Courses & Consultancy: Driver CPC
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence
Introduction
Periodic Training is part of the new Driver CPC which will affect all professional drivers of buses and coaches (D, D1, D + E, D1 + E licence holders) from 10th September 2008 and professional drivers of lorries (C, C1, C + E, C1 + E licence holders) from 10th September 2009, both;
When will it start?
What is Driver CPC?
Driver CPC is being introduced across the European Union to maintain high driving standards and improve road safety. All professional bus, coach and lorry drivers must hold a Driver CPC if they want to drive for a living (with the exception of a few exempt groups).
NB: any drivers of lorries of 3.5 tons and upwards, and minbuses with 9 seats or more must obtain a Driver CPC.
The existing 'Transport Manager's CPC' also known as the 'Operator's CPC' is a separate qualification and anyone holding one who still drives professionally as part of their job will also need to hold a Driver CPC.
How will it affect you?
All drivers will need to complete a minimum of 35 hours of periodic training within every five year period. The training will require attendance at courses but will not require drivers to take or pass further examinations.
How you gain your Driver CPC will depend upon whether you are a new or existing driver.
If you are an existing driver you will have 'acquired rights' as you already hold a vocational driving licence (C, C1, C + E, C1 + E, D*, D1*, (D + E)* and (D1 + E)*) on the relevant start dates. Bus and Coach drivers will hold acquired rights up until 09 September 2013 and lorry drivers until 09 September 2014. To keep your Driver CPC and continue driving professionally beyond this date, you will need to undertake regular periodic training.
New drivers will need to pass a new initial qualification to gain their vocational driving licence and qualify for their Driver CPC. For a new driver, their requirement to undertake a minimum of 35 hours' periodic training to retain their Driver CPC will start once they have passed the initial qualification.
*Those who have entitlement on their licence stating 'not for hire or reward' (Code 101) will not have acquired rights and will have to take the initial qualification should they wish to drive professionally.
What is periodic training?
Periodic training is continuing professional development for bus, coach and lorry drivers. It carries on throughout the professional driver's career - no matter how infrequently they drive.
The minimum length of training course is 7 hours. Where a course of 7 hours is split into two parts the second part must start within 24 hours of the completion of the first part.
It is important that you 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 train, the sooner your knowledge and skills will be refreshed and updated, which will enhance your professionalism.
Driver CPC requires you to complete a minimum of 35 hours of periodic training during every five year cycle for as long as you wish to continue driving professionally.
What subjects will periodic training cover?
Periodic training is designed to complement the individual driver's work and be relevant to their every day job. Courses may include Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving style training, defensive driving techniques, first aid, health and safety, driver's hours regulations and tachographs. Courses will also enable drivers to keep up to date with changing regulations. Further details on the Driver CPC syllabus can be found at: www.transportoffice.gov.uk/cpc
Who will deliver periodic training?
Only approved courses taken with approved training centres will count towards periodic training. The approval process for courses is managed on behalf of the Driving Standards Agency by Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT).
DSA will provide a central database to keep records of the periodic training completed by each driver. It will be the responsibility of the training centre to enter records onto the database (there will be online access for drivers to enquire on their own training records).
Is there a test to pass?
No, only one set of periodic training needs to be completed every five years.
How will 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. Existing drivers (holding a GB photo card licence) will be automatically issued with the card on completion of 35th hour of periodic training.
For existing drivers, their 'acquired rights' means that their driving licence will be accepted as proof of their Driver CPC status until they have completed their 35 hours training within the first 5 year cycle at which point they will be issued with a DQC.
There will be no charge for the card at point of issue.
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 DVLA.
You must carry your DQC whilst driving and there will be penalties if you are found to be driving professionally without one. If your DQC has been lost, stolen or damaged, you must report to DSA within 7 days and apply for a replacement card. There will be a fee to replace and issue new cards.
To report your DQC card lost, stolen or damaged contact:
Email customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk (putting 'DQC Enquiry' in the subject field) or telephone 0300 200 1122
Once you have reported it you will be able to drive for up to 15 days without a card while a replacement is sent to you.
NB: if your card has been lost or stolen you must inform your employer.
Are there any special concessions?
There are exemptions from the Driver CPC qualification for drivers of vehicles:
