What is a CPC Driving Licence? Requirements and Training

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a must have for professional lorry, bus and coach drivers. This qualification ensures drivers have the skills to drive big vehicles safely and efficiently to reduce road risk and maintain high standards of driving. Drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to maintain their qualification.

Whether you are new to the industry or an experienced professional, understanding the requirements and training for getting and keeping your CPC is key. The Driver CPC card is essential for legal driving, and it is illegal to drive without it. This guide covers the basics of the CPC, purpose, training, exemptions and the consequences of non compliance.

What is CPC?

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a legal requirement for driving lorries over 3.5 tonnes or Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCVs) with nine or more seats professionally. The initial Driver CPC qualification consists of four parts, including theory and practical tests. This qualification was introduced to have consistent standards of driving skills and knowledge across Europe.

Purpose of CPC

  • Road Safety: One of the main aims of the CPC is to reduce road risk by training professional drivers.
  • High Standards: The qualification promotes high standards of driving and professionalism for HGV and PCV drivers.
  • Mandatory: All professional drivers of these vehicles must have a valid CPC to drive for work purposes.

Initial Qualification and Training

New drivers wanting to work professionally in the industry must complete the initial Driver CPC qualification, which is necessary to gain a professional license. This involves passing a series of tests to test both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Part 3: Driving Ability Test assesses the driver’s practical driving skills. The Driver CPC Practical Test includes a vehicle safety demonstration and additional evaluations beyond just driving skills.

The Four Parts of Initial Qualification

  1. Part 1: Theory Test

1a. Multiple-Choice Test: Road safety, vehicle operation and industry regulations.

1b. Hazard Perception Test: Tests the driver’s ability to spot hazards on the road.

  1. Part 2: Case Studies Test
  • Real life scenarios to test a driver’s ability to deal with different situations safely and compliantly.
  1. Part 3: Driving Ability Test
  • Practical test of road driving skills, safe maneuvering, reversing and off road exercises.
  1. Part 4: Vehicle Safety Demonstration
  • Drivers must show knowledge of vehicle safety checks, load securement and ensure their vehicle is roadworthy.

Once all parts of the qualification are completed drivers are issued with a Driver Qualification Card (DQC) and can drive professionally.

Theory Tests

The theory tests for the Driver CPC qualification are designed to assess a driver’s knowledge and understanding of the rules of the road, traffic signs, and safe driving practices. There are two theory tests: the multiple-choice test and the hazard perception test.

Practical Test

The practical test for the Driver CPC qualification is designed to assess a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. This test includes a series of driving maneuvers and a practical road driving exercise.

How to Get Your First Driver CPC

To get your first Driver CPC, you will need to complete the initial qualification process. This involves several steps to ensure you are fully prepared for professional driving.

Periodic Training

The Driver CPC is valid for 5 years. To drive professionally beyond this period, drivers must complete 35 hours of driver cpc periodic training within each 5 year cycle to maintain their qualifications.

Periodic Training Key Points

  • Approved Training Centres: Periodic training must be done with approved providers to meet legal requirements.
  • Classroom-Based: Training is delivered in a classroom environment, no exams or pass/fail.
  • Multiple Modules: Drivers can choose from various modules relevant to their profession such as road safety, vehicle maintenance and customer service.
  • Timing: Training can be done at any time during the 5 year period but must be completed in total of 35 hours before the DQC expires.

Exemptions and Acquired Rights

Not all drivers need a CPC. There are specific exemptions for certain driving activities and scenarios.

Exemptions

  1. Non-Commercial Use: Vehicles used for non-commercial purposes (e.g. personal use) do not need a CPC.
  2. Testing and Maintenance: Vehicles being tested on the road for development, repair or maintenance purposes are exempt.
  3. Driving Lessons: Vehicles driven for driving lessons for obtaining a driving licence or CPC are excluded.
  4. Limited Distance Operations: Some local operations (e.g. driving within restricted areas) may not need a CPC.

Acquired Rights

Drivers who were professionally driving HGVs or PCVs before the CPC was introduced in 2008 (PCV) or 2009 (HGV) have acquired rights. These drivers are exempt from the initial qualification but must still do periodic training every 5 years to keep their qualification.

Professional Competence and Vehicle Safety

The CPC qualification is about professional competence and vehicle safety, with specific tests that assess the knowledge and skills relevant to a lorry driver. Drivers must show they can handle the vehicle safely and responsibly.

Focus Areas

  1. Vehicle Safety Demonstration: Drivers must show knowledge of safety checks, load securement and ensure the vehicle is roadworthy.
  2. Road Safety Awareness: Modules include content on accident prevention, hazard awareness and best practices for safe driving.
  3. Professional Development: The qualification also encourages drivers to upskill and stay current with industry standards.

Training Providers and Test Centres

Choosing the right training provider for Driver CPC training is key to maintaining professional qualifications and ensuring a good learning experience. Many drivers prefer providers that offer multiple learning formats and topics.

How to Choose a Training Provider

  1. Approved Centres: Make sure the provider is approved to deliver CPC training.
  2. Interactive Elements: Providers with videos, quizzes and interactive sessions tend to be more engaging.
  3. Flexible Options: Look for online classroom or in-person sessions to fit your schedule and learning style.
  4. Relevant Modules: Choose a provider that covers all the modules relevant to your driving profession.

Cost and Ongoing Requirements

CPC training costs vary depending on the provider and type of training. On average:

  • Periodic Training: £60-£100 per day depending on the course and provider.
  • Ongoing Compliance: Drivers must do 35 hours of training every 5 years to keep their CPC. If they don’t they will be disqualified from professional driving until the required hours are completed.

Non Compliance Consequences

Driving professionally without a valid CPC can lead to serious penalties.

Legal Consequences

  1. Fines and Penalties: Drivers will be fined for non-compliance.
  2. Licence Suspension: Driving a commercial vehicle without a CPC will get your licence suspended.
  3. Employment: Employers will not hire drivers without a valid CPC.

Compliance is not just a legal requirement but also means continued employment and professional development in the transport industry.

FAQs and Additional Information

The CPC is key to road safety, high driving standards and professional drivers of lorries, buses and coaches. For those new to the industry, obtaining the initial Driver CPC qualification is a must to gain a professional license. For existing drivers, it’s periodic training to keep their certification.

By knowing the requirements, exemptions and benefits of the CPC, professional drivers can stay compliant, upskill and help keep the roads safer. Choosing the right training provider and being proactive with ongoing learning is key to a successful career in the transport industry.

Thaddeus

I am Thaddeus, a professional writer and industry expert with extensive experience in Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) training, transport regulations, and road safety compliance.

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