subject: Drivers CPC qualification [print this page] As a requirement of EU Directive 2003/59, all bus, coach and lorry drivers must have a Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) if they wish to drive professionally. This is in addition to the required vocational license. Designed to improve the knowledge and skills of LGV (Large Goods Vehicles) and PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicles) drivers, it is believed that the Drivers CPC requirement will improve safety for all road users. The Drivers CPC is renewable every 5 years. There are two requirements for obtaining the Drivers CPC - the first being "Initial Qualification" and the second, "Periodic Training."
Initial qualification for new drivers will include passing the Drivers CPC theory and practical tests in addition to the license acquisition theory and practical tests. It is divided into 4 modules. Module 1, the "Theory Test", consists of 100 multiple choice questions and 19 hazard perception clips.
Module 2, "Case Studies", includes answering six to eight questions about each of seven real-life scenarios one might encounter whilst driving.
Module 3, the "Practical Test", is an actual driving skills test that involves a reversing exercise and carrying out exercises specific to the type of vehicle you drive.
Module 4, the "Drivers CPC Practical Test", focuses on vehicle safety where the driver will be tested in such areas as safe vehicle loading, security of the vehicle and its contents, the ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants, the ability to assess emergency situations, the ability to prevent physical risk and, finally, to demonstrate the drivers ability through a physical, walk round vehicle safety check.
Bus and coach drivers who had their vocational license (D, D1, DE, D1E) prior to 10 September 2008 and lorry drivers who had their vocational license (C, C1, CE, C1E) prior to 10 September 2009 have "acquired rights" until 9 September 2013 and 9 September 2014 respectively.
All drivers will need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years on an ongoing basis. These 7-hour CPC training courses, which enable drivers to keep up to date with changing regulations, continue throughout the professional driver's career. Approved training courses can be taken only through approved training centres.
