DRIVER CPC

As you may be aware there are some significant changes for drivers of LGV and PCV vehicles that will affect every professional driver. This has been introduced across the EU to maintain high driving standards and improve road safety. For PCV drivers (Cat D1 and Cat D) the changes will take affect from 10th Sept 08 and for LGV drivers (Cat C1, C & C+E) vehicles 10th Sept 2009. There are a few exemptions (see below).

Existing Drivers

For existing licence holders, that is those who hold a full LGV or PCV licence before the dates above, to maintain there licence they will need to complete 35 hours of training at a registered and approved centre over a period of 5 years.

The training can be carried out to suit the driver and employer and can be done all at once, or in 7-hour sessions over the 5 years.

The training can be tailored to suit the driver and employer and can be on any subject as long as it relates to the driver carrying out his job and there is an approved programme available. If you have any particular courses you would like us to tailor for, for you or your company, then give us a call to discuss your requirements. It could be First Aid, Customer Services, Fork Lift Refresher, HIAB you name it! If you do it at work already then let us “kill two birds with one stone”

New Drivers

For new PCV drivers from September 2008 they will have to complete the following 4 modules. (Applies to LGV drivers from 10 September 2009)

Module 1 – Licence acquisition theory test – 100 multi choice questions and 19 hazard perception clips (cost £35 for multi choice & £15 for hazard perception)

Module 2 – Driver CPC theory test -1½ hours Case Study questions (cost £30)

Module 3 – Licence acquisition practical test - 1½ hours practical driving test (cost £115 weekdays £141 weekends)

Module 4 – Driver CPC practical test – 30 minutes practical demonstration of vehicle safety (cost £55 weekdays)

You must pass module 1 before you can take module 3 and you must pass module 2 before you can take module 4. Once all modules have been completed you will be issued with a Driver Qualification Card (DQC) by the DSA.

Exemptions

There are exemptions from the Driver CPC qualification, these are as follows:

Drivers of vehicles

• used for the non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods, for personal use.
• undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance
• purposes, or new or rebuilt vehicles not yet put into service
• used in the course of driving lessons for any person wishing to obtain a driving licence or Driver CPC
• carrying material or equipment to be used by the driver in the course of his or her work, provided that driving the vehicle does not constitute the driver’s principal activity
• with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding 45km/h
• used by, or under the control of, the armed forces, civil defence, the fire service, and forces responsible for maintaining public order.
• used in states of emergency or assigned to rescue missions.