CPC Driver Training
The Driver CPC is aimed at improving road safety by providing better skills through training. It means that anyone who wants to be a professional bus,coach or truck driver must:
- Pass the Driver CPC initial qualification tests
- Hold a relevant vocational driving licence
- Complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years in order to maintain their Driver CPC status and continue driving professionally.
Drivers who held a full PSV licence before 10 September 2008 (including category D1) or a full HGV licence before 10 September 2009 (including category C1):
- Do not need to take the initial qualification examinations
- Do need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years if they wish to continue driving professionally.
Obtaining qualification isn’t final. To stay qualified, drivers need to undertake periodic training, it is considered key to professional development and importantly it will make savings for the industry by reducing the number of accidents, encouraging fuel-efficient driving and reducing vehicle wear and tear.
The so-called ‘Driver Qualification Exemption Card’ or DOEC has no legal validity and will not be taken into account when determining if a driver is covered by an exemption. Drivers do not need to buy a card to prove they are exempt from CPC regulations.
All professional truck drivers must hold a Driver CPC by September 2014.
