This FAQ section is divided in to questions relating to the following categories:
- General Information
- Periodic Training
- Centre & Courses
- Instructors/Trainers
- Recording Periodic Training & Enforcement
- NVQ route to the Driver CPC
- Licence Issues
General Information
What is the purpose of Driver CPC?
To improve the knowledge and skills of lorry and bus drivers – helping:
- road safety (and thus all road users)
- the road freight and passenger transport industries (better staff performance, better recruitment and retention, more economical vehicle usage)
- professional drivers (skill levels and maintenance, career opportunities, professionalism)
- the environment (reduced fuel consumption and vehicle wear)
What does the Driver CPC involve?
As well as a driving licence, professional lorry and bus & coach drivers will have to hold a Certificate of Professional Competence which is renewable every 5 years. There will be an Initial Qualification for new drivers, and Periodic Training for new and existing drivers. Driver CPC came into force on 10 September 2008 for PCV drivers and 10 September 2009 for LGV drivers. These implementation dates apply to all EU member states.
What will the Initial Qualification involve?
The Initial Qualification will involve 4 hours of theory testing and 2 hours of practical testing. (The test for driving licence acquisition currently comprises of a 1.5 hour theory test and 1.5 hour practical test therefore the extra testing would be 2.5 hours of theory testing and 30 minutes of practical testing.) The Initial Qualification tests have been benchmarked at NVQ level 2.
DSA are introducing modular tests so that drivers can obtain their driving licence and Initial Qualification separately or at the same time.
The Theory test will be in 3 parts:
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Module 1a - licence acquisition - 100 multiple choice questions
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Module 1b - licence acquisition - 19 hazard perception clips
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Module 2 - Initial Qualification – 3 to 6 case studies
Case studies have been designed in close consultation with industry stakeholders to meet the needs of the candidate and the Driver CPC Directive. The questions are scenario based and the candidate is asked a range of questions relating to this situation. Case studies wherever possible will use diagrams, pictures and graphics.
Test presentation will be screen-based, like the theory test for driving licence acquisition, and will be delivered from existing theory test centres.
The Practical test will be in 2 parts:
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Module 3 - licence acquisition - 1.5 hours of on-road practical testing
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Module 4 - Initial Qualification - 0.5 hours practical safety demonstration test, using a test vehicle for the category.
Who will Driver CPC affect?
The Driver CPC is for LGV (C1, C1+E, C, C+E licence) and PCV drivers (D1, D1+E, D, D+E licence) who drive professionally throughout the UK, unless they qualify for an exemption. For further information please visit the "Who it Affects" section of the website.
Can I work as a professional driver without a Driver CPC?
No, unless in exempted circumstances
Under Driver CPC rules, can an 18 year old drive a full sized bus?
Yes, but the driver is limited to routes that do not exceed 50km.
Under Driver CPC rules, can an 18 year old drive a full sized lorry?
Yes, under the new regulations a person of 18 can acquire a category C (followed by a Category C+E) licence as long as they also acquire the Initial Qualification.
Do the regulations for Periodic Training have any impact on those drivers who need to renew their vocational licence every year because of age or health reasons?
No, these drivers will still need to renew their licence as any other driver would.
Does the Driver CPC Directive alter the medical requirements for LGV/PCV drivers or driving instructors?
No.
Will Driver CPC apply to foreign nationals?
Yes, Driver CPC applies across all EU Member States therefore all professional EU drivers are also required to qualify and hold a Driver CPC.
What vehicles may be used for Driver CPC regulated training and testing?
Vehicles used for the Initial Qualification test must satisfy the minimum test standards for the vocational driving test. However, there are no EU rules regarding the vehicles that drivers must use for the training prior to the test. There are no EU rules concerning vehicles used for periodic training.
Are drivers of buses operated under s19 and s22 permits in scope?
Section 19 and 22 permits are designed to enable charitable groups etc to operate minibuses and larger buses outside the current regulations. As they are operating under these permits the vehicle is not deemed to be a PCV vehicle and therefore the driver does not require a D/D1 licence to driver the vehicle. Consequently, they are exempt from the Driver CPC.
Do those driving vehicles under a category B (car) licence need a Driver CPC?
Anyone driving under a category B licence is out of scope of the Directive.
Can the title of this qualification be altered as it is being confused with the Operator’s CPC?
The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a generic term that is well recognised in Europe and viewed as a type of professional qualification. It is attached to a number of different occupations in Europe and increasingly in the UK. It will not be possible to re-designate this qualification type. However, we are using the phrase Driver CPC to differentiate from Operator’s CPC.
What is the definition of a qualification at Level 2?
Competence which involves the application of knowledge and skills in a significant range of varied work activities, performed in a variety of contexts. Some of the activities are complex or non-routine and there is some individual responsibility and autonomy. Collaboration with others, perhaps through membership of a work group or team, may often be a requirement.
