Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is a scheme which was introduced across the European Union that raises standards of drivers and improves safety.
You must hold a Driver CPC if you professionally drive Buses, coaches, lorries of 3.5 ton and upwards, for a living.
Drivers must complete 35 hours of accredited training within a 5-year cycle. This started as of September 10th, 2008 for bus and coach drivers, whereas lorry drivers were affected on September 10th, 2009.
The minimum length of a periodic training course 7 hours, however the course may be split into two parts consisting of 3.5 hours (subject to approval). However, the second period of training must be completed within 24 hours of the previous for it to count.
The training should be designed to coincide a driver work to ensure it is the most relevant to them and the specific job that they do.
Drivers CPC involves completing 5 Modules. These modules include all the rules and regulations that as a professional driver you must follow. There are no further tests or examinations, only completion of the 35 hours is required.
If the training has not been completed within the allocated time zone, continuing to drive would therefore mean you are driving illegally. You could face a fine up to £1,000.
Modules Include
Module 1: Drivers Hours & Tachograph including Working Time Directive, personal wellbeing
Module 2: Digital Tachographs, Manual Handling
Module 3: Analogue Tachographs, Rural & Urban Driving
Module 4: Vehicle & Load Handling, Company procedures & secure transport operations
Module 5: Safe & Economic driving, Health & Safety in transport