SRC staff delivering their CPC Driver Training course to trainees at their Chedzoy Lane Training Centre.

SRC Driver Training (part of SRC Maintenance Services Ltd.) has delivered a series of training courses at its JAUPT approved SRC Driver Training Centre in Bridgwater's Chedzoy Lane (Somerset).

SRC Director, Steve Curtis, said: "The need for drivers who drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes to get CPC qualifications and stay qualified has become imperative since the beginning of last month. Drivers are now required by law to be CPC qualified by September 2014 (PCV Drivers by September 2013).

There are thousands of drivers who need to get qualified in the UK and, as yet, there are not enough trainers to cope with the inevitable demand. We're very pleased to be one of the first companies in the region to be given approval to run Driver CPC Training courses... we are registered to deliver driver training across the South of England.

Driver CPC Training qualifications are designed to improve driver performance on a number of fronts:

• Improved road safety
• Better skilled drivers
• More fuel efficient driving
• Skills developed throughout a driver's working life
• Drivers acquire an improved professional image

It's also hoped that these qualifications will attract younger drivers into the industry.

Haulage companies are duty bound to up-skill their driver workforce, so the sooner drivers get qualified the better.

I've been in the haulage industry for over 25 years both as a driver and a provider of vehicle maintenance. For me, the Driver CPC Training qualifications provide a much needed quality standard for UK drivers... they will hopefully bring back the idea of our drivers being regarded as the 'Knight's of the Road'. In addition to providing driver training at our SRC Training Centre, we are happy to deliver our Driver CPC Training courses in-company, providing there is a suitable room.

The introduction of CPC qualifications has come as a bit of a shock to the industry and drivers have not all been enthusiastic about the idea of going back to the 'classroom'. However, the feedback we've had from our first batch of trainees has been very positive. They have particularly enjoyed the opportunity of sharing their 'on the road' experiences while learning together."

To find out more about Driver CPC Training courses contact Steve Curtis on:

01278 685798 OR 07733 328007