Driver CPC, PCV and LGV Driver CPC Training Courses - Driver CPC (Certificates of Professional Competence) are now mandatory for drivers of buses and coaches from September 10, 2008 (September 10, 2009 for all LGV Drivers).

The qualification is being introduced throughout the EU to provide better qualified and trained drivers to meet the ever-changing needs of the passenger transport and road haulage sectors.

DriveTech is approved by Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT) and has created a dedicated resource for Driver CPC, allowing it to offer the training required to comply with the directive.

All working professional PCV and LGV drivers will need to complete 35 hours of Driver CPC training every FIVE years in a minimum of seven hour blocks. The seven hour blocks do not include breaks. Upon completion of the 35 hours within the five year period, a driver will receive a Driver Qualification Card, which will validate their licence

This means in order to maintain their Driver CPC, all category C and D licence holders are covered by Driver CPC. This includes any vehicle of 3.5 tonnes and upwards and minibuses with 9 seats or more.

Who will Driver CPC affect?
Any professional driver of 3.5 tonnes vehicles and over, buses, coaches and minibuses (over 9 seats).

Can I work as a driver without a Driver CPC?
No, unless in exempted circumstances

What type of training can count towards Periodic Training?
There is not a prescribed type of training; it may be classroom-based or practical ‘in-vehicle’. It can be whatever suits the needs of the driver at that time but it has to be approved training, by an approved centre and be overseen by a qualified trainer.

If a driver uses both PCV and LGV licences professionally, do they need two lots of 35 hrs periodic training every 5 years?
No. The Directive states that the holder of a vocational licence for PCV / LGV need only complete 35 hours course attendance in a 5 year period.

Within the definition of the Working Time Directive, does course attendance for Periodic Training count as work?
The Working Time Directive states that if a driver is paid by their employer whilst attending training, then the hours would count as working time. Therefore if the driver is being paid whilst attending Periodic Training it would be counted as work.

Can drivers do the same courses each year?
Theoretically, this is possible. However, employers will be seeking value for money and repetition of the same courses will not be beneficial.