CPC Driver Training – FAQ’s

How many drivers will there be attending each session?

The maximum number of drivers allowed on any of our sessions is 15.

How much will it cost?

This will depend on a number of factors; please “contact us” so that your company / individual needs can be assessed and a quotation can then be provided. Prices start from £50 + VAT  per person /  per 1 day course.

Where will the training take place?

We can conduct training at any number of locations or customer’s premises throughout the whole of the UK; however, each location will be subject to a site visit / assessment by a member of our team before training can take place there. We have regional centres in Yorkshire.

What is the purpose of the LGV Driver CPC?

To improve the knowledge and skills of all lorry drivers, this will result in: · Increased road safety (protecting all road users), · Improving the road freight transport industry (better staff performance, better recruitment and retention & more economical vehicle usage), · Improved professionalism of drivers (skill levels, maintenance & career opportunities), · Improving the environment (reduced fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and vehicle wear).

What does the Driver CPC involve?

As well as a driving licence, lorry drivers who drive professionally will have to hold a Certificate of Professional Competence which is renewable every 5 years. There will be an “initial” qualification for new drivers, and “periodic training” for new and existing drivers. Driver CPC will come into force on 10 September 2009 for LGV drivers. Drivers who hold a vocational licence (i.e. C1, C, C+E etc.) prior to this date will not require the “initial” 35 hours of training but will require the “periodic” training which is 35 hours prior to 9 September 2014. This implementation date applies to all EU member states.

Who will the LGV Driver CPC affect?

All professional drivers of lorries over 3.5 tonnes unless they qualify for an exemption.

Can I work as a driver without a Driver CPC?

No, unless in exempted circumstances under CPC rules.

Can an 18 year old drive a full sized lorry?

Yes, under the new regulations a person of 18 can acquire a category C (followed by a Category C+E) licence as long as they also acquire the initial Driver CPC.

Do the regulations for Periodic Training have any impact on those drivers who need to renew their vocational licence every year because of age or health reasons?

No, these drivers will still need to renew their licence as any other driver would.

Does the Driver CPC Directive alter the medical requirements for LGV drivers?

No.

Will Driver CPC apply to foreign nationals?

Yes, Driver CPC applies across all EU Member States therefore all of those drivers will be required to qualify and hold a Driver CPC in exactly the same way as UK drivers.

What vehicles may be used for Driver CPC regulated training and testing?

For the Initial Driver CPC there are no EU rules on the vehicles that drivers must use for the training prior to the test. For the Driver CPC practical test, vehicles used must satisfy the minimum test standards for the vocational driving test.

What is DSA’s involvement?

DSA is leading, on behalf of the Department for Transport, the implementation of the project. As well as legislation, this involves establishing and implementing arrangements for training and testing for both the initial qualification and periodic training.

Do those driving vehicles under a category B (car) licence need CPC?

Anyone driving under a category B licence is out of scope of the Directive.

What LGV licence categories will be affected by Driver CPC?

C1, C & C+E

If a driver already holds an initial CPC for one LGV category (e.g. rigid lorry Category C), will that person need another CPC to drive another LGV Category (e.g. articulated lorry Category C+E)?

No. (This will not affect the requirement to pass the relevant driving licence acquisition test for the additional category.)

What if an LGV driver completes their 35 hours of Periodic Training early, say in 2010?

This driver will be sent their driver qualification card in 2010 when they have completed their 35 hours of training. This card will have an expiry date of September 2014. This means that in order to renew the card in 2019 the driver will need to have completed another 35 hours of training between 2014 and 2019.

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Will I need a provisional licence even if I have passed my car-

driving test and hold a current driving licence?

A. Yes. All Vocational Driving Licence categories will require candidates to firstly meet the higher medical regulations and hold a provisional licence for the category they wish to acquire.
How old do I have to be to take a Vocational driving course and test?

A. Normally you will need to be 21 years of age although there are some exceptions, if you wanted a PCV licence these can be obtained at 24 yf age but you will be restricted to driving on a regular service where the route does not exceed 50km. LGV Category C1 can also be taken at 18.
I have passed a theory test when I had car-driving lessons, will I need to take it again?

A. Yes. You will need to take a theory test if you want a licence for a new category of vehicle, for example, if you have a car licence and you want a bus licence you will need to take a theory test.

To upgrade within a vehicle category you will not normally have to sit the test, for example, if you have a category C licence (Class II) (rigid body lorry) and you want a C + E licence (Class I) (articulated lorry) you will not have to take a theory test. You will however have to take the relevant practical test.

Anyone with sub-categories C1 and D1 entitlement who obtained those categories when they passed their car test and wants to upgrade to a C or D licence will have to obtain the correct provisional entitlement and pass a theory test.

Do I have to go to my own Doctor to have my medical examination?

A. No. Although you can go to your own Doctor, before booking your medical enquire about the cost! It has been known that Doctors can charge anything between £40.00 up to £120.00. We normally arrange the medical for our customers at a very competitive rate
A. No. As soon as you have passed your Category C (Class II) course you will need to send your Provisional licence along with your pass certificate to DVLA, they will update your licence and return it, as soon as it is returned you can take your Category C+E (Class I).

How long does the driving test last?

A. The LGV practical driving test is conducted over a route of about 26 miles, covering a variety of road and traffic conditions. Routes used could include Dual Carriageway, Motorway, Main ‘A’ roads, Country Lanes and congested City Centre roads.

The driving test lasts approximately 75 tes and includes some special exercises. The reversing and controlled braking exercise take place at the Test Centre before going out on the road. There are other exercises whilst out on test.

Candidates for C+E (Artic) tests also have to physically un-couple and re-couple the trailer, this is usually done on their return to the Test Centre.

Do you offer a “Guaranteed Pass” scheme?

A. No. We do not make spurious claims that trainees are guaranteed to pass their test, like any other type of test if you make a mistake you could fail! Organisations use the term “Guaranteed Pass” as a marketing ploy.
A. There is no difference, HGV = Heavy Goods Vehicles and LGV = Large Goods Vehicles.
If you were to make a mistake and fail to meet the required standard, we would encourage you to take an early re-test. Suggesting any remedial training that may or may not be required. From past experience candidates that have failed knew exactly the error committed the moment it happened, and therefore do not require any further training before Re-Test. This suggests you had been fully prepared and ready for the test.