The Driver CPC is for LGV and PCV drivers who drive professionally throughout the UK. It has been developed as a requirement of the EU Directive 2003/59, which is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of professional LGV and PCV drivers throughout their working life. There are two parts to the legislation:
An individual’s circumstances will determine how they acquire the Driver CPC.
New drivers who acquire a PCV vocational entitlement (D1, D1+E, D, D+E licence) after the 10th September 2008and/or an LGV vocational entitlement (C1, C1+E,C or C+E licence) after the 10th September 2009will have to obtain the Initial Qualification in addition to their licence to drive professionally.
New drivers who undertake a National Vocational Training programme are still able to obtain a vocational licence but can defer the Initial Qualification by up to a maximum of one year whilst, still being able to drive professionally. An example of a National Vocational Training programme would be an Apprenticeship in Driving Goods Vehicles. Drivers intending to use this concession will have to register with the Driving Standards Agency.
Existing drivers who held a vocational licence prior to the 10th September 2008(PCV) or the 10th September 2009(LGV) are exempt from the Initial Qualification. This is known as “acquired rights”.
All professional drivers (new and existing drivers) must complete a total of 35 hours Periodic Training every 5 years following their “acquired rights” or Initial Qualification to keep their Driver CPC valid.
There are a number of Driver CPC exemptions associated with the Directive. These are listed below:
Ultimately, it is up to the driver and their employer to decide if they are covered by these exemptions, and if necessary, justify it to the competent authority. Therefore the JAUPT would strongly advise that if a driver believes they are exempt from the Driver CPC that they should seek independent legal advice.
TDi have added Transport Operator CPC Training and Transport Manager Refresher Training to our training offering for 2022.
Before you go,
would you like to speak
to somebody at TDi about
your training requirements?