Driver CPC

The drivers CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) became a legal requirement for all bus, coach and lorry drivers who want to drive as a profession with effect from September 2009. CPC Driver training was introduced across the European Union to maintain high driving standards and improve road safety.

Drivers of lorries of 3.5 tons and upwards and minibuses with 9 seats or more must obtain a Driver CPC.

The Transport Manager’s CPC also known as the Operator’s CPC is a separate qualification and anyone holding one who drives professionally as part of their job will also need to hold a Driver CPC.

All professional drivers must complete a minimum of 35 hours of periodic training within every five year period. The training will require attendance of courses but will not require drivers to take or pass further examinations.

How you gain your Driver CPC will depend upon whether you are a new or existing driver;

EXISTING DRIVER

If you are an existing driver you will have ‘acquired rights’ as you already held a vocational driving licence (C1, C, C1E, CE, D1*, D*, DE*, and D1E*) on the relevant start dates.

Bus and coach drivers held acquired rights up until 9 September 2013

Lorry drivers held acquired rights until 9 September 2014

To keep your Driver CPC and continue driving professionally beyond these dates you will need to undertake regular periodic training.

* Those who have an entitlement on their licence stating ‘not for hire or reward’ (Code 101) will NOT have acquired rights and will have to take the initial qualification should they wish to drive professionally.

NEW DRIVERS

New drivers will need to pass the initial qualification to gain their vocational driving licence and qualify for their Driver CPC.   

The initial drivers CPC qualification is in two parts a theory based test and a practical test;

Module 2 – Case Study Test; this is a theory test which can be taken at a theory test centre close to your location

New drivers usually take this test at the same time as the LGV theory tests – you do not have to wait until after you have passed your practical LGV test to take the Module 2 test.

Module 2 must be passed prior to taking the Module 4 test

Module 4 – Practical Demonstration Test; this is a practical question and answer session which takes place at an LGV test centre

For a new driver, their requirement to undertake a minimum of 35 hours’ periodic training to retain their Driver CPC will start once they have passed the initial qualification.

How will I prove I hold the Driver CPC?

You will be able to prove you hold the Driver CPC with a Driver Qualification Card (DQC).

The card will be issued to new drivers automatically on successfully passing the initial qualification.

Existing drivers (holding a GB photo card licence) will be issued with the card on completion of the 35th hour of periodic training.

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For advice or to discuss your CPC driver training requirements please do not hesitate to contact us.
Tel No: 01522 503902   /   Email:  .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)