A Q&A with Santa, and Fleet Manager Mrs Claus, of North Pole Inc
As the deadline approaches for existing PCV & LGV drivers to undertake their initial 35 hours of Periodic Training we take a look at what's involved in getting, and keeping, your Driver CPC.
What is the Driver CPC?
The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is a vocational qualification for professional drivers introduced by the European Parliament and Council in 2003 to help raise standards amongst professional drivers, reduce carbon emissions, improve road safety and promote driving as a career.
This came into effect for drivers of Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCVs) on 10th September 2008 and for drivers of Large Good Vehicles on 10th September 2009.
Does Everyone Need to Get a Driver CPC?
If the vehicle you intend to drive can carry more than 8 passengers or a load of more than 3.5 tonnes and is being driven for commercial purposes then, in general, yes.
There are, however, some exceptions when a vehicle can be driven without a Driver CPC. These are very much exceptions though – e.g. "The vehicle is limited to a top speed of 28mph" or "The vehicle is used in a state of emergency or for rescue missions". They're listed, in full, here: https://www.gov.uk/driver-certificate-of-professional-competence-cpc/when-you-dont-need-driver-cpc
How much does it cost?
The cost of your initial training will vary from supplier to supplier. The fee for the initial qualification tests are fixed and are currently as follows:
Fee type Weekday Evening, weekend and bank holiday
Part 1a – theory test (multiple-choice) £35 £35
Part 1b – theory test (hazard perception) £15 £15
Part 2 – Driver CPC case studies test £30 £30
Part 3 – driving ability test £115 £141
Part 4 – Driver CPC practical test (vehicle safety demonstration) £55 £63
How Do I Get a Driver CPC?
Some drivers will have received their Driver CPC through "acquired rights" but if you're new to driving you'll need to undertake the initial qualification. This is made up of four modules of 2 practical & 2 theory tests and you must pass all 4 before you'll receive your Driver CPC.
Once you've passed you're issued with a Driver Qualification Card (DQC) which you must carry with you when driving.
That's It?
Not quite.
Sometime during the 5 years after passing your initial qualification, and every 5 years there after, you need to undertake 35 hours of Periodic Training.
Unlike your initial qualification though this isn't a "pass or fail" course but each training sessions must be a minimum of 7 hours and completed with an approved trainer.
Where Can I Find an Approved Trainer?
There are plenty of approved trainers and courses and you'll be sure to find one near you. The best place to look is on the snappily named Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training. Follow the link here:
Can I check how much more training I still need to do?
You can track how much training you're still required to do online here: https://www.gov.uk/check-your-driver-cpc-periodic-training-hours
I Got My DQC Through Acquired Rights What Are the Periodic Training Deadlines?
The clock is ticking for drivers who obtained their DQCs through "acquired rights" when the Driver CPC was introduced in 2008 & 2009.
LGV drivers must complete theirs by 10th September 2013 while LGV drivers must complete theirs by 10th September 2014 or face the prospect of losing their Driver CPC.
Who pays for my Periodic Training? Me or my employer?
That depends. The onus is very much on you to complete the training and, as such, many employers do not cover the costs of your training. Having said that, some companies will pay for you, so it's worth checking with them.