What Is CPC Training?
The truth is, operating large and heavy vehicles will always be a somewhat risky endeavour. So, to reduce the risk associated with it and to better maintain a much more professional image throughout the industry, the government requires each driver to complete and earn their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.
The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training is a qualification that every single professional coach, bus or lorry driver must earn. The training and the certification were designed to help drivers not only improve their skills, but to ensure each driver is fully qualified with HGV training.
This training consists of two different parts including the initial qualification for newer drivers and a second part which requires drivers to keep their CPC certification valid by taking thirty-five hours of training every five years.
CPC certification is now something that is legally required for nearly all professional drivers that wish to hold either a Category C or Category D license.
Who Isn’t Required to Have A Driver CPC?
While nearly every driver is required, there are some that are exempt from needing it. This will apply to drivers that:
- Only drive vehicles that are carrying materials or goods or even non-commercial drivers. Non-commercial implies those that are driving for a reason outside of generating profits.
- Those that are carrying any sort of equipment or materials that you will use for work purposes also qualify to assume that the vehicle itself isn’t an integral component of the job. Also, those that are not professional drivers but who might work in an occupation where they are required to drive empty buses, lorries or even coaches throughout your immediate area. For these drivers, you will need to meet specific criteria and conditions including only driving within 50 km of your workplace and not carrying any passengers or goods during transit.
What Exactly Does the Training Consist Of?
The beginning stages of training for new drivers consists of four distinct models which include both theory and practical tests that the driver will go through and must pass in order to gain their driver’s license. The further modules are those that are specific to certain kinds of drivers like lorry, coach or bus drivers.
The Structure of the CPC Training Consists of:
1. Theory Test
This is a standardised test that is required in order to receive a driver’s license.
2. Practical Test
This is a practical test that is required in order to receive a driver’s license. During this test, the driver will be tasked with operating a vehicle.
3. Case Studies
This is the portion in a question format which the driver will have to answer correctly. The questions will pertain to specific scenarios and conditions the driver will be faced with regularly while operating their vehicle.
If the driver is looking to renew their license, they will be required to complete a minimum of thirty-five hours of training and each module will need to be completed for a total of seven hours each. There is no direct pass or fail associated with the test because there is no exam involved for renewals. In order to obtain the Driver CPC, you will need to attend the training and complete the required minimum number of hours. It’s also important to understand that the CPC hours will expire if they go uncompleted for a period of five years. You can check on the website to see how many valid modules you have obtained and exactly when you completed them.
You will need to have all of the following items with you when you take your exam; photocard driving license, a valid passport, digital tachograph card and driver CPC card.
Benefits of the Training:
1. Safer Driving
One of the main benefits is the ability to become a safer driver as you will be much more aware of how to handle specific situations you might find yourself in and how to avoid issues you might be faced with on a daily basis.
2. More Attractive Candidate
Another benefit is the ability to make yourself a much more employable and attractive candidate. There is very high demand for qualified and experienced drivers within the industry and having an updated CPC will really make you a very attractive job candidate.