Driver CPC: Initial

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The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is a new requirement for professional drivers that has been introduced across the European Union (EU) to maintain high driving standards and to improve road safety. The Driver CPC came into force:

10th September 2008 for bus or coach drivers.
10th September 2009 for lorry drivers.

Drivers who did not hold a vocational driving licence before the introduction of the Driver CPC are known within the training industry as ‘new drivers’. Before using their bus, coach or lorry licence for professional reasons (unless under exemption), new drivers need to obtain their Initial Driver CPC Qualification. This is done by carrying out the following steps:

Step 1 – Theory Test

Multiple Choice Questions and Hazard Perception.

Step 2 – Case Study

Questions about real-life scenarios you are likely to come across in your working life.

Step 3 – Practical Driving Test

A practical driving test with an examiner to assess the driving ability of the driver.

Step 4 – Vehicle Safety Demonstration

A practical test that will ask drivers to demonstrate their ability to follow safety rules and use the vehicle systems in the correct manor.

You must pass the Theory Tests before taking your Practical Driving Test, and pass the Case Study before taking the Vehicle Demonstration Test. However, you can choose to do the Theory Tests or Case Study in any order. Once the Initial Driver CPC Qualification has been gained, drivers will obtain a Driver Qualification Card (DQC). This forms part of their professional drivers licence and must be carried with them at all times.

On obtaining the Driver Qualification Card, drivers will then have 5 years to undergo 35 hours training. More information can be found on our Periodic Driver CPC section. Sigma provide CPC Training across the UK.

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NOTE:

Bus or coach drivers who held their vocational licence (D, D1, DE, D1E) prior to 10th September 2008 have obtained aquired (‘grandfather’) rights and therefore do not need to obtain the Initial Driver CPC Qualification.
Lorry drivers who have held their vocational licence (C, C1, CE, C1E) prior to 10th September 2009 have also obtained acquired (‘grandfather’) rights and similarly do not need to obtain the Initial Driver CPC Qualification.

Although drivers with acquired rights do not need to complete the Initial Driver CPC Qualification, they still are required to carry out the Periodic Driver CPC Training. For more details on the Periodic Training, please see our Periodic Driver CPC Training section or please feel free to Contact Us.