CPT provides ‘high-quality’ evidence supporting licence change

A ‘significant quantity of high-quality evidence’ in support of the government’s proposed changes to vocational driver licensing has been submitted by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).

The DfT is consulting on proposals for two key changes in this area: One will permit new recruits to get on with off-road training and testing while still awaiting their provisional licence from DVLA (that will ensure more trainees stay the course and become safe, qualified bus or coach drivers). The other will permit 18- and 19-year-olds to drive regular services without any distance restriction.

“The General Election will now delay progress in this area” – CPT’s Operations Director, Keith McNally

CPT’s Operations Director, Keith McNally, said: “The consultation covered two key areas of licensing – one more important to coach and the other of particular help to bus operators. Together these changes could help our members recruit the people they need.

“The General Election will now delay progress in this area but we are confident DfT officials will present the results of the consultation and appropriate advice to new ministers promptly after the election.

“CPT is confident that through our regular engagement with members via our Bus & Coach Commissions, and through more detailed policy groups like Road Operations Committee and Recruitment & Training Group, CPT has been able to provide highly informed answers to the many questions raised by DfT in its consultation questionnaire.”