Driver CPC periodic training for lorry drivers
If you drive a lorry for a living, you must hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) status.
This new Driver CPC is being implemented in the UK by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency), and is a requirement of EU Directive 2003/59. New drivers acquiring an LGV Vocational Entitlement will have to obtain the initial Driver CPC in addition to their licence to be allowed to drive professionally.
Driver CPC has been introduced throughout the European Union. Its aim is to maintain high standards of driving and improve road safety. Driver CPC covers anyone who drives buses, coaches and minibuses with nine or more passenger seats, and lorries weighing over 3.5 tonnes, for a living.
The aim of Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) periodic training is to provide continuing professional development for bus, coach and lorry drivers. This should last throughout your career, regardless of how often you drive.
Periodic training is delivered through courses that you attend during the five-year period for which your current Driver CPC is valid. There is no pass or fail element to these tests. The minimum length of a training course is seven hours, although they may be longer. Where a course of seven hours is split in to two parts, the second part must start within 24 hours of the first part ending.
Drivers with 'acquired rights' must complete 35 hours of periodic training during the current five-year period, to continue driving professionally. To keep your Driver CPC status, you will need to do at least 35 hours of periodic training in each five-year period. Periodic training involves attending courses on various aspects of professional driving.
Each new five-year period will begin from the expiry date of your current Driver CPC qualification, or when your 'acquired rights' expire. Professional drivers with 'acquired rights' who have completed their Driver CPC do not have to carry their DQC until their 'acquired rights' have expired.
If you have any questions or for more information, please contact us via the contact us page or call us on
020 7060 9656