the module was called ‘Stress Awareness’ so IMO the content needs to be more relevant for it to be any use
Am lucky enough not to have to do it. But if people are playing on their phones etc that’s down to the attitude of that person and yes I agree it should be a pass or fail course and also job related.
