Truck UK - Training

The Driver CPC is something that will affect every operator and every existing and new vocational truck driver, from 10th September 2009. From that date, Truck UK will be providing accredited periodic training to existing professional truck drivers based within East Anglia and the East Midlands. We will be strongly recommending that existing drivers commit to undertaking one day of 7 hours training every year, from September 2009 onwards.

Below is some useful information regarding the new requirements. As we get nearer the implementation date we will provide more detail on our range of courses. If you are an operator who would like to discuss the Driver CPC in detail, including the possibility of Truck UK putting together a course or courses tailored to your specific needs, please e-mail: Operator query for a no-obligation meeting. If you have several employees who you feel may benefit from being given a presentation on what the implications of the Driver CPC will have on your business we are happy to provide a two hour course, either at one of our locations or somewhere of your choice.

Driver CPC is short for 'Driver Certificate of Professional Competence'. It is a qualification that all professional lorry drivers will need to have if they want to continue to drive for a living. The Driver CPC is being introduced right across the European Union to try and ensure a high level of driving standards.

I already hold a lorry driver vocational licence (i.e. category C1; C and C+E). What will I need to do ?

The good news is that existing holders of category C and C+E driving licences will not be required to take any examinations or tests to gain a Driver CPC. Such drivers will be granted 'acquired rights', also known as 'grandfather rights status' on 10th September 2009. However, there will be a requirement to undergo sufficient accredited 'periodic training', in batches of 7 hours, adding up to 35 hours of training over a five year period, by the time September 2014 comes around.

'Periodic training' is regular training that must continue throughout a professional lorry drivers career. The reason given for this additional requirement is that it is believed that regular 'refresher' training throughout a persons working life assists in improving safe actions at work, with drivers this is obviously focussed on safe driving.

There is not a set and specific course of training that must be undertaken to gain a Driver CPC. Training providers and operators can themselves device their own tailored programmes of learning, that will mean various types of approved courses will be offered to drivers. Truck UK will be providing bespoke courses that can be accredited on behalf of clients, contact bespoke Driver CPC courses

The training that will be available will be grouped under three headings:

Safe and fuel efficient driving (this may include vehicle loading, fuel consumption and awareness of pollution risks)
Legal requirements (i.e. rules for correctly operating the tachograph and adhering to drivers' hours).
Health & Safety, service & logistics (including first aid and customer care).

However, be aware that only courses approved by the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT) on behalf of the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), delivered by accredited training organisations will count towards 'periodic training' which will enable professional drivers' to obtain their Driver CPC.

Those new to the industry after 10th September 2009 will be required to take an examination (initial qualification) to enable them to drive for a living (commercially), driving trucks.

The new tests have been designed to help drivers get a detailed and practical understanding of driving as a profession. Once the initial qualification test has been passed, the vocational driver will be entitled to a Driver CPC, enabling them to be legally employable as a commercial driver.

After the initial quialification has been achieved that driver will need to undertake 35 hours refresher training every five years to allow continuous employement as a commercial driver to continue. but .......................... no more examinations!!

Unless a driver is exempt (see below) they must ensure that they obtain a Driver CPC, from 11th September 2009 for new drivers' and before 10th September 2014 for existing drivers. Furthermore, if an employer uses persons to drive for them commercially and they do not hold the required Driver CPC / Driver Qualification Card they (the Operator) could be liable to prosecution.

The above list is not necessarily exhaustive and is only intended as a guide. DSA recommend in all cases where it is felt an exemption applies, the driver seeks independent legal advice.

All the above information was taken from a DSA publication - A Guide to the 'Driver Certificate of Professional Competence' which was posted to every Goods Vehicle Operator in February 2008.

Keep checking this website and also e-mail: Driver CPC Information and we will pick up your e-mail address and send you news and updates as they occur.

Training - Driver CPC