Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence)
EU Directive 2003/59 is effective as of 10th September 2008 (coach drivers) and 10th September 2009 (lorry drivers).
Better known as the Driver CPC, this new legislation will have a profound effect on the transport industry as a whole.
L&T Transport Training Services is an approved centre to deliver periodic training. We will be delivering Driver CPC training, both initial and periodic training, on a weekly basis from our training centre in West Yorkshire. It will also be possible for us to deliver this training “in company”.
As a training organisation, we are receiving an ever increasing number of enquires relating to this new qualification.
We have Driver CPC training courses running at regular intervals throughout 2012 in order to meet increasing demand.
Candidates may attend a full week course or select single days to suit.
The cost of 1 day CPC Periodic training is £58.75 including VAT & CPC Registration
CPC Periodic Training 2012
9th to 13th Jan
16th to 20th Jan
30th Jan to 3rd Feb
13th to 17th Feb
27th Feb to 2nd Mar
12th to 16th Mar
14th to 18th May
18th to 22nd Jun
16th to 20th July
6th to 10th Aug
17th to 12st Sept
8th to 12th Oct
12th to 16th Nov
3rd to 7th Dec
Please give us a call to book.
The general consensus appears to be that most drivers and organisations are aware of the Driver CPC, but are still unsure of how it will affect them and what exactly it entails. As a result of these findings L&T Transport Training Services has produced a number of FAQ’s to help alleviate any concerns and answer any questions. Some of the most frequently asked questions relating to Driver CPC are listed below:
- What is the purpose of Driver CPC?
In essence, to improve the knowledge and skills of lorry and bus drivers, this will be done by educating drivers on road safety, Fuel and eco driving, the environment, new technologies and legislation. - What licence categories will be affected by Driver CPC?
C1, C1+E, C, C+E, D1, D1+E, D & D+E - What does the Driver CPC involve?
As well as a driving licence, lorry and bus & coach drivers who drive professionally will have to hold a Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) which is renewable every 5 years. There will be an initial qualification for new drivers, and periodic training for new and existing drivers. - Who will Driver CPC affect?
All professional drivers of Lorries over 3.5 tonnes, buses, coaches and minibuses unless they qualify for an exemption. - Can I work as a driver without a Driver CPC?
No, unless in exempted circumstances - I already have an Operators CPC, do I need a Driver CPC as well?
The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a generic term and should not be interpreted as the same qualification. If you drive professionally, you will also require the Driver CPC qualification. - What type of training can count towards Periodic Training?
There is not a prescribed type of training; it may be classroom based or ‘in-vehicle’. It can be whatever suits the needs of the driver at that time – but it has to be approved training, by an approved centre and be overseen by a trainer. - If a driver uses both PCV and LGV licences professionally, do they need to do two lots of 35 hrs periodic training every 5 years?
No. The Directive states that the holder of a vocational licence for PCV / LGV need only complete 35 hours course attendance in a 5 year period. - Are there any tests to take for Periodic Training?
No there are no tests as Periodic Training is not a pass or fail course. It is recorded as hours of attendance. - Can the 35 hours training be carried out flexibly – over several weeks/months/years?
The driver has flexibility as to how he/she takes the 35 hours training over this time. So for example a driver may complete a two day course in the first year and a three day course in the fifth year. We would strongly recommend you consider spreading the training over the whole 5 years, undertaking 7 hours (one day) per year, thus accumulating 35 hours over a 5 years period. This would spread the cost of training over the 5 years. Please note. You must undergo a minimum of 7 hours CPC training at any one time. - How does periodic training apply to existing PCV / LGV licence holders who are exempted from the initial qualification?
PCV / LGV drivers holding full licences on 10th September 2008/09 will have to complete their first course of periodic training within 5 years – i.e. by 2013/14. - How will Periodic Training course attendance be recorded?
There will be a central database that will be updated by the approved training centre. - How will Driver CPC status be evidenced?
Drivers will have a separate Driver Qualification Card (DQC) which will have to be carried at all times when driving professionally. - Will it be an offence for someone to drive without a Driver CPC or DQC when they should have one?
Yes there will be penalties if someone drives without the Driver CPC is not carrying their DQC. There will also be penalties for Operators who cause or permit a driver to drive without a Driver CPC or DQC. - When do PCV / LGV drivers get issued with their Driver qualification card?
When they have completed Module 4 of the Initial Driver CPC or their 35 hours of periodic training.
For more information, please feel free to call our team on 01977 618228 or email That way, you can be sure of keeping up to date with the latest information relating to this important aspect of driver training.