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What is Driver CPC?

The most important thing to know is that professional bus, coach and lorry drivers are now required to hold a Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) licence in addition to a vocational driving licence. So whether you’re coming into the industry new, are an existing driver or are responsible for a fleet of drivers, it is imperative that you are aware of how to comply with Driver CPC legislation and the correct licensing of drivers.

The aims of Driver CPC

The main aim of Driver CPC is to ensure better trained drivers, who are up to date with current legislation, and to help reduce road casualties – ultimately resulting in improved road safety.

Who needs Driver CPC?

All prospective and existing professional drivers of Lorries, buses and coaches are affected by this.  So, whether hiring a recruit or managing the transition to CPC certified drivers, it is essential that you are aware of what this new licensing requirement involves and complete these requirements by the 10th September 2014.

However, these drivers are required to complete the 35 hours of periodic training, and it may fall upon you to ensure that drivers complete this training by the upcoming deadlines: If you need to complete a CPC course click on link; here.

Lorry Drivers: 10th September 2014

Existing drivers will only receive their driver qualification card when they have completed their 35 hours of periodic training. This will be valid until 9th September 2018 for PCV drivers and 9th September 2019 for LGV drivers.

All drivers are then required to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years on an ongoing basis to continue driving for a living.

Organisations in the PCV and road haulage industries must conform to strict EU laws which state that operators must show that they are professionally competent by employing an individual who holds a Certificate of Professional Competence. Drivers of these vehicles must hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence in addition to a vocational driving licence after doing 35 hours of periodic training in the UK, you’ll get your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification for 5 years.

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) initial qualification has 4 parts:

• part 1 – theory test (this includes 2 separate tests – multiple-choice and hazard perception)
• part 2 – Driver CPC case studies test (computer-based exercise with 7 studies based on real-life situations – eg: driving in icy conditions)
• part 3 – driving ability test
• part 4 – Driver CPC practical demonstration test (this takes 30 minutes – you will need to show you can keep your vehicle safe and secure, e.g. loading your vehicle safely)

It’s up to the licence holder when to take the training courses, as long as you do them within 5 years you may find that some companies will offer training. Each 5-year period starts from 5 years before your current Driver CPC qualification runs out – not from the date you completed your last 35 hours of training. Dangerous goods training counting towards periodic training.

If you take dangerous goods (sometimes known as ADR) training, the following can count towards your periodic training:

• up to 21 hours of the initial basic dangerous goods course
• 7 hours of the core module refresher course

Only dangerous goods training taken within the EU counts towards Driver CPC periodic training.

Getting your DQC

You’ll get your DQC when you’ve completed either your initial qualification or your 35 hours of periodic training if you have a Great Britain photo card licence. It will be sent to the address on your driving licence.
Qualifications that currently meet these rules are:

• level 2 award in knowledge for a professional bus or coach driver
• level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Diploma in passenger carrying vehicles (bus and coach)
• level 2 Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in passenger carrying vehicle driving (bus and coach)
• QCF certificate in driving goods vehicles
• BTEC in carry and deliver goods
• SVQ driving goods vehicles