Driver CPC for Bus, Coach and Lorry drivers
This is a new qualification for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers - the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). In future, just holding a vocational driving licence on its own will not be sufficient for someone who wishes to drive these vehicles for a living.
The Driving Standards Agency is implementing EU Directive 2003/59 which requires all professional bus, coach and lorry drivers to hold a Driver CPC in addition to their vocational driving licence.
Driver CPC has come into force on 10 September 2008 for bus and coach drivers;
Driver CPC will come into force on 10 September 2009 for lorry drivers.
In order to maintain their Driver CPC, all Category C and D licence holders (including C, C1, C1E and D, D1, DE, D1E) will be required to undertake 35 hours Periodic Training every 5 years. That equates to one 'Driver CPC training day' per year.
Driver CPC also introduces a new Initial Qualification for drivers entering the industries after these September dates, and which they must complete in order to drive professionally.
The main aim behind Driver CPC is to improve road safety by providing better qualified drivers to help reduce road casualties. Driver CPC should also bring an improved professional and positive image to the industries, attracting more people to drive buses, coaches and lorries for a living. Driver CPC is aimed not only at improving the knowledge and skills of LGV and PCV drivers when they first start work, but also ensuring those skills are maintained and developed throughout the driver’s working life.
Any lorry over 3.5 tonnes and minibuses with 9 seats or more are covered by Driver CPC if driven in the course of work.
Driver CPC will enable young people to enter these sectors in a safe and professional manner from 18 years of age.
The existing ‘Transport Manager’s CPC’ also known as the ‘Operator’s CPC’ is a separate qualification and anyone holding one, who still drives professionally as part of their job, will also need to hold a Driver CPC (DCPC).
