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As a driver in the UK, it’s important to stay updated on all the licence and certificate requirements for safety and legal reasons and this includes the CPC. You may have heard this term a few times, but what is the Driver CPC exactly, and who needs it? Fully known as the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, this certificate is a legal requirement for many large vehicle drivers across Europe. Join us as we explore everything about the CPC, including its meaning and the process of securing it.
Table Of Contents
What Is The Driver CPC (Driver Certificate Of Professional Competence)?
The Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is a set of standards that the European Union developed to ensure that all professional drivers are competent. You’ll need this qualification if you intend to drive heavy goods vehicles, minibuses or coaches for pay. Basically, if the vehicle is over 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg) or if it has more than nine seats, you need a Driver CPC.
The European Union came up with the CPC to improve driving standards and road safety. It helps drivers stay up to date with all health, safety and legal requirements. As a new driver, you need to pass the initial Driver CPC to get your professional licence, but it doesn’t end there. You’ll also have to complete periodic training to maintain your Driver CPC qualification and drive different minibus and truck types.
In addition to the CPC, minibus drivers will need to secure a PCV licence while truck drivers require a Cat C or similar entitlement.
Stages Of The Driver CPC Training
The driver CPC training comprises four parts. You must first complete all aspects of this training to secure the licence.
1. Module One – Theory Test
It all starts with the theory section of the CPC test. The Driver CPC theory test is made up of two parts. The first part has 100 multiple-choice questions, which you’ll have two hours to answer. The current pass mark for this is around 85%. For the second part of the theory test, you’ll be presented with a sequence of 19 videos to test your knowledge of hazard perception. The pass mark here is 67 out of 100.
2. Module Two – Case Studies
The second module consists of case studies. You’ll be faced with seven case studies that mimic likely scenarios as an HGV driver. Each scenario is accompanied by multiple-choice questions, which you must answer. The pass mark for this module is 80% and it takes less than two hours to complete.
3. Module Three – Practical Test
For the third module of the CPC training, you’ll proceed to the practical test. This practical test will examine your driving ability, covering practical road driving, off-road driving, and vehicle safety questions. Expect to spend about an hour and 30 minutes on this module.
4. Module Four – Driver CPC Practical Test
Module four is also a practical test, but in this case, you have to demonstrate and explain various operations aside from driving. Some of these operations include emergency processes, correct loading techniques and demonstrations for vehicle safety checks.
Initial CPC Vs Periodic Training
As we already stated, it’s one thing to secure a Driver CPC, but it takes continuous effort to retain it. To get the initial CPC or Driver Qualification Card (DQC), you’ll have to go through the four modules of training above. The Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) will send your DQC after you have passed all four parts, so it’s essential that they have your correct details. Keep in mind that you must always carry this card when driving professionally to avoid penalties.
Even when you have your initial Driver CPC qualification, you still have to undergo hours of periodic training. This training is for professional, established HGV and bus drivers and encompasses 35 hours of activity every 5 years. The DVLA introduced the periodic CPC in 2008 to ensure that your skills and knowledge are current and up to date.
In order to maintain the initial qualification, you must complete 35 hours of CPC training. This training can be taken all at once or extended over a long period. Here are a few things to keep in mind about these 35 hours of periodic training:
- The recurring training is classroom or online-based.
- There are no examinations or pass-and-fail elements.
- Each course is made up of seven hours and the completed hours will be uploaded by the training provider.
- The records are to be uploaded to the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT), so make sure any provider you use is approved by JAUPT.
How Long Does The CPC Last?
The CPC lasts for five years. Therefore, you must complete 35 hours of Driver CPC periodic training before the 5-year deadline. Completing this training allows you to keep the qualification for another five years and the DVLA will issue another card to this effect.
The deadline to complete your training is shown on your card but sometimes you may have two deadlines on your Driver CPC card – one for lorries and one for buses. In this case, complete your training by the earliest deadline and the next card you get will have the same deadline for both.
See here to learn how to check your Driver CPC status.
Exemptions From The Driver CPC
There are a few cases in which you may be exempt from requiring a Driver CPC qualification. For one, you don’t need the CPC card if you’re not driving professionally. Other reasons for exemptions include:
- You’re carrying material or equipment for work but driving is less than 30% of your rolling monthly work.
- You’re driving within 62 miles (100 kilometres) of your base and not carrying passengers or goods. Also, driving a lorry, bus or coach cannot be your main job.
- You’re driving to or from a pre-booked appointment at official vehicle testing centres.
- You’re undergoing driving lessons to get a driving licence or a Driver CPC.
- You’re maintaining public order and the vehicle is under the control of local authorities.
- Rescue missions or in states of emergency.
- The vehicle is being tested for repair, maintenance or technical development purposes.
- You’re driving a newly built or rebuilt vehicle that has not been taxed.
- The vehicle is being controlled by the armed forces, police, fire and rescue, emergency ambulance or prison service.
- If the vehicle is limited to a top speed of 28 mph (45 kph).
Penalties For Driving Without A CPC
As you would expect, driving without a CPC card comes with consequences, so it’s best not to get on the road if you don’t have one. If you’re caught driving without a valid CPC, you may have to pay a fine of up to £1,000. If you have a valid CPC card but left it at home, it’s a £50 fine, so make sure to always keep it handy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does CPC Stand For?
CPC stands for Certificate of Professional Competence. This qualification was established by the European Union for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers in the UK and other European countries. It aims to improve driving standards and road safety by ensuring drivers stay up to date with all health, safety and legal requirements.
How Much Does CPC Cost?
The CPC costs an average of £300, depending on your location and training school. Expect to spend at least £40 on the first module and £24 on the second. Module three stands out as the most expensive with a minimum cost of around £115, while part four starts around £55. Don’t also forget to consider the cost of the periodic training.
Is The CPC Card The Same As The Driver Qualification Card?
Yes, the CPC card is the same as the driver qualification card (DQC). The CPC card or DQC is issued to anyone who has completed the CPC training, serving as proof that the driver has met the required training standards. To keep your card up to date you will need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years.
Can I Drive A Minibus Without A CPC?
Yes, you can drive a minibus without a CPC if you’re not driving for hire or reward. All you need in this case is to be above the age of 21 and hold a suitable driving licence for the minibus category. However, if you have plans to receive pay as a minibus driver, you need to hold the initial qualification and also undergo periodic training.
Do I Need A CPC For A Van?
No, you don’t need a CPC for a van. The Driver CPC is only mandatory for HGVs and vans typically do not fall into this category. However, existing professional drivers of minibuses, coaches and lorries must have a CPC card if they plan to receive pay. There are also some other exemptions from the Driver CPC.
Conclusion
So what is the Driver CPC? This qualification is your passport as a professional lorry driver or minibus driver in the UK and other European countries. Just be aware that it doesn’t end with securing the initial qualification. You must keep up with the seasonal training before the expiration date for your CPC card for it to remain valid.
