Driver CPC Training
Do you need a Driver CPC?
If you passed your car test before 1st January 1997, you should gain acquired rights to a CPC, as you may already hold a C1 Category C1 licence (up to 7½ tonnes) and therefore will not be required to take the initial qualifying tests. Should you wish to use this licence to drive professionally you will be required to complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years in order to maintain your driver CPC.
If you passed your car test after 1st January 1997 and wish to drive a truck (or bus/coach) professionally, you will need to hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in addition to your vocational licence. This qualification has been introduced throughout the European Union to maintain high driving standards and improve road safety.
If you don't plan to drive in a professional capacity, then you won't need a CPC. The exemptions are:
- Vehicles with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding 27mph (45 km/h)
- Vehicles used by or under the control of the armed forces, civil defence, the fire service and forces responsible for maintaining public order
- Vehicles undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance purposes, new or rebuilt vehicles that have not yet been put into service
- Vehicles used in states of emergency or assigned to rescue missions
- Vehicles used for driving lessons for any person wishing to obtain a driving licence or a Driver CPC
- Vehicles used for non-commercial carriage of passengers, or for personal use
- Vehicles carrying material or equipment to be used by the driver in the course of their work provided that driving the vehicle is not the driver's principal activity
Up to date exemptions can be found on the DVSA website.
Initial Qualification
To achieve a CPC initial qualification, there are 2 more tests to complete in addition to the normal licence acquisition tests.
Case Study Test - CPC Mod 2
The case study method tests your knowledge and understanding by examining how you put your skills into practice, with real life scenarios that you may encounter in your working life. You will be asked 50 multiple choice questions.
The test lasts for 75 minutes, and consists of 7 case studies, each with between 6 and 8 questions. The pass mark is 38 out of a possible 50. This theory test is conducted at DSA Theory Test Centres, and costs £23.
Driver CPC Practical Demonstration Test - CPC Mod 4
In addition to passing a Practical Driving Test (Module 3), to obtain your Driver CPC you will also need to pass a Practical Demonstration Test focusing on vehicle safety. In this ½ hour test, which is conducted at an LGV Practical Driving Test Centre, drivers are required to demonstrate their knowledge and ability in the following areas:
• Ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use
• Security of the vehicle and contents
• Ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants
• Ability to assess emergency situations
• Ability to prevent physical risk
• Demonstrate your ability through a physical, walk round vehicle safety check
The test consists of 5 topic areas which cover the Driver CPC syllabus, and a practical load-security element. In order to pass, the candidate has to score 15 out of a possible 20 points in each topic area (75%), and an overall score of 80%. The test can only be taken following successful completion of the Case Studies Test (Mod 2).
CPC Periodic Training
All professional drivers of LGV's & PCV's are required to hold a driver Certificate of Professional Competence to enable them to drive commercially. To maintain their driver CPC qualification, drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training in every 5 year period (normally completed in 5 modules of 7 hours per module) with an approved training provider.
Many drivers complete one module per year to accumulate their 35 hours of training progressively, but you can take any combination of 7-hour modules over each 5 year period. Some drivers may not need a driver CPC. Please contact us for further details of our driver CPC training and available course dates.
Returning to the industry? You can now take the Return to Driving CPC module which will allow you to get back to driving by completing one 7 hour course. You will then have 1 year to complete the remaining 28 hours of CPC to keep the qualification. This is available to drivers whose CPC has run out between 60 days and 2 years.
At Bassetts Transport Training we offer a
comprehensive range of training services.
For more details call us on
01782 371018
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