The Big Train rolled into Warwick University on 12 September, and Truck & Driver editor Will Shiers was one of 73 drivers to board.
I can think of plenty of things I would rather do with my Saturday than spend it in a classroom. However, like every other HGV licence holder in Europe, I have to do 35 hours of CPC training over the next five years and there's no time like
the present.
So on 12 September I signed up to the Big Train for my first seven hours.
My day at Warwick University kicked off at 9am with a driving licence check (both the plastic and paper parts), which is a vital requirement for the Driver CPC. They need to check that you are who you say you are, then upload the licence details onto a CPC database on the DSA website.
Along with 14 other drivers, I opted for the 'vehicle safety, control systems and fuel efficiency' module. There was an interesting mix of people on the course, including employed, unemployed, agency and owner-drivers. When asked why we had chosen to take part in one of the earliest Driver CPC courses, the reasons were varied. Some simply wanted to get as many of their courses out of the way early in order to avoid any potential 'last-minute rush'. Other reasons given included 'to become a better driver'; 'to help improve the image of the industry'; and 'to make myself more
employable'.
The drivers came from various sectors of the industry, and while some had their places on the course paid for by their employers, others had found the £99 fee themselves. One driver explained that his employer was perfectly happy to pick up the entire bill for his CPC training, on the condition that the money was refunded in the event of them leaving his employment at any point in the next five years.
The Fraikin course instructors, Phil Knight and Dave Ramsbottom, were keen for audience participation, which started with a brief introduction.
There were drivers from various sectors on the industry, including someone who moves expensive race horses across Europe in a £400,000 26-tonne Actros. Imagine carrying a £5m cargo that isn't strapped down!
It was immediately clear that there was a lot of experience in the room, and I was worried that the instructors might come across as a bit condescending, teaching their proverbial grandmothers to suck eggs. But I needn't have worried. Instead, they successfully turned the knowledge in the room to the advantage of everyone, encouraging group discussions, and ensuring all the delegates could learn from each others' experiences.
I had feared 'death by PowerPoint', but that wasn't the case at all. The two morning sessions were broken up with numerous group tasks and videos. The daily walk-around exercise was particularly useful, and involved studying a line-drawing of a truck and pointing out the key areas that need to be checked. Then we viewed the latest VOSA daily check DVD, and compared our results with the official guidelines.
After a superb buffet lunch, which sparked comments such as "truck drivers aren't normally treated this well", we headed back to the classroom.
The afternoon session got going with a shocking video that would put you off ever touching your mobile phone while behind the wheel again. This sparked a group discussion on accidents, which revealed some incredible stories. One driver in the group told us about a fatal collision he'd had with a car driver, who had chosen to end his life by veering into the lorry's path at 120mph.
The fuel efficiency/safer driving segment was particularly interesting, and sparked a heated debate between some of the delegates. The result was an agreement that safe and efficient driving go hand-in-hand.
Of the drivers I spoke to on my course, the general consensus was that it had been worthwhile. Car transporter driver James Taylor described it as "definitely worthwhile, and much better than I thought it would be".
Another driver, Nick Dunn, said: 'It was informative, entertaining and very well presented. Despite being an EU directive, it is what the industry needs to help road safety, cut fuel consumption and prevent vehicle, road and environmental damage. I'm looking forward to the next 28 hours of my Driver CPC training.'
From a personal point of view, it was definitely better than I had expected. However, although I was impressed with my first CPC course, if I'm honest, I'm still not a fan of the whole concept. I think it's another expense that this industry doesn't need.
However, it's here, and there's nothing we can do about that, so there's no point burying our heads in the sand. Better that drivers turn it to their advantage, and ensure that they at least do some research and sign up to courses that are most relevant to them.
Reed Business Information Limited.©2009
