frequently asked questions

Driver CPC - frequently asked questions

• what is Driver CPC?

  The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) has been introduced across the European Union to maintain high driving standards, improve road safety and improve the knowledge and skills of the professional PCV and LGV driver. It has been developed as a requirement of the EU Directive 2003 / 59 introduced in 2007.

  All professional PCV and LGV drivers must hold a Driver CPC if they want to drive for a living, which is renewable every 5 years.

• who does Drivers CPC affect?

  The legislation affects ALL professional drivers of Lorries over 3.5 tonnes, buses, coaches and minibuses over 9 seats unless they qualify for an exemption.

  NB: ‘Transport Managers CPC’ also known as the ‘Operators CPC’ is a separate qualification and any driver holding one who still drives professionally as part of their job also needs to hold a Drivers CPC.

  There is a small number of Drivers CPC exemptions associated with the Directive, but the Driver CPC is now compulsory for most professional drivers.

  An individual's circumstances will determine how they acquire the Driver CPC.

  New Drivers who acquire a PCV vocational entitlement (D1, D1+E, D, D+E licence) after the 10th September 2008 and / or an LGV vocational entitlement (C1, C1+E, C or C+E licence) after the 10th September 2009 will have to obtain the "Initial Qualification" in addition to their licence to drive professionally.

  Existing drivers who held a vocational licence prior to the 10th September 2008 (PCV) or the 10th September 2009 (LGV) are exempt from the Initial Qualification. This is known as "Acquired Rights".

  Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT)
  
  The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) realised that the implementation of the Periodic Training element of Driver CPC would require an approvals unit to approve Periodic Training centres and courses.

  Within the two industry sectors that are affected by this legislation, passenger transport and freight transport, there are two organisations called Sector Skills Councils (SSC’s). These were set up by the Government to help the employers in their sectors improve the skill levels of their workforce. The DSA agreed with these two organisations, Skills for Logistics (freight transport) and Go Skills (passenger transport) that they should manage the Periodic Training approvals process

  The two SSC’s set up a jointly run organisation called the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT) to manage the approvals process for Periodic Training centres and courses.

• how do you remain compliant?

  Since Driver CPC came into force in 2008, existing drivers must undertake Periodic Training; 35 hours of training every 5 years following their "Acquired Rights" or "Initial Qualification".

  Training can be flexible in delivery however the 7-hour blocks must be completed within a 24 hour period. The best way for any driver to meet their obligations is to spread their training over several years.

  Existing drivers must complete their Periodic Training by September 2013 (PCV) and September 2014 (LGV).

  The Drivers CPC qualification is then renewable every 5 years thereafter.

• what is Periodic Training?

  Periodic Training is continuing professional development for PCV and LGV drivers. It carries on throughout the professional driving career – no matter how infrequent they drive.

• are there any tests to take for Periodic Training and how is it recorded?

  No, there are no tests as Periodic Training is not a pass or fail course. Qualification is recorded as hours of attendance. Training undertaken will be updated by the approved training centre to a central database.

• if a driver uses both PCV and LGV licences professionally, do they need to do two lots of 35 hrs periodic training every 5 years?

  No. The Directive states that the holder of a vocational licence for PCV / LGV need only complete 35 hours course attendance in a 5 year period.

• how will Driver CPC status be evidenced?

  Drivers will have a separate Driver Qualification Card (DQC) which once acquired, will have to be carried at all times when driving professionally.

• can drivers do the same courses each year?

  Theoretically, this is possible. However, employers will be seeking value for money and repetition of the same course would not be beneficial.

• will Driver CPC apply to foreign nationals?

  Yes, Driver CPC applies across all EU Member States therefore all of those drivers will be required to qualify and hold a Driver CPC in exactly the same way as UK drivers.

• how will the periodic training recording process be applied to drivers who do not have a UK Driver’s Licence but work and live in the UK?

  These drivers will have to carry a DQC in the same way that UK licence holders will.

• how will Driver CPC affect foreign nationals who drive Lorries and buses in the UK?

  It will not affect them. However, they will have to carry whatever their home country uses to evidence Driver CPC.

• can drivers work professionally without a Driver CPC?

  No, unless in exempted circumstances.

  Ultimately, it is up to the driver and their employer to decide if they are covered by these exemptions, and if necessary, justify it to the competent authority. Therefore the JAUPT would strongly advise that if a driver believes they are exempt from the Driver CPC they should seek independent legal advice.

  Legislation is already in place to make it an offence to drive a vehicle without holding a driver CPC. There will be penalties if someone drives without the Driver CPC and is not carrying their DQC. There will also be penalties for Operators who cause or permit a driver to drive without a Driver CPC or DQC. Allowances will be made for lost or stolen DQC's similar to the rules that are currently in force for lost or stolen digital tachograph cards

• how can Acorn help with your Drivers CPC?
• what CPC modules can Acorn deliver?

For more information on prices and dates of all CPC modules, please contact Darron Burns on 01270 256 000 or submit an enquiry via our contact us page.