The Driver CPC is for LGV and PCV drivers who drive profesionally throughout the UK. It has been developed as a requirement of the EU Directive 2003/59, which is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of professional LGV and PCV drivers throughout their working life. There are two parts to the legislation:

(i) The Initial Qualification must be achieved by new LGV and PCV drivers along with their vocational licence to enable them to use their licence professionally.

(ii) Periodic Training; 35 hours of training every 5 years must be attended by all professional drivers.

 

Who will be affected?

An individual's circumstances will determine how they acquire the Driver CPC.

 

New drivers who acquire a PCV vocational entitlement (D1, D1+E, D, D+E licence) after the 10th September 2008 and/or an LGV vocational entitlement (C1, C1+E, C+E licence) after the 10th September 2009 will have to obtain the Initial Qualification in addition to their licence to drive professionally.

New drivers who undertake a National Vocational Training programme are still able to obtain a vocational licence but can defer the Initial Qualification by up to a maximum of one year whilst, still being able to drive professionally. An example of a National Vocational Training programme would be an Apprenticeship in Driving Goods Vehicles. Drivers intending to use this conession will have to register with the Driving Standards Agency.

Existing Drivers who held a vocational licence prior to the 10th September 2008 (PCV) or the 10th September 2009 (LGV) are exempt from the Initial Qualification . This is known as 'acquired rights'.

All professional drivers (new and existing drivers) must complete a total of 35 hours Periodic Training every 5 years following their 'acquired rights' or Initial Qualification to keep their Driver CPC valid. Existing drivers must complete their Periodic Training by September 2013 (PCV) and September 2014 (LGV).

Exemptions

There are a number of Driver CPC exemptions associated with the Directive. These are listed below:

Vehicles with a maximum speed not exceeding 45 kph.

Vehicles used by or under control of the armed forces, civil defence the fire services and forces responsible for maintaining public order.

Vehicles undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance purposes, or of new or rebuilt vehicles which have not yet been put into service.

Vehicles used in states of emergency or assigned to rescue missions.

Vehicles used in the course of driving lessons for any person wishing to obtain a driving licence or Driver CPC.

Vehicles used for non-commercial carriage of passenger or goods - for personal use.

Vehicles used for carrying material or equipment to be used by the driver in the course of his or her work, providing that driving the vehicle is not the drivers' principle activity.

 

Ultimately, it is up to the driver and their employer to decide if they are covered by these exemptions, and if necessary, justify it to the competent authority. Therefore the JAUPT would strongly advise if a driver believes they are exempt from the Driver CPC that they should seek independent legal advice.

 

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