On 10^th September 2008 CPC was introduced by European Legislation for D Class licence holders – those working in the coach and bus industry and on 10^th September 2009 for those holding C Class licences which covers LGV drivers. The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, or Driver CPC for short is a new qualification and the legislation was brought in to improve road safety, maintain high standards of driving while giving the industry a more ‘professional’ image. Simply put anybody who professionally drives a lorry over 3.5 tonnes or a minbus carrying more than 9 people must obtain a Driver CPC.

The Driver CPC training can be split up into two sections:

1. Initial qualification

Before a driver can gain their full vocational driving licence they must pass the initial qualification which includes both theoretical and practical elements. To drive professionally, all four sections of the initial qualification must be taken and passed:

• Part one – theory test (multiple choice and hazard perception)
• Part two – case studies
• Part three – practical test of driving ability
• Part four – vehicle safety demonstration

If you are not driving for a living, only part one and part three will be needed.

1. Periodic Training

To keep their Driver CPC current, all drivers will need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years on an ongoing basis. An online portal will be available so that drivers can check the status and progress of their training. It will be delivered through courses attended by drivers over the five-year period.

Exceptions

There are certain drivers who are exempt from the training including lorry drivers who obtained their licence before 10 September 2009 although they will need to complete the periodic training to keep their Driver CPC up-to-date. Other exemptions include:

• Vehicles which have a maximum authorised speed which do not exceed 45 km/h
• Vehicles used by or under control of the armed forces
• Vehicles which are undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance purposes or a rebuilt or new vehicle which isn’t yet in service
• Vehicles which are used in emergency or rescue situations
• Vehicles used to teach
• Vehicles used for personal or non-commercial activities
• If the vehicle is carrying material or equipment which is used by the driver at work, and driving is not their main occupation.

On completion of the Driver CPC training, drivers will receive a Driver Qualification Card which must be carried at all times when driving professionally. There will be penalties if drivers do not achieve the qualification and it will be enforced in all European member states.

Bio: This article is written by Britannia Safety and Training, a safety training provide offering CPC Training in Norfolk. They will be offering the initial course and periodic training through Inativ.

Tagged as: bus drivers, CPC law update, CPC Training, Driver CPC, Lorry drivers