THE Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is inviting coach and bus operators and drivers to talk to its driving and safety experts at Coach and Bus Live at Birmingham NEC next Wednesday and Thursday.

DSA staff will be at stand E65, in halls 17/18, ready to give advice about the Driver CPC, periodic training, getting approved and delivering training.

Visitors will be able to search for approved trainers online and even practice the theory test.

DSA deputy chief executive, Nick Carter, said: “This event gives drivers and trainers the perfect opportunity to talk to the experts. Coach and bus drivers are skilled professionals, operating very expensive vehicles and carrying an invaluable commodity - people.

“We want drivers to have access to the information and training they need to ensure that they are safe - so come and talk to us.”

Driver CPC has been in place for the bus and coach industry for a year. By September 10, DSA had approved 345 training centres and 621 courses for periodic training.

More than 100,000 days of periodic training had been completed by bus and coach drivers more than 8,000 driver qualification cards issued and nearly 1,500 drivers had completed their 35 hours of periodic training.

With the introduction of Driver CPC, drivers who want to join the industry need to pass initial qualification tests, as well as hold a relevant vocational driving licence.

In addition, all drivers need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to maintain their Driver CPC status and continue driving professionally.

Drivers who held a full PCV licence before September 10, 2008 do not need to take the initial qualification tests but do need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years if they wish to continue driving professionally.