Exemptions

Certain drivers who need to hold goods vehicle driving licences are exempt from the requirements of the Directive and do not need to hold a Driver CPC.  The exemptions apply only if you are carrying out certain duties.  For example, if you are employed by the armed forces you will not be required to hold a Driver CPC when engaged in duties relating to that profession.  However, if you leave the armed forces and become employed by a haulage company as a professional driver, you will need to hold a Driver CPC.

The exemptions apply to drivers of

• Vehicles with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding 27 mph (45 km/h)

• Vehicles used by, or under the control of, the armed forces, Civil Defence, the Fire Service and forces responsible for maintaining public order

• Vehicles undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance purposes, or new or rebuilt vehicles that 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 a Driver CPC, as provided for in Article 6 and Article 8(1) of Directive 2003/59/EC

• Vehicles used for non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods, for personal use

• Vehicles carrying material or equipment to be used by the driver in the course of his or her work, provided that driving the vehicle is not the driver’s principal activity

If you, the driver, consider that you should be exempted from CPC, then it is your responsibility to check that this is the case.  You are strongly recommended to seek legal advice if you are in any doubt.  Any perceived exemptions can ultimately be tested in a court of law.