CPC is short for “Driver Certificate of Professional Competence”. The EU passed the Driver CPC EU Directive in 2003. This affects all professional LGV and PCV drivers. For new drivers it introduces a new initial qualification, the Driver CPC, which increases the level of knowledge that drivers need before they can drive.

All drivers, new and existing, now have to undertake 35 hours of training every five years to ensure that their Driver CPC remains valid.

New to professional driving

Initial Driver CPC

If you are a new driver, you must pass an initial Driver CPC qualification before you can drive professionally.

The initial Driver CPC qualification is split into four modules:

• part one - theory test (multiple-choice and hazard perception)
• part two - case studies
• part three - practical test of driving ability
• part four - vehicle safety demonstration

You must pass all four parts to be able to drive professionally.

Current PCV / HGV Licence holders

Periodic Driver CPC

Current bus and truck drivers will need to do 5 days training every 5 years, this is split into 5 modules covering the following topics:

• Advanced Training In Rational Driving Based On Safety Regulations
• Application of Regulations
• Health, Road and Enviromental Safety, Service, Logistics
• Emergency First Aid at Work (1 day course for an additional £80.00 inclusive of DSA upload fee) (Drivers only: counts as 7 hrs of DRIVER CPC)