All new LGV or PCV Drivers must take and pass their Driver CPC Initial Test in order to utilise their licence for hire or reward.
The test consists of two parts, The Case Study & Practical Demonstration Test.
The Case Study Test is taken at a DSA Theory Test Centre and consists of multiple choice questions following a case study.
The Demonstration Test is conducted by a DSA examiner and consists of a series of questions he will ask in relation to the vehicle, its load, safety etc
On successful completion of this module, you will be issued with a Driver Qualification Card as proof of your qualification.
All drivers will need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to renew their Driver CPC Qualification.
All drivers will need to have their Driver Qualification Card if they are driving Busses/Coaches and Lorries as part of their job.
PCV Drivers must have completed their 35 hours of periodic CPC Training by 10th September 2013 which then is valid for 5 years.
HGV Drivers must have completed their 35 hours of periodic CPC Training by 10th September 2014 which then is valid for 5 years.
Business owners and transport managers across the UK want their businesses to succeed to the fullest possible extent. Yet that is only possible when company drivers do whatever it takes to meet company standards and legal requirements. Among the many legal requirements is the regular driver CPC training that every professional is now required to undergo. The HGV Training Centre can be part of implementing such training on behalf of your company.
When the CPC requirements were first discussed more than eight years ago, they were considered within the framework of creating standards by which all EU drivers could demonstrate competency and proficiency in the work setting. Policymakers intended for the standards to improve the haulage and transport industries throughout the European Union. Thus, CPC requirements have gradually been implemented throughout EU member countries. Here in the UK, the two deadlines for implementation for PCV and HGV drivers occurred in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
All professional HGV and PCV drivers must now hold a valid card in order to drive legally. They are also required to carry their cards with them at all times when working. CPC cards must be furnished upon request of police officers, DVLA officers, and other authorised individuals throughout the EU. Driving without a valid card could result in both fines and the loss of one’s licence.
The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) demonstrates a professional driver is more than capable of safely handling a commercial vehicle and the responsibilities that come with it. As such, it is more than just a driving licence attached to physical skills and practical safety knowledge. It goes above and beyond to address those things that are unique to professional driving. In some cases, driver CPC training is specific to a given industry or a particular job.
There are two ways to earn a valid CPC card:
Every new driver undergoing training to earn his or her first commercial driving licence will participate in driver CPC training as part of the process. To encapsulate that into the law, testing standards were changed in 2008 for PCV drivers in 2009 for HGV drivers.
What used to be a process involving two tests (theory and practical skills) now entails a four-test regimen that is inclusively known as CPC training.
A driver who completes the training programme and passes all the tests to earn a commercial driver licence has, by default, obtained a valid CPC card.
A driver’s CPC card is valid only for five years. In order to continue driving after that, the driver must undergo 35 hours of remedial training at any point during the fifth year of the current card. For example, lorry drivers who earned their first card in 2009 would have taken 35 hours of classroom training at any point in 2014.
Completing the training would result in a new CPC card valid until 2019. Their next round of training will take place at any time in that year.
It is important to note the calendar year distinctions for driver CPC training. By establishing calendar year expiration dates along with allowing drivers to undergo training at any time in the fifth year, the law provides as much flexibility as possible for maintaining CPC compliance.
The intent of the driver CPC training programme was never to make life difficult for drivers or operators. In light of the many requirements already in play, those who developed the rules decided to give training companies plenty of latitude in developing training courses. In simple terms, drivers are not undergoing a repetition of the same classes time after time.
They can choose classes suited to their specific needs.
There are far too many possibilities for us to list here, but here is just a short sampling of what you might find at the HGV Training Centre or any of the other qualified providers around the UK:
Emergency First Aid
The government has made a concerted effort to reduce the number of fatalities resulting from crashes. As a result, drivers can take an emergency first aid course that qualifies them to provide on-scene first aid, whether they are directly involved in a crash or not. This training qualifies under the CPC scheme
Fuel Efficiency
Believe it or not, part of professional competence is learning to drive an HGV or PCV in a way that maximises fuel efficiency. In order to promote fuel efficiency, such courses qualify under the CPC mandate.
Urban Driving
Driving a large commercial vehicle in an urban environment is challenging to say the least. Drivers can qualify for a new CPC card by undergoing remedial training in urban driving. These kinds of courses teach drivers how to safely navigate congested areas, watch for pedestrians and cyclists, and so forth.
Petroleum Transport
Petroleum products present unique challenges to lorry drivers. Not only are the products hazardous, but their liquid or gaseous state means they exhibit some unique characteristics and traits when transported on the open road. Safely handling these products is a skill that not every driver has.
Operators Compliance
Haulage and transport operators also have to be certified through CPC training. Operators can take a compliance course that keeps them up to speed on current legislation and regulations. This is a vital course for any operator not willing to fall behind.
Safety Checks
Commercial drivers are required to conduct walk-around safety checks prior to each journey. A remedial course dealing with safety checks refreshes a driver’s memory, brings him or her up to speed on any changes, and teaches the driver how to do the walk-around check more efficiently and thoroughly.
Affordable Driver CPC Training
The intent of the driver CPC training programme was never to make life difficult for drivers or operators. In light of the many requirements already in play, those who developed the rules decided to give training companies plenty of latitude in developing training courses. In simple terms, drivers are not undergoing a repetition of the same classes time after time.
They can choose classes suited to their specific needs.
There are far too many possibilities for us to list here, but here is just a short sampling of what you might find at the HGV Training Centre or any of the other qualified providers around the UK:
When first setting out, most people have a lot of good questions about everything from how to get started, to find a job, and every step in between. We are here to provide useful information and helpful steps to guide you through your HGV training journey, while avoiding any pitfalls.
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