Driver CPC – Frequently Asked Questions

What is Driver CPC?
This stands for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence and will be introduced for HGV and truck drivers from 10th September 2009 as a compulsory training program designed to improve the standard of the HGV industry. It will have to be earned by any driver wanting to continue to drive a truck or HGV throughout the EU.

Why is the Driver CPC being brought in?
The idea is that the driver CPC or Certificate of Professional Competence will raise standards across the board in the truck and HGV world. The biggest effect it hopes to have is to improve road safety but also to make the industry more appealing and ‘professional’ to the outside world. This, it is hoped, will attract a high standard of new recruits to truck driving and will improve retention.

Which vehicles are affected?
The Driver CPC covers the drivers of any truck over 3.5 tonnes as well buses, coaches and bigger minibuses.

Who does NOT need a Driver CPC?
There are a few occasions where you may not need to take the Driver CPC and they include if the vehicles are used by the Armed Forces or if they are emergency vehicles, such as a fire truck, if they are limited to no more than 45km/h, if the vehicle is used as a driving school truck used to teach people their Driver CPC, if the vehicle is a ‘test vehicle’ being used to test technical developments or if the vehicle is for personal use.

How do I get a Driver CPC?
To obtain your CPC you must commit to taking an initial qualification if you are a new driver and then what is called ‘Periodic Training’ for all drivers, which equates to regular training over a five year period in order to keep hold of your Driver CPC. Once you obtain your CPC you will be given a Driver Qualification Card, which covers the next five years until you have to renew it.

What happens if I don’t take the Driver CPC but keep driving?
If caught you will be banned from driving commercially and may face a stiff penalty – often this will also mean you lose your job.

For advice on truck insurance, fleet insurance and goods in transit insurance please contact the experts at Isis Insurance on 01625 539 656

This entry was posted on Friday, August 14th, 2009 at 1:55 pm and is filed under HGV (Haulage/Truck). You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.