The Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is being introduced across the European Union to maintain high driving standards and improve road safety. All professional lorry, bus and coach drivers must hold a Driver CPC if they want to drive for a living. There are a few exemptions but generally, if you want to drive for "hire or reward" then you will need to have your Driver CPC.
If you are a new driver taking a test in either Category C1 or C after the 10th September 2009 you will need to pass all 4 modules below to be able to drive commercially. All drivers that already hold a category C1, C1E, C or CE licence will have this qualification under "Acquired Rights", however they will still need to have completed 35 hours periodic training before 10th of September 2014 to keep this entitlement.
To become an LGV driver and initially gain the Driver CPC a new driver must pass the following 4 modules:
- Theory and Hazard Awareness tests (module1).
- Case study questions and answers (CPC module 2).
- Practical Driving Test (module 3).
- Practical Demonstration Test (CPC module 4).
The following publications are superb study aids for modules 2 and 4:
"The Official Guide to driving Goods Vehicles" (ISBN9780115530814)
"Driver CPC - The Official Guide for Professional Goods Vehicle Drivers" (ISBN9780115530012)
These publications are available from Ian Markwick Driver Training Ltd at £17.50 and £9.99 respectively or from good book shops or online at www.tso.co.uk We strongly recommend that you study both books completely before booking you own module 2 Driver CPC case studies theory test on 0300 200 1122 or www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest
Once you have read the suggested literature and have passed the case studies (module 2) Driver CPC theory test, Ian Markwick Driver Training Ltd offers a half day course to prepare you for the Driver CPC module 4 Practical demonstration test. We will book your Practical demonstration test for you and will accompany you with the training vehicle for your test.
The module 4 CPC test does not involve driving an LGV, hence, it can feasibly be taken before the practical driving test as long as the Case studies Theory test (module 2) has been passed. However, we recommend that the licence acquisition tests are taken before the CPC tests as familiarisation with an LGV helps the ability to learn the requirements for the Driver CPC qualification.
During the 30 minute Driver CPC module 4 practical test you will be expected to explain and demonstrate how you would deal with certain situations regarding:
- Loading the vehicle and proper vehicle use
- Security of the vehicle and contents
- Prevention of criminality and trafficking
- Ability to assess emergency situations
- Ability to prevent physical risk
After you have passed both Driver CPC tests, you will be sent a Drivers Qualification Card (CQC). There is no charge for the card at the point of issue and you must carry your card with you at all times when driving commercially.
There are exemptions from the driver CPC qualification for drivers of vehicles:
- Used for non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods, for personal use
- Undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance purpose, or a new or rebuilt vehicle 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, providing that driving the vehicle does not constitute the driver's principal activity
- With a maximum authorised speed not including 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