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 Frequently Asked Questions:


FAQs for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence for drivers of bus, coach, and large goods vehicles.
 

Below are some common questions answered with regard the CPC courses

 

 
 

A 1:

1.  Why is it being introduced?

 

To To confirm and expand on the existing knowledge and skills of each driver, to ensure that they continue to be, safe, courteous & fuel efficient drivers.

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A 2:

Who is asking me to do this?

 

A European Directive (2003/59) was passed in 2003 mandating this training requirement

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A 3:

When will it start?

 

This Directive came into effect for PCV Sector on 10th September 2008 & for the LGV Sector on 10 September 2009.

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A 4:

How will it affect me?

 

All drivers are required to hold a valid drivers CPC gained by attending either the training as a new driver or as an existing driver with acquired rights, as shown below:


Existing Drivers – PCV


All professional drivers who hold a full, valid category D, D1, D+E or D1+E licence at 10 September 2008 will need to complete the 35 hours of periodic training by the 10 September 2013, unless exempt.


Existing Drivers – LGV


All professional drivers who hold a full, valid category C, C1, C+E or C1+E licence at 10 September 2009 will need to complete the 35 hours of periodic training by the 10 September 2014, unless exempt. This also includes drivers who hold C1 entitlement by virtue of passing a car test pre 31 January 1997.


New Drivers


New drivers who gain their initial driver CPC after 10 September 2008 (PCV) or 10 September 2009 (LGV) will immediately begin their cycle of periodic training and will need to complete 35 hours of training within 5 years of attaining their initial Driver CPC.


Drivers who hold both a PCV & LGV Licence


Drivers with both a PCV and LGV licence will have to complete only one course of 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years; they will not have to undertake 35 hours of training for each licence category

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A 5:

What does the term ‘acquired rights’ mean?

 

If you already hold a C, C1, CE, C1E, D*, D1*, DE* or D1E* licence issued before these dates you will have ‘acquired rights’ and will not be required to take the initial qualification.

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A 6:

What is ‘periodic training’?

 

Periodic Training is designed to confirm and expand on the existing knowledge and skills of each driver to ensure that they continue to be, safe, courteous & fuel efficient drivers.

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A 7:

What is the initial CPC Test?

 

As a new driver from the above implementation dates, you will need to pass the Driver CPC theory and practical tests in addition to the licence acquisition theory and practical tests, if you intend to drive professionally. Once you have passed these modules, you will also need to undergo ongoing periodic training, to retain the validity of your CPC driver qualification.

The initial qualification has been divided into 4 modules to give you flexibility to obtain your vocational licence only, or to gain Driver CPC at the same time. The modules are detailed below:

  • Module 1 – Multiple Choice questions and Hazard Perception clips

  • Module 2 – Case Studies

  • Module 3 – Practical Driving Test

  • Module 4 – Driver CPC Practical Test

(Please note that M2 Training does not facilitate the Initial Driver CPC Training as this administered and delivered by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

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A 8:

So once I have got my driver CPC, is that it?

 

No, a Driver CPC lasts for five years. To qualify for a further Driver CPC you will need to complete 35 hours of ‘periodic training’. if the end date passes without you undertaking any such training, then your Driver CPC will expire, and you could face legal charges if you continue to drive in a professional capacity.

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A 9:

Can I ignore the Driver CPC and still drive professionally?

 

The simple answer is 'no' you cannot ignore Driver CPC. If you are a bus, coach or lorry driver and you are not covered by any exemptions you will need to take action.

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A 10:

What are the exemptions?

 

You don’t need a Driver CPC if the vehicle you drive is:

 

• Not authorised to exceed 45 kph
• Being used by or under the instructions of the Armed Forces, the Police or a Fire and Rescue Authority.
• Undergoing road tests for technical development repair or for maintenance purposes.
• Being used in a state of emergency as part of a rescue mission.
• Being used for driving lessons for either driving licence or driver CPC purposes.
• Not being used to carry passengers or goods for commercial purposes.
• Carrying materials or equipment for your work and that work is not professional bus, coach or lorry driving.

 

This list is not exhaustive and is intended only as a guide. It is recommended that in all cases where it is felt that an exemption applies, drivers and operators seek independent legal advice”

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A 11:

How can I find out more?

 

Please contact The CPC Training Company

 

By Telephone:

01646 687294

By Fax:

01646 687294

By email:

Please visit our 'Contact Page'

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