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Shift working can at times mean that drivers find it difficult to get the adequate sleep and rest they require, especially if they are working through unsociable hours. Sleep deprivation can have massive consequences, especially for long distance drivers – here’s some top tips for avoiding mistakes.

Remember the rules. You shouldn’t be driving for more than 9 hours a day and you shouldn’t work more than 13 hours a day – following this guidance is vital for making sure you’re not too tired to work.

Make sure you take breaks. They may seem unimportant, but forgetting or neglecting to take breaks as required can have a huge impact and lead to accidents.

Stay refreshed. Take plenty of water with you on shifts and try to plan healthy and nutritious meals with slow burning energy to get your though. Coffee may seem like your best friend, but it really isn’t! Caffeine can give you a temporary boost but may leave you feeling more tired later on.

The best cure for driver fatigue? Avoid it! Ensure that you get a good rest between shifts – Exercise is also a great way to relax!

For more information about our online driver CPC courses, contact 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

Unfortunately, traffic jams are something that many of us, including those who drive for a living, can’t avoid for long. As our roads become more congested, it’s likely we’ll be hit with heavy traffic more and more. So how can you stay sane and safe during the next traffic jam?

Take a break! If heavy traffic is starting to gather, it might be time to take a break from the driving, especially if you’ve been on the road for a long time. A cup of coffee later, and you might find the traffic has started moving again…

Stay alert. Stop and start traffic can lead to drivers becoming distracted, especially as people are driving slowly. Even when driving slowly, accidents can happen – Make sure you’re paying attention to the road at all times and stay safe.

Take care of your vehicle. There’s a danger of vehicles overheating in traffic jams and delaying everyone else further – Keep an eye on your temperature gauge whilst in traffic. If your temperature gauge starts to rise, turn your heater and ventilation systems on and open the windows. Additionally, keep an eye on your fuel levels – If you’re at a standstill for a long time, turn off the engine and reserve your fuel.

For more information about our online driver CPC courses, contact 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

Are you looking to kick start your driving career but not sure where to start with CPC driver training? We offer affordable and flexible CPC training according to your needs. But what is CPC training and why do drivers need it?

The Driver CPC (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence) is required by anyone wanting to drive a HVG, LGV, bus or coach as a professional. Once you have a CPC you will need 35 hours of refresher training every 5 years. The idea behind the qualification is to improve road safety and driving standards, and makes sure drivers are kept up to date with legal and safety requirements.

The training itself includes study of the theory of driving, practical tests and case studies.

If you’re driving a HGV and LGV for a living, it is a legal requirement to have your CPC and to undergo 35 hours of additional CPC training every 5 years – if you don’t, you could face a fine of £1,000!

Our JAUPT approved Driver CPC training is designed to suit you. Chose which training modules you want to sit, choose how many hours you need, and choose from either our Milton Keynes or Luton & Dunstable training centres.

For more information about our online CPC driver training and to book your next training session, contact us on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

LGV and HGV drivers face more legislation than most on the road, and keeping up to date with any updates or changes is important. Are you aware of recent changes to LEZ and London’s new DVS schemes?

Last week on Monday 1st March the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) came into force in London. It means that any and all HGVs over 12 tonnes driving in London must meet the new DVS standards. Any vehicle over 12 tonnes not meeting these standards will face a daily £550 fine, so it’s important to check it out. If you know your vehicle has a zero star rating, you can apply for the permit and submit a written statement online. For more information, visit the TfL website.

There’s also been a change to the Low Emission Zone standards, with new restrictions brought into force to tackle air pollution. If you drive an HGV, van or other specialist heavy vehicle over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight or a coach over 5 tonnes gross vehicle weight within the LEZ and it does not meet Euro VI (NOx and PM), you will need to pay the daily LEZ charge. The charges are as follows:

• Is Euro IV or V (PM) – you will need to pay a daily charge of £100
• Doesn’t meet Euro IV (PM) – you will need to pay a daily charge of £300

For more information about our online CPC driver training and to book your next training session, contact us on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

Many of us are now getting used to life amid COVID-19, and over the last year what with multiple lockdowns and disruption there has been a growth in demand for delivery drivers and supply chain workers. Everyone must do their bit to keep safe amid COVID-19, but this can be particularly challenging for LGV and HGV drivers due to the nature of their work – here’s our top tips for keeping drivers safe.

Safety first! Those in charge of loading sites must make sure everyone is safe at all times, following current government guidance. That includes site workers and drivers, who may be from other sites, and how they interact and support one another.

Access to facilities. Drivers must have access to toilets and handwashing facilities whilst on site – it is a legal requirement. Make sure facilities are well sign posted and consider ways to keep everyone safe, including providing separate facilities where possible.

Ensure social distancing. If you have a break room or driver waiting room, ensure users keep to social distancing rules. Put up signage and provide handwashing and sanitation facilities. Depending on the site, if social distancing is not possible drivers could as a temporary measure wait in their cabs, as long as driver and worker safety is adhered to.

You can find out more by visiting the government website: https://www.gov.uk/transport/driving-and-road-transport

For more information about our online CPC driver training and to book your next training session, contact us on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

IR35 was due to come into effect back in April 2020, but with the coronavirus pandemic the rollout was delayed until April 2021. But what is IR35, does it affect you, and what changes do you need to make when working?

If you are a driver operating via a Limited company, IR35 means you may have to change the way you operate. You can continue to operate under a Limited company if you meet two of the following criteria:

• Turnover £5.2m or less per annum
• Profit £10.4m or less per annum
• Less than 50 direct employees in their organisation

If you don’t meet two of the above requirements, you will need to operate via a PAYE system.

Additional guidance is available via the government website. WeTrainCPC provides affordable and flexible CPC driver training, but if you would like further guidance and advice on IR35 please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

You can contact us on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

We’re all expecting some snow in the next few weeks – and snow unfortunately can cause a lot of disruption on the roads. It’s vital that LGV and HGV drivers take extra precautions when driving in the snow – here’s what to look out for.

Be prepared for anything. Take the essential things you need with you, so you can take action should challenges arise – Stock up your vehicle with de-icers, jump leads, salt, a torch, a blanket and extra coat, water and some healthy snacks.

Inspect your vehicle thoroughly. Check that your tyres are in good condition and free of snow. Clear your vehicle and lights of any excess snow. It’s also very important to check your vehicle fluids and battery.

Drive extra safely and smoothly. Make sure you give yourself plenty of room and leave lost of space between you and the vehicle in front. Take your time and drive slower than normal, keeping a consistent speed.

Keep up to date with the weather conditions. Just having the radio on in the background is enough to keep you informed should there be a big shift in the weather – really important should you need to rethink your travel.

For more information about our online CPC driver training and to book your next training session, contact us on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

The deal is done and now, after 4 years, the UK is about to enter a new trade agreement with the EU. But what does that mean for logistics, and drivers who regularly travel between the UK and the EU? Here’s a few headlines on what to expect.

The existing Community Licence has been replaced by the UK Licence for the Community – The licence works in the same way and were posted before Christmas, so licences should have been received before 31^st December!

UK hauliers are no longer able to undertake combined transport operations in the EU. As of now, only two cabotage trips may be undertaken by EU hauliers in the UK and combined transport rules no longer apply.

UK issued European health insurance cards (EHIC) are still being accepted in EU countries, but there will be different rules for people travelling to Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland from January.

You can find lots more information on the government website here.

For more information about our online CPC driver training and to book your next training session, contact us on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

There’s not long to go now until the transition period after the UK left the EU in January 2020 comes to an end, and it’s important for LGV and HGV drivers working in the EU to be ready for some potential changes to their normal routine. Here’s what you need to be aware of.

From January 1^st, you may require an ECMT permit to travel through EU countries. You can read more about these permits in our previous blog.

The following types of trailers must be registered before travelling through EU countries:

• Commercial trailers weighing over 750kg
• Non-commercial trailers weighing over 3,500kg

A certificate for abnormal loads should be kept in your vehicle to present at border crossings. Some countries have different regulations when it comes to abnormal loads, so you may need to check!

GB stickers will need to be displayed on the back of your vehicle and the trailer, but not when driving through Ireland.

You won’t require a visa for travelling in the EU; you can stay for up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

For more information, visit the government website here.

We provide low cost, flexible driver CPC training according to your needs. To book your driver CPC training, contact us on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.

Logistics is a 24 hour business, with HGV and LGV drivers often working night shifts to tight deadlines. It’s really important that drivers are extra diligent when it comes to driving at night, even if it becomes the norm – here’s our top tips.

Take refreshments. We recommend water and healthy snacks, and advise caution when reaching for the coffee. Caffeine may give you an instant energy kick but could leave you feeling more drained in the long run.

Keep your vehicle comfortable. Make sure all windows are cleaned inside and out to avoid dazzle; if you are struggling against the dazzle of oncoming headlights, try turning on your interior light to reduce the impact. Make sure your cab is well ventilated – plenty of oxygen will keep you feeling refreshed and alert!

Take plenty of breaks! Always take your break in full. Try to get out of your vehicle if you can safely to stretch out during your break. If you feel too tired to keep on driving, stop immediately.

Stay legal and avoid costly fines – Book your CPC driver training with us today! We provide low cost, flexible driver CPC training according to your needs. To book your driver CPC training, contact us on 01582 383033 or rue@wetraincpc.co.uk.