Drivers CPC Training

What does the Driver CPC involve?

As well as a driving licence, lorry and bus & coach drivers who drive professionally will have to hold a certificate of Professional Competence which is renewable every 5 years. There will be an initial qualification for new drivers, and periodic training for new and existing drivers. Driver CPC will come into force on 10 September 2008 for PCV drivers and 10 September 2009 for LGV drivers. These implementation dates apply to all EU member states.

What will the initial qualification involve?

It will involve 4 hours of theory testing and 2 hours of practical testing. (The test for driving licence acquisition currently comprises of a 1.5 hour theory test and 1.5 hour practical test. So the extra testing would be 2.5 hours of theory testing and 30 minutes of practical testing.) The tests must be at the equivalent of NVQ level 2.

DSA are introducing modular tests so that drivers can obtain their driving licence and CPC at the same time. The CPC syllabus covers the additional knowledge a professional driver needs to have; it is not just about practical driving skills. The Theory test will be in 2 parts; licence acquisition (multiple choice questions and hazard perception test) and case studies. "Case studies" will be designed to suit the profile of the candidate and DSA is meeting both sectors to help develop the new tests. DSA envisages that the questions would be of the format where a situation or scenario was defined for the driver, and they are then asked questions relating to this situation. Case studies wherever possible will use diagrams, pictures and graphics. Test presentation will be screen-based, like the theory test for driving licence acquisition, and will be delivered from existing theory test centres.

Who will Driver CPC affect?

All professional drivers of Lorries (of all sizes), buses, coaches and minibuses unless they qualify for an exemption.

Can I work as a driver without a Driver CPC?

No, unless in exempted circumstances.

Under CPC rules, can an 18 year old drive a full sized lorry?

Yes.

Do the regulations for Periodic Training have any impact on those drivers who need to renew their vocational licence every year because of age or health reasons?

No, these drivers will still need to renew their licence as any other driver would.

Does the Driver CPC Directive alter the medical requirements for LGV/PCV drivers or driving instructors?

No.

Will Driver CPC apply to foreign nationals?

Yes, Driver CPC applies across all EU Member States therefore all of those drivers will be required to qualify and hold a Driver CPC in exactly the same way as UK drivers.

What vehicles may be used for Driver CPC regulated training and testing?

For the Initial Driver CPC there are no EU rules on the vehicles that drivers must use for the training prior to the test. For the Driver CPC practical test, vehicles used must satisfy the minimum test standards for the vocational driving test. There are no EU rules concerning vehicles used for periodic training.

What is DSA’s involvement?

DSA is leading, on behalf of the Department for Transport, the implementation of the project. As well as legislation, this involves establishing and implementing arrangements for training and testing for both the initial qualification and periodic training.

Do those driving vehicles under a category B (car) licence need CPC?

Anyone driving under a category B licence is out of scope of the Directive.

Can the title of this qualification be altered as it is being confused with the Operator’s CPC?

The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a generic term that is well recognised in Europe and viewed as a type of professional qualification. It is attached to a number of different occupations in Europe and increasingly in the UK. It will not be possible to re-designate this qualification type. However, we are using the phrase Driver CPC to differentiate from Operator’s CPC.

What is the definition of a qualification at Level 2?

Competence which involves the application of knowledge and skills in a significant range of varied work activities, performed in a variety of contexts. Some of the activities are complex or non-routine, and there is some individual responsibility and autonomy. Collaboration with others, perhaps through membership of a work group or team, may often be a requirement.

NVQ ROUTE TO THE DRIVER CPC

How can NVQs support the Initial Driver CPC?

We are currently working with DSA, DfES and the Learning Skills Council (LSC) to explore ways in which the NVQs can support the Driver’s CPC. By aligning the content of NVQs with the requirements of the Driver’s CPC, it makes it possible for there to be some overlap in training e.g. achievement of the Initial CPC could provide evidence towards the NVQ.

How can NVQs support periodic training?

Only training courses approved by the JAUPT can be counted towards periodic training. If courses have been developed to deliver training for aspects of NVQ that meet all the requirements for course approval (e.g. in terms of contact time, content linked with the directive) then these can be submitted for approval in the same way as other courses. In this way centres can use courses to deliver training that meets the needs of the NVQs and periodic training at the same time.

How does the initial Driver CPC fit with a National Vocational Qualification?

Trainees involved in the National Vocational Qualification programme can obtain a vocational licence but defer CPC acquisition by a maximum of 1 year whilst still driving professionally.

Will there be a Young LGV Driver’s Scheme after the CPC has been implemented?

The Driver CPC supersedes the Young LGV drivers’ scheme. It reduces the standard minimum age for professional LGV drivers to 18 years.

Download Drivers CPC and Periodic Training Information