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What is driver CPC?

Driver CPC (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence) is a new qualification being introduced across the EU to all PCV and LGV drivers who want to drive professionally. The aim is to improve road safety, recognise and accredit the knowledge and skills required to be a professional driver, ensure these are continually updated and to raise the status of drivers to promote driving as a career. Once you have successfully passed you will be issued with a Driver Qualification Card (DQC) to prove you hold the qualification.

When will it start?

For Bus and Coach drivers 10th September 2008
For Lorry drivers 10th September 2009

Will it affect me?

If you already hold a vocational licence on 10th September 2008 for PCV licence holders and on 10th September 2009 for LGV licence holders, you are exempt from the initial Driver CPC and automatically gain ‘acquired rights.’ However if you wish to continue to drive professionally you are required to undergo 35hrs training within 5 years of the Driver CPC being introduced and every 5 years thereafter, this is known as ‘Periodic Training.’ If you are a new driver and acquire your licence after Driver CPC is introduced you will have to gain the initial Driver CPC qualification in addition to your vocational licence.

What is involved in the initial qualification?

The initial qualification has been divided into 4 modules to give you the option to obtain
your vocational licence only or to gain Driver CPC at the same time.

Module 1	Theory Test - Multiple choice questions & hazard perception test	2.5hrs
Module 2	Case Studies	1.5hrs
Module 3	Practical Test	1.5hrs
Module 4	Driver CPC Practical Test - Vehicle safety demonstration	0.5hrs

I hold a PCV and LGV licence, do I need training for both?

If you hold both licences you will only need to complete one set of training every 5 years.