DRIVER CPC

Who needs to take Driver CPC periodic training?
If you are a bus or coach driver and held your vocational licence (category D) prior to 10 September 2008 you will have Driver CPC acquired rights until 9 September 2013.

If you are a lorry driver and held your vocational licence (category C) prior to 10 September 2009 you have Driver CPC acquired rights until 9 September 2014.

To keep your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) and continue driving professionally beyond this date, you will need to complete 35 hours of periodic training.

All drivers will need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years on an ongoing basis in order to continue to drive for a living.

Drivers who received their vocational licence (category D) on or after 10 September 2008, or (category C) on or after 10 September 2009, but did not take the Driver CPC initial qualification tests, will need to take and pass these before they can get a Driver CPC and drive for a living.

If you haven't got your vocational licence yet (category D or C), you will need to take the Driver CPC initial qualification tests.

When to take your Driver CPC periodic training
The aim of Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) periodic training is to provide continuing professional development for bus, coach and lorry drivers. This should last throughout your career, regardless of how often you drive.

Periodic training is delivered through courses that you attend over the five-year period for which your current Driver CPC is valid. There is no pass or fail. No tests or exams.

The minimum length of a training course is seven hours, although they may be longer. Where a course of seven hours is split in to two parts, the second part must start within 24 hours of the first part ending.

You should allow yourself enough time to complete your training within the five year period. There is no advantage in delaying your periodic training. The sooner you do it, the sooner your knowledge and skills will be refreshed and updated. This will benefit you by improving your standards of driving and professionalism.

Each new five-year period will begin from the expiry date of your current Driver CPC qualification, and not from the date on which you reached the 35 hours minimum training requirement.

If you hold a vocational licence for buses and coaches as well as lorries, you only need to do one set of periodic training.

How do I prove I hold Driver CPC?
You will be able to prove you hold Driver CPC by a Driver Qualification Card (DQC). The card will be issued to new drivers automatically on successfully passing the initial qualification. Drivers with acquired rights (holding a GB photo card licence) will be automatically issued with the card on completion of the 35th hour of periodic training.

Those drivers with acquired rights will be able to use their driving licence as proof of their Driver CPC status until they have completed their 35 hours training within the first five year cycle at which point they will be issued with a DQC.

As the card will be sent to the address on your driving licence it is important that you keep your details up to date with Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

You must carry your DQC whilst driving and there will be penalties if you are found to be driving professionally without one.

Driver CPC periodic training syllabus for bus and coach Drivers
Part one: Advanced training

• Know the characteristics of the transmission system to make best possible use of it.
• Know the technical characteristics and operation of the vehicle's safety controls, minimise wear and tear and prevent malfunction.
• Ability to optimise fuel consumption.
• Ability to ensure passenger comfort and safety.
  
• Ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle Use.

Part two: Application of regulations

• Know the social environment of road transport and the rules governing it.
• Know the regulations governing the carriage of passengers.

Part three: Health, road and environmental safety, service and Logistics

• Be aware of the risks of the road and accidents at work.
• Prevent criminality and trafficking of illegal immigrants.
• Ability to prevent physical risks.

Driver CPC periodic training syllabus for lorry drivers
Part one: Advanced training

• Know the characteristics of the transmission system to make best possible use of it.
• Know the technical characteristics and operation of the vehicle's safety controls to minimise wear and tear and prevent malfunctioning.
• Ability to optimise fuel consumption.
• Ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle Use.

Part two: Application of regulations

• Know the social environment of road transport and the rules that govern it.
• Know the regulations for the carriage of goods.

Part three: Health, road and environmental safety, service and Logistics

• Be aware of the risks of the road and accidents at work.
• Ability to prevent criminality and trafficking of illegal immigrants.
• Ability to prevent physical risks.
• Awareness of the importance of physical and mental abilities.
• Ability to assess emergency situation.
• Adopting behaviour to help enhance the image of the company.
• Know the economic environment of road haulage and the organisation of the market

Click HERE for further information about the Driver CPC.