Why do I Need a Driver CPC?

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) - came into effect on 10 September 2008 for bus and coach drivers and 10 September 2009 for lorry drivers. All professional LGV and PCV (lorry and bus) drivers are affected by this EU requirement to hold a Driver CPC.

EU Directive 2003/59 requires all professional bus, coach and lorry drivers to hold a Driver CPC in addition to their vocational driving licence.

What is the Purpose to the Driver CPC?

Driver CPC also aims to bring an improved professional and positive image to the industries, 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 first start work, but also ensuring those skills are maintained and developed throughout the driver’s working life. For new drivers it introduces a new initial qualification which increases the amount of knowledge that drivers need before they can drive. When combined with the current licence acquisition tests, the initial qualification comprises a four hour theory test and a two hour practical test. All drivers, new and existing, will then have to undertake 35 hours of training every five years to ensure that their Driver CPC is current. This is known as Periodic Training. Periodic Training is designed to confirm and expand on the existing knowledge and skills of each driver to ensure that they continue to be safe, courteous and fuel efficient drivers. This will also enable drivers to keep up-to-date with ever changing regulations and to benefit from training throughout their whole career. All existing professional PCV drivers who held a full, valid category D, D1, D+E or D1+E licence at 10 September 2008 will need to complete the 35 hours of Periodic Training by 10 September 2013, unless they are exempt. After this, they will need to undertake a further 35 hours of training in every subsequent five year period in order to retain their Driver CPC. Existing PCV drivers are known as 'Acquired Rights' drivers i.e. drivers who already held a full vocational licence to drive buses and coaches prior to 10 September 2008. Drivers who hold a D1 (minibus) entitlement by virtue of passing a car test pre 1997 are not classed as acquired rights drivers and will therefore need to complete the initial qualification.

C+E or C1+E licence at 10 September 2009 will need to complete the 35 hours of periodic training by 10 September 2014, unless they are exempt. This also includes drivers who hold C1 entitlement by virtue of passing a car test pre 1997. After this, they will need to undertake a further 35 hours of training in every subsequent five year period in order to retain their Driver CPC. Existing LGV drivers are known as 'Acquired Rights' drivers i.e. drivers who already held a full vocational licence to drive lorries prior to 10 September 2009. All existing professional LGV drivers who held a full, valid category C, C1,

Who is Exempt from Driver CPC?

There are exceptions from the Driver CPC qualification for drivers of vehicles:

• used for non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods, for personal use;
• undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance purposes, or of new or rebuilt vehicles which have not yet been put into service;
• used in the course of driving lessons for the purpose of enabling that person to obtain a driving licence or a Driver CPC;
• carrying material or equipment to be used by that person in the course of his or her work, provided that driving that vehicle does not constitute the driver’s principal activity;*
• with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding 45 km/h;
• used by, or under the control of, the armed forces, civil defence, the fire service and forces responsible for maintaining public order;
• used in states of emergency or assigned to rescue missions