New LGV drivers will
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have to pay for CPCs
THE DRIVERS' Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) could cost more than £200 for each new driver entering the industry when regulations are introduced in 2009.
In addition, training centres will have to pay £1,500 for Driving Standards Agency (DSA) approval and £250 accreditation for each course they offer.
Bob Jarvis, DSA head of customer relations, revealed the proposed costs at CM'S one-day conference on the Compulsory Training Directive, held last week in Birmingham.
The test will be in four parts. Module one, the theory test, will cost £47; module two, CPC case studies, £28; module three, practical test, £97.50; and module four, CPC practical demonstration, £32.50. Jarvis stressed the costs are provisional: "A new consultation document will be coming out in the next few weeks," he said.
Existing drivers will not be affected by CPC fees they have grandfather rights and will automatically be awarded their CPCs.
Transport lawyer James Backhouse told delegates to introduce a clause into new drivers' contracts warning that training costs will be deducted if they leave the company early: "Don't try to claw back the money unless you have such a clause an Employment Tribunal will return the money to the driver."
Operators who fail to comply with the directive and commit offences relating to forgery and false statements will face fines of up to £5,000 and imprisonment.