What is Driver CPC?
Driver CPC is short for 'Driver Certificate of Professional Competence'. It is a new qualification that
all bus, coach and lorry drivers will need to have and is being introduced across the European Union to maintain high driving
standards.
When did it start?
For bus and coach drivers it is 10th September
2008 and for lorry drivers 10th September 2009
Why is it being introduced?
The aims of Driver CPC are to:
•Improve
Road safety
•Recognise and accredit
skills for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers
•Encourage drivers to continually update their skills and knowledge
•Raise the status of bus, coach and lorry drivers to promote driving as a career
What
is 'periodic training'?
'Periodic
training' is regular training that will continue throughout your professional driving career to help you as a driver and
to encourage safe driving for life. You will need to complete 'periodic training' of thirty five hours every
five years to retain your Driver CPC. There will be a range of courses available and training will be tailored to suit
your individual needs to help you become and even better driver. The training is grouped under three headings:
•Safe
and fuel efficient driving (this may include vehicle loading, fuel consumption and pollution)
•Legal requirements
(rules for tacograph, driver hours)
•Health and Safety, Service and Logistics (including First Aid, Passenger Safety,
Customer Service)
Only courses approved by the DSA and delivered by accredited training organisations will count towards
your 'periodic training' which will enable you to obtain your Driver CPC
So once I have got my Driver CPC is that it?
No, a Driver CPC lasts for five years. To qualify for a further Driver CPC you will need to complete thirty five
hours of 'periodic training'. If the end date passes without you undertaking any such training, then your Driver
CPC will expire and you could face legal charges if you continue to drive in a professional capacity
Can I ignore Driver CPC and still drive professionally?
The
simple answer is 'no' you cannot ignore Driver CPC. If you are a bus, coach or lorry driver and you are not
covered by any exemptions you will need to take action prior to September 2013 for PCV Drivers and September 2014 for LGV
Drivers.
What about
new drivers?
Anyone obtaining or applying for a lorry, bus or
coach licence after the implementation dates will not have acquired rights. They will not be able to obtain their first
Driver CPC by taking their 'periodic training' on its own. They will have to take an initial Driver CPC test
before being able to drive professionally. This can be taken at the same time as the vocational driving test.
