Operating a large commercial vehicle is a risky endeavour. The United Kingdom Government introduced the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) to reduce the risk and encourage safe driving. This training was first introduced for coach and bus drivers in 2008 and lorry drivers in 2009. The CPC or Driver Certificate of Professional Competence training is essential for bus, lorry, and coach drivers in the country. These drivers can improve their skills by obtaining this certificate. The training consists of two parts such as an initial qualification for new drivers and the 35-hour periodic training every five years to keep their CPC valid. CPC certification has become a legal requirement for all commercial drivers holding Category C and D licences.
Who Doesn’t Need the CPC?
There are situations where the driver is exempted from obtaining the CPC, such as:
- Driving a vehicle that carries goods or passengers on a non-commercial basis. If what you do isn’t generating any profit for you, it is regarded as non-commercial.
- Transporting materials and equipment that you would use in the course of your work – driving the vehicle shouldn’t be the central part of your job.
- You are not a professional driver, but your work involves casual driving of empty buses, coaches, and lorries in the local area. For this purpose, you need to meet certain conditions such as driving within 50 km of your base and not transporting goods or passengers.
What Does CPC Training Involve?
The training consists of four modules with theory and practical tests to procure the license. There are two more modules specific to professional bus, coach, and lorry drivers.
The Structure of the Initial Driver CPC Training
- The theory test – the standard test required to receive the CPC
- The practical test – a standard driving ability test to obtain the CPC
- Case studies – this test is based on questions regarding scenarios that the driver may encounter while driving
- A CPC-specific test that requires the driver to explain the fundamental components of lorry driving
When renewing the driving licence, the driver needs to complete a total of thirty-five hours of training as a minimum. The driver is expected to be in each CPC module training course for a minimum of seven hours. Since there isn’t an exam, there isn’t a direct pass or fail component. You simply have to attend the training and complete the minimum hours required to obtain the CPC. CPC hours will expire after five years if they are not used. You can check online about the number of valid modules you have and when you have taken them.
It is essential to have the following items with you when attending the CPC training course:
- Valid passport
- Photocard driving licence
- Driver CPC card
- Digital tachograph card
You are able to sit the same module five times and obtain the DQC.
Benefits of CPC Training
Safe Driving
You will become a more reliable and better driver with this training. You will be aware of how to avoid certain situations which can cause serious repercussions.
Eco-Friendly and More Efficient
CPC training will show the driver how to drive in a more fuel-efficient way. This will have financial benefits for employees and businesses since they can save money on fuel.
More Employable
CPC training helps drivers improve their knowledge and skills. They become more employable as a result. There is a high demand for qualified and experienced drivers in the industry. That’s why you need to obtain or update your driving CPC. This will give you an advantage when searching for jobs.
Operating large commercial vehicles is a risky task in the UK. That’s why the government introduced the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for coach, lorry, and bus drivers in 2008-09. The above article provides information on how to get the most out of your CPC training, available at Easy As HGV.