Along with EU rules, the government created the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for coach and bus drivers in 2008, and for truck drivers later in 2009, in an effort to lower risk and support the industry’s efforts to maintain a professional image.
Any professional driver of a truck, bus, or coach must get the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) certification. It was put in place to aid in the skill improvement of drivers.
There are two components to it: first, new drivers must be qualified, and second, all drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to maintain the validity of their cheapest online CPC training.
Nowadays, practically all professional drivers with Category C or Category D licences must be CPC certified. The driver must always have the card on them when operating an LGV/HGV, bus, or coach. It is issued as a card and is also known as the “driver qualification card,” or DQC.
What is in The Cheapest CPC Training Involve
Four modules make up the first training for new drivers, which includes the theory and practical exams needed to obtain a driver’s licence. Particular to professional truck, bus, or coach drivers are the two modules.
The first driver CPC training is organised as follows:
- Theory test
- Practical test
- Case studies
- Practical test
Drivers must complete a minimum of 35 hours of training in order to renew their licence, and they should plan to spend at least seven hours in each CPC module training course. Additionally, since there is no exam involved, there is no direct pass/fail component.
All you need to do to get your driver’s licence is to complete the requisite minimum hours and attend the training. It is important to keep in mind that CPC hours expire after five years if they are not used. How many modules you have that are still valid and when you took them can be found online.
The quarterly training includes modules covering topics including emergency preparedness, safe and fuel-efficient driving, tachographs, and health and safety (including manual handling and first aid).
When participating in a CPC training course, it is imperative that you bring these items:
- Photocard driving licence
- Valid passport
- Digital tachograph card
- Driver CPC card
People Who Don’t Need CPC Licence in UK
Drivers are not required to get a Driver CPC under certain circumstances. Usually, this holds true if they are:
- Operating a vehicle for the transportation of goods, people, or materials for non-commercial use (including personal use). The phrase “non-commercial” refers to ventures that are not meant to generate revenue.
- Transporting equipment or supplies you’ll need for the task, provided that driving isn’t your main duty.
- Although you don’t drive professionally, you do occasionally drive buses, coaches, and empty trucks about the neighbourhood for business. You must adhere to specific requirements, such as avoiding transporting passengers or cargo and driving within 50 kilometres of your base.
You will be obliged to pay an immediate £50 fine if you are stopped and discovered not to have your card when you are supposed to. This regulation does not apply if you have already finished your 35 hours and are awaiting the delivery of your replacement card.