02/09/09

New EU Directive for truck and Bus Drivers

New EU directive for truck and bus drivers

If you are a professional bus or truck driver you will now have to undertake one day's training per year under a new Driver CPC EU Directive.

This Directive came into effect for mini-bus and bus drivers from 10th Sept. 2008 and comes into effect on 10th September 2009 for truck drivers.

Hgvireland.com sought the opinions of one of Ireland's leading specialists in the field to find out more about the Directive.

"This training is designed to enhance driver knowledge and skill and reduce death and injuries on our roads," Tony Hynes of CPC.ie explained.

"The training also focuses on reducing running costs, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of drivers as well as helping to protect the environment."

Tony explained that each training day is one module per year and these modules include: excellence in vehicle control, health and safety for drivers, tachographs and hours of driving and unlocking your potential as a professional driver.

One of Tony's students, Orla Canton, who did a Transport Manager course with him, attended the Driver CPC Module 1 training recently, even though she is not obliged to do the Driver CPC training.

Orla enthused that "this course is brilliant and, even though I didn't have to do it, I found it very interesting and useful. Everyone should attend one of Tony's CPC courses as you will have a unique learning experience."

Tony is one Ireland's only dedicated CPC specialists and runs Driver and Transport Manager CPC Courses nationwide. The Transport Manager CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence), which is awarded by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, qualifies you as a Transport Manager and also entitles you to apply to set up a haulage or bus passenger business.

A CPC is also extremely beneficial for career advancement, up- skilling and promotional prospects. Tony is currently offering Transport Manager and Driver CPC Courses at locations near you so if you wish to obtain further information you can contact Tony at 086-2458379 or tony@cpc.ie or visit his dedicated website at www.CPC.ie.