Driver CPC Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Driver CPC?
- Does the new Driver CPC affect me?
- When does the Driver CPC come into effect?
- If I decide to become a professional LGV or PCV driver once the new legislation has been implemented what will I need to do?
- Are there any exemptions to the Diver CPC?
- I already have a CPC for transport operations do I need the Driver CPC?
- Does the Driver CPC ever expire?
- Can the 35 hours of approved training to renew the Driver CPC be staggered?
- If I hold a Category C Licence and have a driver CPC will I need to take another Driver CPC if I upgrade my licence to a Category C+E?
- I am currently driving LGV & PCV vehicles, will I need to obtain a driver CPC when the legislation is introduced?
- I hold both LGV and PCV Driving licences will this mean I will be required to undertake 70 hours of training every 5 years?
- If I leave the driving industry and my Driver CPC expires will I need to retake it before I can start driving again?
- Who can arrange my 35 hours of approved training?
Q. What is the Driver CPC?
A. The Driver CPC is a new qualification for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers - the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) - has been given the Government go-ahead. In future, just holding a vocational driving licence will not be sufficient for someone who wishes to drive such vehicles for a living. The main benefit is road safety and better qualified drivers to help reduce road casualties. The Driver CPC should also bring an improved professional and positive image to the profession, attracting more people to drive buses, coaches and lorries for a living. It is aimed not only at improving the knowledge and skills of LGV and PCV drivers when they start work, but also at ensuring these skills are maintained and developed throughout their working life.
Q. Does the new Driver CPC affect me?
If you drive or wish to drive Category C or D vehicles (including subcategories C1 and D1) then the Driver CPC applies to you.
Q. When does the Driver CPC come into effect?
A. 10 September 2008 for PCV drivers and 10 September 2009 for lorry drivers.
Q. If I decide to become a professional LGV or PCV driver once the new legislation has been implemented what will I need to do?
A. You must obtain a Driver CPC before you can drive professionally. To minimise cost and inconvenience, the DSA will offer new drivers the opportunity to acquire the Driver CPC at the same time as you obtain your vocational licence by completing 4 Modules.
- 2½ hours theory test
- 1½ hours theory test (case studies)
- 1½ hours practical test
- ½ hour practical demonstration of vehicle safety
Q. Are there any exemptions to the Diver CPC?
A. Drivers of the following vehicles will not be required to hold a Driver CPC:
- A vehicle with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding 45 km/h;
- A vehicle used by, or under the control of, the armed forces, a police force, a fire and rescue authority;
- A vehicle undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance purposes, or of new or rebuilt Vehicles which have not yet been put into service;
- A vehicle used in a state of emergency or assigned to a rescue mission;
- A vehicle used in the course of driving lessons for the purpose of enabling that person to obtain a driving licence or a CPC;
- A vehicle used for non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods for personal use;
- A vehicle carrying material or equipment to be used by that person in the course of his or her work, provided that driving that vehicle is not that person’s principal activity.
Q. I already have a CPC for transport operations do I need the Driver CPC?
A. If you are driving Category C or D vehicles (including subcategories C1 and D1) you will need a Driver CPC. The CPC for transport operators is a different qualification.
Q. Does the Driver CPC ever expire?
A. Yes. You will need to renew your Driver CPC every 5 years by completing a minimum of 35 hours approved training.
Q. Can the 35 hours of approved training to renew the Driver CPC be staggered?
A. Yes. The driver has flexibility as to how he/she takes the 35 hours of approved training, provided that the training occurs in blocks of at least 7 hours. For example, a driver may complete two blocks of 7 hours in the first year and the final three blocks of 7 hours training in the fifth year. Alternatively all 35 hours could be taken in the fifth year
Q. If I hold a Category C Licence and have a driver CPC will I need to take another Driver CPC if I upgrade my licence to a Category C+E?
A. No, you will upgrade your vocational licence in the normal way. Once you have obtained your Driver CPC you will not need to renew or alter it until it expires (Every 5 years).
Q. I am currently driving LGV & PCV vehicles, will I need to obtain a driver CPC when the legislation is introduced?
A. Current professional drivers will be given “acquired rights” on the Driver CPC, these rights will expire 5 years later. You will then be required to take a minimum 35 hours of approved training to renew the Driver CPC.
Q.I hold both LGV and PCV Driving licences will this mean I will be required to undertake 70 hours of training every 5 years?
A. No, the new directive states that the holder of a vocational licence for either LGV, PCV or both need only complete 35 hours course attendance in a five year period.
Q. If I leave the driving industry and my Driver CPC expires will I need to retake it before I can start driving again?
A. Yes, you will need to complete 35 hours of approved training before you are able to continue within the transport industry.
Q. Who can arrange my 35 hours of approved training?
A. All training must be organised by a training centre, which must be approved by the Secretary of State. Our training centre will obtain approval as soon as the approval process has been determined.