CPC For Drivers
What is it?
The EU Directive makes it compulsory for drivers of lorries, buses, coaches and minibuses (when being used for hire and reward) to hold not only a driving licence but also a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for drivers. This will be obtained by completing an initial qualification or through periodic training.
This CPC for drivers is not the same as the CPC that is required for operators.
New drivers will obtain the CPC for drivers through achievement of an initial qualification and existing drivers will acquire it through periodic training.
The Directive becomes law on 10 September 2006 but will not be enacted until 10 September 2008 for bus and coach and a year later for lorries.
Existing drivers will have 5 years from September 2008 to complete the periodic training necessary to qualify for the driver’s CPC.
Drivers not driving for hire or reward, and those running the community bus permit scheme i.e. the majority of Community Transport.
New Drivers – The initial qualification
There is a choice of two methods of obtaining the driver’s CPC. Each member state must decide on one option.
- Course attendance and a test.
This training programme must be for at least 140 hours (accelerated) or 280 hours (full initial training)
The test can be written or oral and must cover all subjects set out in the Directive.
- Detailed tests totalling 6 hours.
This option splits into:
-
4 hours of assessment comprising of multiple choice and case studies (this assessment will be broken down into smaller components of assessment which can be taken in stages eg two assessments of two hours each), plus.
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A 2 hour practical test of which 1.5 hours is driving and 30 minutes involves vehicle safety checks and documentation.
The UK needs to decide which option to take and this will be done in the light of the consultation responses. It is understood that the HGV sector prefers Option B .
The Directive allows a driver to begin revenue earning driving within UK before obtaining a CPC , if they are undergoing a national vocational training course ofat least 6 months and lasting not longer than 3 years. Within this course the tests mentioned above could be taken in stages.
Existing Drivers – Periodic Training
Any driver acquiring a full PCV licence before 10 September 2008 will have acquired rights and will not have to take the initial qualification.
Existing drivers will have to undertake 35 hours periodic training over the 5 years from 10 September 2008 in periods of not less than 7 hours. At the end of the five years and subject to them undergoing the required amount of training, the driver can apply for and receive a Driver’s CPC.
Returning Drivers
A PCV driver who has been out of the industry and wishes to return after 10 September 2008 must go through the periodic training before 2013. Drivers rejoining the industry after 2013 must complete the periodic training and acquire a Driver’s CPC before they can start to drive.
New drivers who obtained their CPC through the initial qualification will have to do periodic training throughout their career to maintain their status as professionally competent drivers.
