Driver CPC - a regulation that demands 35 hours of specialist training every five years for all professional drivers - is now into its third year, and there are worrying signs that it is not being taken seriously. If the speed of training does not increase, Britain could be facing a labour gap when the first five year cycle completes.

Whilst many companies have started or even completed it already, some drivers and companies have speculated that the regulation will be withdrawn, and have therefore not bothered. However, Louise Ellman MP, Chair of the Commons Transport Select Committee, has reiterated that the regulations are taken very seriously by the government and are here to stay.

With three years left to complete the training prior to the deadline of September 2014, Dr Mick Jackson - Chief Executive of the Sector Skills Council - has pointed out that it makes little economic sense to wait. He was recently reported as saying that with current rates of uptake, the haulage industry faces a 30% shortfall in qualified drivers. He stated "My message to industry is that there is already a shortfall we need to make up, and when demand exceeds supply only one thing happens, the price goes up." 

We'll have at least one training company exhibiting at the show, along with the DSA - between them, they should be able to answer all your questions.