Initial Qualification leaflet (on www.transportoffice.gov.uk/cpc).
This leaflet provides information on training
requirements for all professional drivers who wish to continue driving.
When will it start?
Bus and Coach drivers - 10th September 2008
Lorry drivers - 10th September
2009.
What is Driver CPC?
Driver CPC is being introduced across the European Union to maintain
high driving standards and improve road safety.
All professional bus,
coach and lorry drivers must hold a Driver CPC if they want to drive
for a living (there are a few exempt groups - please see 'Are the any
special concessions?' , bottom of page).
NB: any drivers of lorries of 3.5 tons and upwards, and minibuses with
9 seats or more must obtain a Driver CPC.
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.
How will it affect me?
All drivers will need to complete a minimum of 35 hours of periodic training
within every five year period.
The training will require attendance at
courses but will not require drivers to take or pass further examinations.
How you gain your Driver CPC will depend upon whether you are a new or
existing driver,
If you are an existing driver you will have 'acquired rights' as you
already hold a vocational driving licence (C, C1, CE, C1E, D*. DV, DE*,
and D1E") on the relevant start dates.
Bus and coach drivers will
hold acquired rights up until 9 September 2013 and lorry drivers until
9 September 2014.
To keep your Driver CPC and continue driving professionally
beyond this date, you will need to undertake regular periodic training.
New drivers will need to pass a new initial qualification to gain their
vocational driving licence and qualify for their Driver CPC. For a new
driver, their requirement to undertake a minimum of 35 hours' periodic
training to retain their Driver CPC will start once they have passed
the initial qualification.
Those who have an entitlement on their licence stating 'not for hire
or reward* (Code 101) will not have acquired rights and will have to
take the initial qualification should they wish to drive professionally.
What is periodic training?
Periodic training is continuing professional development for bus, coach
and lorry drivers. It carries on throughout the professional driver's
career -no matter how infrequently they drive.
The minimum length of a training course is 7 hours.
Where a course of
7 hours is split into two parts the second part must start within 24
hours of the completion of the first part.
It is important that you allow yourself enough time to complete your
training within the five year period.
There is no advantage in delaying
your periodic training. The sooner you train, the sooner your knowledge
and skills will be refreshed and updated, which will enhance your professionalism.
Driver CPC requires you to complete a minimum of 35 hours of periodic
training during every five year cycle for as long as you wish to continue
driving professionally.
What subjects will periodic training cover?
Periodic training is designed to complement the individual driver's work
and be relevant to their every day job.
Courses may include SAFED (Safe
and Fuel Efficient Driving] style training, defensive driving techniques,
first aid, health and safety, driver's hours regulations and tachograph.
Courses will also enable drivers to keep up to date with changing regulations.
The syllabus broadly covers:
• Safe and fuel efficient driving
• Legal requirements
• Health and safety, service and logistics
Further details on the Driver CPC syllabus can be found at www.transportoffice.gov.uk/cpc
Who will deliver periodic training?
Only approved courses taken with approved training centres will count
towards periodic training.
The approval process for courses is managed
on behalf of the Driving Standards Agency by the Joint Approvals Unit
for Periodic Training (JAUPT).
A list of approved training centres can
be found through their web site at www.drivercpc-periodictraining
.org
DSA will provide a central database to keep records of the periodic training
completed by each driver.
It will be the responsibility of the training
centre to enter records onto the database (there will be online access
for drivers to enquire on their own training records).
Is there a test to pass?
No. There is no requirement for a course to include a test or a pass/fail
element.
I hold both a PCV and LGV licence; will I need to undertake two sets
of periodic training?
No, only one set of periodic training needs to be completed every five
years.
How will I prove I hold Driver CPC?
You will be able to prove you hold Driver CPC by a Driver Qualification
Card (DOC).
The card will be issued to new drivers automatically on successfully
passing the initial qualification.
Existing drivers (holding a GB photo
card licence) will be automatically issued with the card on completion
of the 35th hour of periodic training.
For existing drivers, their 'acquired rights' means that their driving
licence will be accepted as proof of their Driver CPC status until they
have completed their 35 hours
training within the first 5 year cycle at which point they will be issued
with a DOC.
There will be no charge for the card at point of issue.
As the card will be sent to the address on your driving licence il is
important that you keep your details up to date with DVLA.
You must carry your DOC whilst driving and there will be penalties if
you are found to be driving professionally without one. If your DQC has
been lost, stolen or damaged, you must report it to the DSA within 7
days and apply (or a replacement card. There will be a fee to replace
and issue new cards.
To report your DQC card lost, stolen or damaged contact:
Email [email protected] (putting 'DQC
Enquiry' in the subject field) or telephone 0300
200 1122
Once you have reported it you will be able to drive for up to 15 days
without a card while a replacement is sent to you.
NB: if your card has been lost or stolen you must inform your employer.
Are there any special concessions?
There are exemptions from the Driver CPC qualification for drivers of
vehicles:
• used for the non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods, for personal
use
• undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance
purposes, or new or rebuilt vehicles not yet put into service
• used in the course of driving lessons for any person wishing to obtain
a driving licence or Driver CPC
• carrying material or equipment to be used by the driver in the course
of his or her work, provided that driving the vehicle does not constitute
the driver's principal activity
• with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding
45km/h
• used by, or under the control of, or under the
control of, the armed forces, civil defence, the fire service, and forces
responsible
for maintaining public order
• used in states of emergency or assigned to rescue
missions
Any questions on the periodic training element
of Driver CPC?
Contact the Driving Standards Agency:
Email [email protected] (putting 'Driver
CPC Enquiry'
in the subject field)
or telephone 0300 200 1122
or for more detailed information write to:
Driver CPC enquiries
PO Box 280
Newcastle
NE99 1FP
More information on periodic training and the Driver CPC can be found
at:
www.tra nsportoffice.gov.uk/cpc
If you are based in Northern Ireland you can contact DVA on:
www.dvant.gov.uk,
or telephone 02870346960
or write to the DVA at:
Driver & Vehicle Agency
Driving Licensing Division
Castlerock Road
Coleraine
BT51 STB
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