I’m looking at gaining my C+E but am confused about the new driver’s CPC. There’s a lot of info out there - but is there anyone who can explain it in a few, simple bullet points?!
What exactly will change next year for learner drivers?
Thanks in advance,
JT
JTWhalley:
I’m looking at gaining my C+E but am confused about the new driver’s CPC. There’s a lot of info out there - but is there anyone who can explain it in a few, simple bullet points?!What exactly will change next year for learner drivers?
Thanks in advance,
JT
The Driver CPC will be introduced in 2009 for lorry drivers. Following the recent consultation, the DSA has confirmed it will offer new entrants to professional driving the opportunity to acquire the driver CPC at the same time as they obtain their vocational driving licence. Drivers will have to keep their certificate valid by completing a total of 35 hours training every five years - there will be no additional test to take. Existing drivers will not have to pass the initial qualification, but will be subject to the five yearly periodic training requirement, although no test will be required.
The initial qualification for new drivers will be obtained by the driver passing detailed tests, comprising a total of four hours of theory testing and two hours of practical testing. These tests will be set at the equivalent of an NVQ Level 2 and are being developed by the DSA in conjunction with industry, including the RHA.
Driver CPC tests are being developed in a modular format that will enable them to be integrated with the current licence acquisition tests, but it will be possible to take the current licence acquisition driving test for trucks and vans separately from the CPC tests so that those who do not require a CPC and want to drive these vehicles in a non-professional capacity can do so.
If they decide at a later date they want to drive the vehicles on a professional basis, they will have to take the additional test modules to get a driver CPC. It will also be possible to work towards obtaining a CPC at the same time as taking national vocational training, providing the NVT lasts at least six months. The CPC tests will still need to be taken, but this option allows drivers to work professionally in the United Kingdom while working for their CPC, up to maximum of three years.
From 2007, the theory test part of the licence acquisition test will be extended to include more questions, so that all drivers of vehicles requiring a C or D licence will have a more rigorous assessment.
Just to add to what Wheel Nut has already told you, the Driver CPC for goods vehicles will begin 10th September 2009, from this date anyone taking an LGV test with the intention of driving commercially will have to also do the Driver CPC, that part is known as the “Initial Driver CPC”.
From 10th September 2009 anyone driving LGV vehicles commercially will need to renew their Driver CPC every 5 years, this is know as the “Periodic Driver CPC training”.
Anyone who holds an LGV license at 10th September 2009 will be granted grandfather rights and so will be exempt from the “Initial Driver CPC” but will still have to complete the “Periodic Driver CPC training”.
The Periodic Driver CPC training consists of compulsory training of 35 hours every 5 years, this can be split up into segments of no less than 7 hours, so we will need to do 5 x 7 hour training sessions before the 5 year period has lapsed.
Anyone who holds an LGV license at 10th September 2009 will have until September 2014 to complete 35 hours of “Periodic Driver CPC training”.
The “Driver CPC” stands for “Driver Certificate of Professional Competence”, otherwise not so affectionately known as EU bull[zb] 
Bus and coach drivers have to do this from September 2008
Thanks guys…
So I can assume that means if will be a lot more expensive to train post Sep 2009?
Cheers,
JT
JTWhalley:
Thanks guys…So I can assume that means if will be a lot more expensive to train post Sep 2009?
Cheers,
JT
YEP 
- for those that have not passed a C or C1 test already.
This does not affect you if you already have C and are going for CE
As you have C this puts you in the ‘grandfather rights’ catagory
In addition to that, those people that passed their B (Car) driving test post 1997 will ge given aquired rights (grandfather rights) for Driver CPC in respect of the LGV section because C1 (7.5T LGV) is granted to post 1997 B driving test pass holders without restriction, ergo you’re deemed to be a professional LGV driver!
Richard
I’m wondering how many pre 97 B drivers who were given C1 will realise that, come Sept 2014, the will need the 35 hours DRIVER CPC to carry on doing ‘hire or reward’ work…
Probably hardly any of them! Although the Driver CPC does have the following exemption that did catch my attention:
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Vehicles used for carrying material of equipment to be used by the driver in the course of his or her work, providing that driving the vehicles is not the drivers’ principle activity
So with that statement, if you hire a 7.5 Tonner for the day then you’re CPC exempt…so long as you don’t drive as your basis of employment.
Personally this Driver CPC business (except for the Initial Qualification section) is a load of EU rubbish…35 hours in a CLASSROOM. You don’t have to receive driver training behind the wheel or nowt like that, all you have to basically do is attend 5 CPC classroom sittings lasting 7 hours each and you’ll be given the thumbs-up from the DSA!!
Richard
The Lyonator wrote:-
Vehicles used for carrying material of equipment to be used by the driver in the course of his or her work, providing that driving the vehicles is not the drivers’ principle activity.
Carrying materials etc, refers to for example - a scaffolder whose main business is the erection of scaffolding, but need to carry the ‘tools of their trade’, or a builder whose main work is not driving, but does carry bricks etc in order to carry out their work.
The Lyonator:
Personally this Driver CPC business (except for the Initial Qualification section) is a load of EU rubbish…35 hours in a CLASSROOM. You don’t have to receive driver training behind the wheel or nowt like that, all you have to basically do is attend 5 CPC classroom sittings lasting 7 hours each and you’ll be given the thumbs-up from the DSA!!
Thats probably going to be the best description for the ONGOING DRIVER CPC - we shall see…
Smart Mart:
The Lyonator wrote:-
Vehicles used for carrying material of equipment to be used by the driver in the course of his or her work, providing that driving the vehicles is not the drivers’ principle activity.
Carrying materials etc, refers to for example - a scaffolder whose main business is the erection of scaffolding, but need to carry the ‘tools of their trade’, or a builder whose main work is not driving, but does carry bricks etc in order to carry out their work.
So basicly, some of the people most in need of this training, are the ones who are exempt?
And people wonder why the Belgians are adept at taking EU rules with a pinch of salt…