The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is a qualification for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers also known as Driver CPC qualifications. It has been introduced across Europe with the professed aim of improving road safety and helping to maintain high standards of driving. Drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training, every 5 years to keep your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence ( CPC ) to drive a lorry, bus or coach. You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without Driver CPC.
Only approved courses taken with approved training centres count towards periodic training. It’s up to you to decide which to attend. You only need to complete one set of training every five years even if you drive both bus/coach and Lorries professionally. Bains Training Services is an approved training centre for Driver CPC training to acheive Driver CPC qualification in the UK.
When you need to do periodic training?
If you’ve got your Driver CPC by ‘acquired rights’ you must do 35 hours of periodic training by 9 September 2014 if you’re a lorry driver. Bus or coach drivers should have completed their training by 9 September 2013.
Existing Drivers (LGV)
All drivers of LGV vehicles, holding a category C, C1, C+E or C1+E licence at 10 September 2009, will need to complete the 35 hours of periodic training before 10 September 2014, unless exempt. This also includes drivers who hold C1 entitlement by virtue of passing a car test pre-1997 and drivers who hold HGV class 1, 2 or 3, gained prior to 1991. After this, they will need to undertake a further 35 hours of training in every subsequent five-year period in order to retain their Driver CPC.
Existing Drivers (PCV)
All drivers of PCV vehicles, holding a category D, D1, D+E or D1+E licence at 10 September 2008, will need to complete the 35 hours of periodic training before 10 September 2013, unless exempt (see 2.6). This also includes drivers who hold D1 entitlement by virtue of passing a car test pre-1997. After this, they will need to undertake a further 35 hours of training in every subsequent five-year period in order to retain their Driver CPC.
Once you have completed your 35 hours of periodic training you will be issued with a Driver qualification card (DQC). It will be sent to the address on your driving licence. You must carry your DQC while driving a large goods vehicle or passenger carrying vehicle.
Driver CPC Exemptions
You don’t need the full Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification if you’re using the vehicle for:
- Non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods for personal use
- Carrying material or equipment you use for your job (driving the vehicle can’t be the main part of your job)
- Driving lessons for anyone who wants to get a driving licence or a Driver CPC
- Driving to or from pre-booked appointments at official vehicle testing centres
- Driving within 62 miles (100 kilometres) of your base - but the vehicle can’t be carrying passengers or goods, and driving a lorry, bus or coach can’t be your main job
- Maintaining public order - and the vehicle is being used or controlled by a local authority
- Rescue missions or in states of emergency
You also don’t need the full Driver CPC if the vehicle is:
- Limited to a top speed of 28mph
- Being used or controlled by the armed forces, police, fire and rescue service, prison service or people running a prison or young offender institution