What is the Driver CPC for Professional Drivers?
The driver CPC was created to continually improve the knowledge and skills of professional drivers so that they could keep up to date with new technology and techniques.
Back in September 2009, the Government passed the Driver CPC legislation to ensure that all professional Drivers would be subject to the same ongoing requirement for retraining.
Since then, the Driver CPC has been keeping HGV Drivers’ skills at the high level required by the role through ongoing ‘Periodic’ training on a range of subjects which are relevant to the life of a professional HGV Driver.
Who is exempt from Driver CPC for Professional Drivers?
Some Drivers are not affected by the Driver CPC legislation; these include people who drive for the emergency services (e.g. ambulance driver), the military, people who drive in the course of other duties (e.g. scaffolders) and people using vehicles purely for personal use (e.g horsebox owners moving their own horses.)
It is safe to say, most people DO fall under these rules, so if you think you’re exempt for any reason you should seek advice before driving.
What is Periodic Training?
This is the ongoing training you need to do as a professional LGV or PCV Driver. Every 5 years you’ve got to do 35 hours of this refresher training, or 7 hours per year. The training takes place in a classroom environment and covers lots of interesting, relevant subjects, for example Digital and Analogue Tachographs, Working Time Regulations, Safe Loading & Restraints, First Aid and Driver Health and Wellbeing.
You will know by which date you need to complete the 35 hour requirement because when you pass your Initial Qualification, you’ll get a Driver Qualification Card from DVSA which will tell you the expiry date, and prove that you are compliant with the Driver CPC rules.
What is the Initial Training?
The Driver CPC has two parts to its legislation:
Initial Qualification: This must be achieved by new LGV and PCV drivers alongside the vocational licence, improving your knowledge and skills before you begin driving professionally. It consists of two parts:
- Part One - Case Studies
- Part Two - Vehicle Safety Demonstration
What is Drivers with "Acquired Rights"?
If you passed your car test before January 1997 and had until September 2014 to complete your 35 Hour Periodic Training requirement, however if you did not meet the deadline, you will need to undertake either the Driver CPC Initial Qualification OR 35 hours training in order to re-activate your entitlements. Once you’ve done that, a new 5 year (35 hour) period will begin immediately.
You still need to take periodic training but there are set deadlines, see the tables below for vehicle categories and timeframes.
