WHAT IS THE DRIVER CPC?
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The Driver CPC is an EU-wide initiative aimed at improving the skill level and competence of professional drivers. In the UK, the Driver CPC is administered by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).
New HGV drivers have to pass an ‘initial qualification’ test straight away – those who have registered with a national vocational training (NVT) scheme get a 12-month deferral – but existing drivers who qualified before September 2009 have ‘acquired rights’: they have until 9 September 2014 to complete 35 hours of classroom-based or on-road training. PCV (coach and bus) drivers must complete their training one year earlier.
When training is complete, drivers are issued with a driver qualification card – and must complete a further 35 hours of training in the next five-year period to retain it.
According to the DSA, the Driver CPC periodic training is designed to:
● complement your work; ● be relevant to your everyday job;
● keep you up to date with changes in regulations. The DSA suggests that course subjects may include:
● safe and fuel-efficient driving; ● defensive driving techniques; ● first aid; ● health and safety; ● drivers’ hours rules; ● using tachographs. Training centres and courses are accredited by JAUPT (the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training) – there are about 1,100 approved training centres.