CPC Training

A new European directive entitled CPC driver has been setup. The CPC driver directive means that bus drivers, HGV drivers, drivers of mini buses with 9 seats or more and drivers of vehicles over 3½  tons will be obliged to get a CPC driver qualification. Without the CPC qualification you will not be able to legally drive any of these types of commercial vehicles.

The idea behind the CPC driver directive is to improve the quality and safety of commercial drivers and keep these drivers up to a certain standard in the long term across the whole of the EU.

To obtain your CPC driver qualification you will need to do both theory and practical tests, but unlike traditional HGV licenses and PCV licenses, the CPC qualification requires you to do additional training within the five year period of obtaining the qualification and every following five year period. This additional training consists of 35 hours of driving and can be split into courses of 7 hours each. The idea behind this is to keep the driving standards high, rather than having a one off test. Although this additional training does not include a test which you can pass or fail, so it is a little bit valueless and paper weight in many respects. Every 5 years each CPC driver will be required to do their 35 hours of training.

When you qualify for the initial CPC driver qualification you will receive a Driver Qualification Card (DQC). This DQC is proof that you have the qualification and are legally entitled to drive the vehicles listed in the first paragraph.

The initial qualification for drivers who want to drive HGVs, buses etc professionally is split into four parts. These four parts are as follows. The first part consists of the two theory tests which include multiple options and hazard perception.

The second part consists of two practical tests to prove your competence and safety on the road whilst driving these commercial vehicles.

If you only intend to drive any of these vehicles for private use only then you are only required to pass two of the four parts, these are part one and part three of the training.

There are exemptions to getting the CPC driving training qualification. These exemptions include driving vehicles within the armed forces, fire service, driving vehicles that have a maximum authorised speed of 45kmph, is used for emergency situations and a variety of other obscure exemptions. On the most part if you drive HGVs, buses, coaches, min buses of 9 seats or more and vehicles of over 3.5 tons then you will need to get a CPC qualification.

You can get CPC qualifications at a variety of driver training companies who provide these services for both individuals and companies who run a fleet of commercial vehicles.