All professional lorry, coach and bus drivers must now have a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). So if you're an existing driver and want to find out what rules apply to you or you're a new driver and you want to find out how to get your Driver CPC and a bit about it, look no further....
What does the Driver CPC do?
- before you start driving it improves your skills and knowledge
- throughout your working life it helps develop your skills and knowledge
- makes better qualified drivers therefore improving road safety
New to professional driving? You must firstly pass an initial Driver CPC qualification before you can drive professionally, this is in four parts, you must pass all four...
- part 1 - theory
- part 2 - case studies
- part 3 - practical driving ability test
- part 4 - vehicle safety demonstration
Existing Professional Drivers - Periodic Training to keep your Driver CPC... to keep your driver CPC You have to do 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years by attending courses on various aspects of professional driving. Only training at an approved training centre on an approved course will count towards your Driver CPC.
Do you have a Driver CPC by Acquired Rights? - If you're an existing professional driver and have acquired rights you don't need to pass the initial qualification but do need to complete 35 hours of periodic training to be able to keep your Driver CPC. You have acquired rights if you are:
- coach or bus driver and got your vocational licence before 10/09/08 (License D, D1, D&E, D1&E)
- a lorry driver and got your vocational license before 10/09/09 (license C, C1, C&E, C1&E)
With the Driver CPC there is no test that needs passing and courses are classroom based, for more information on what the Driver CPC Periodic Training covers and what the syllabus contains contact Ron Smith at Transport Training Solutions in Maidstone on 01622 616047 or go to the website.