At Lightning Training Solutions, we understand the crucial role professional drivers play in keeping the UK moving.
The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) is more than just a qualification – it’s an essential part of ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance across the transport industry.
With 35 hours of periodic training required every five years, our DCPC courses are carefully crafted to enhance drivers’ skills, update them on industry regulations, and promote road safety.
Whether you’re an experienced driver or re-entering the profession, Lightning Training Solutions is here to guide you every step of the way toward driving excellence.
All of our DCPC courses are carried out to face-to-face on location by us or at our Partner location in Yeovil, Somerset as an open course.
Emergency First Aid for Professional Drivers
At Lightning Training Solutions, we recognise that professional drivers often find themselves in situations where quick thinking and Basic First Aid skills can make all the difference.
Our Emergency First Aid for Professional Drivers course is specifically designed to equip drivers with the knowledge and confidence to handle medical emergencies effectively while on the road.
This one-day course, which also counts as 7 hours of Driver CPC training, covers essential First Aid topics, including:
- Managing unresponsive casualties (both breathing and non-breathing).
- Administering CPR and using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
- Treating wounds, bleeding, burns, and scalds.
- Recognising and responding to shock, choking, and other medical conditions.
Participants will not only gain life-saving skills but also fulfil their periodic training requirements, ensuring compliance with Driver CPC regulations. Upon successful completion, attendees receive a recognised First Aid qualification, valid for three years.
Whether you’re a lorry driver, bus operator, or coach driver, this course is an invaluable investment in safety – for yourself, your passengers, and the public.
Drivers’ Hours & Tachographs
At Lightning Training Solutions, we are committed to empowering professional drivers with the knowledge they need to stay compliant and efficient.
Our Drivers’ Hours and Tachographs course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the rules and regulations governing drivers’ working hours and the use of tachographs.
This one-day course, which also counts as 7 hours of Driver CPC training, covers key topics such as:
- EU and UK domestic drivers’ hours regulations.
- The Working Time Directive and its implications for drivers.
- Proper use of analogue and digital tachographs.
- Identifying and avoiding infringements.
- Practical tips for managing rest periods and driving limits.
Participants will gain valuable insights into maintaining compliance, reducing the risk of penalties, and ensuring safe and efficient operations.
Whether you’re new to the industry or looking for a refresher, this course is an essential step in mastering the complexities of drivers’ hours and tachograph rules.
Secure Loading for Transportation on the Highway
We understand that proper load securing is not just a legal requirement—it’s a critical aspect of Highways maintenance and road safety.
Our Secure Loading for Transportation on the Highway course is tailored to equip professional drivers with the skills and knowledge needed to safely load, secure, and transport goods on UK highways, ensuring the smooth operation of Highways maintenance projects.
This one-day course, which also counts as 7 hours of Driver CPC training, covers essential topics, including:
- Understanding the legal responsibilities for load security under UK regulations.
- Best practices for securing loads using straps, nets, edge protectors, and other restraint systems.
- Techniques for stabilising loads to prevent shifting during transit, particularly for Highways maintenance equipment.
- Identifying risks associated with different types of cargo and vehicles, including those used in Highways maintenance operations.
- Practical advice for handling high-risk scenarios, such as adverse weather or uneven terrain.
Participants will gain valuable insights into reducing the risk of accidents, ensuring compliance with regulations, and protecting both goods and road users. This course is particularly relevant for drivers involved in Highways maintenance, where secure loading is essential for transporting heavy machinery, materials, and specialised equipment safely.
Whether you’re transporting palletised goods, bulk loads, or specialised cargo, this course is an essential investment in safe and efficient operations, contributing to the success of Highways maintenance projects across the UK.
Fire Awareness and Conflict Management
Our Fire Awareness and Conflict Management course is designed to equip drivers with the skills to prevent and respond to fire emergencies, as well as manage challenging situations with confidence and professionalism.
This one-day course, which also counts towards 7 hours of your Driver CPC training, covers two crucial areas:
Fire Awareness:
- Understanding the causes and risks of fire in the workplace and on the road.
- Learning fire prevention strategies and identifying potential hazards.
- Practical advice on evacuation procedures and the use of firefighting equipment.
- Ensuring compliance with Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
Conflict Management:
- Recognising the triggers and signs of conflict in professional settings.
- Developing effective communication techniques to de-escalate tense situations.
- Strategies for handling difficult conversations and resolving disputes.
- Maintaining professionalism and ensuring safety during conflicts.
Participants will leave the course with a deeper understanding of fire safety and the tools to manage conflicts effectively, ensuring a safer and more harmonious working environment.
Winter Service Operations Training
Our Winter Service Operations Training course is designed to equip drivers with the skills and knowledge needed to safely and efficiently manage winter road conditions, particularly for those operating gritters and other winter service vehicles.
This one-day course, which also counts as 7 hours of Driver CPC training, covers essential topics, including:
- Preparing vehicles and equipment for winter service operations.
- Understanding the use of gritters, snow ploughs, and other winter service vehicles.
- Best practices for spreading salt and other de-icing materials.
- Managing risks associated with icy roads, snow, and reduced visibility.
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations during winter operations.
Participants who complete this course will also receive their City and Guilds qualification, a nationally recognised certification that demonstrates their expertise in operating winter service vehicles to the highest standards.
This qualification is particularly relevant for those working with local authorities, contractors, and the Highways Agency.
The course provides practical insights into maintaining road safety and minimising disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions.
Fuel Efficiency and Safer, More Efficient Driving
Our Fuel Efficiency and Safer, More Efficient Driving course is designed to equip drivers with practical techniques to reduce fuel consumption, minimise vehicle wear and tear, and enhance road safety.
This one-day course, which also counts as 7 hours of Driver CPC training, covers key topics, including:
- Understanding the environmental and financial benefits of fuel-efficient driving.
- Techniques for smooth acceleration, braking, and gear changes to optimise fuel usage.
- Planning routes effectively to reduce unnecessary mileage and idling.
- Identifying and avoiding risky driving behaviours that compromise safety and efficiency.
- Practical advice for maintaining vehicles to ensure peak performance and fuel economy.
Participants will gain valuable insights into driving smarter, saving money, and contributing to a greener environment – all while ensuring compliance with Driver CPC regulations.
Whether you’re looking to cut costs or improve your driving skills, this course is an essential step toward safer and more efficient operations.
Emergency Situations and Illegal Trafficking
Our Emergency Situations and Illegal Trafficking course is designed to equip drivers with the knowledge and skills to handle emergencies effectively and to recognise and prevent illegal activities during transportation.
This one-day course, which also counts as 7 hours of Driver CPC training, covers two critical areas:
Emergency Situations:
- Responding to road traffic incidents and breakdowns in dangerous situations.
- Managing medical emergencies, including assisting ill or injured passengers.
- Understanding procedures for reporting incidents and ensuring safety at the scene.
- Practical advice for handling aggressive behaviour and road rage.
Illegal Trafficking:
- Recognising the signs of illegal trafficking, including drugs, people, and illicit goods.
- Understanding the legal responsibilities of drivers in preventing trafficking.
- Strategies for securing vehicles and loads to reduce risks.
- Reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
Participants will leave the course with the confidence to manage emergencies and the awareness to combat illegal trafficking, ensuring safer and more secure operations on the road.
New Courses Coming Soon
We’re excited to announce that we’ll be expanding our training offerings this year with new courses designed to meet the evolving needs of professional drivers and operators. These upcoming courses will include:
- Spillage Management Training – Equipping drivers with the skills to handle and mitigate spillages safely and efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption and environmental impact.
- Vehicle Marshalling Training – Focused on the safe and effective guidance of vehicles in various operational settings, this course will cover best practices for communication, positioning, and risk management.
These additions reflect our commitment to providing comprehensive training solutions that enhance safety, compliance, and operational excellence across the industry.
DCPC Training: Ensuring Compliance and Competence
The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) is a mandatory qualification for professional drivers of lorries, buses, and coaches in the UK.
Introduced to improve road safety and maintain high standards within the transport industry, DCPC training is essential for drivers to stay compliant and competent.
Professional drivers are required to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to maintain their DCPC qualification.
This training can be broken down into 7-hour modules, allowing drivers to spread their learning across multiple sessions or complete it in a shorter timeframe.
The training covers a wide range of topics, including road safety, vehicle maintenance, and industry regulations, ensuring drivers are well-prepared for the challenges of their profession.
Failure to complete the required training can result in penalties of up to £1,000 and the loss of eligibility to drive professionally.
By staying up-to-date with DCPC training, drivers not only meet legal requirements but also enhance their skills, improve safety, and contribute to a more efficient transport system.
At Lightning Training Solutions, we offer a variety of DCPC courses tailored to the needs of professional drivers.
From First Aid and fuel efficiency to conflict management and winter operations, our courses are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge and confidence they need to excel
Get In Touch
From mastering Emergency First Aid for Professional Drivers and enhancing compliance through Drivers’ Hours and Tachographs, to ensuring road safety with Secure Loading for Transportation on the Highway and preparing for winter challenges with Winter Service Operations Training, our courses are tailored to meet the demands of today’s professional drivers.
Additionally, we provide invaluable training in Fire Awareness and Conflict Management, Fuel Efficiency and Safer, More Efficient Driving, and Emergency Situations and Illegal Trafficking, helping you stay safe, efficient, and prepared for the unexpected.
Ready to take your driving expertise to the next level?
Fill out the form below to get in touch with us and book your Driver CPC training today.
Whether you’re an individual driver or part of a fleet, Lightning Training Solutions is here to support your journey toward professional excellence.
To book or many an enquiry about any course featured in ths blog post, you can contact us:
By Email: enquiries@lightningtrainingsolutions.co.uk
By Phone: 01935 473575
