The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence is a European nationwide directive that was introduced in September 2009. The European Driver Training Directive requires that all professional bus, lorry and coach drivers must obtain a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.
The Driver Certificate of
Professional Competence is a European nationwide directive that was introduced
in September 2009. The European Driver Training Directive requires that all
professional bus, lorry and coach drivers must obtain a Driver Certificate of
Professional Competence. It is a legal mandate that was written into law in
order for all professional drivers to improve their skill and knowledge level
through completion of a 35 hour Drivers CPC training course. New drivers must
first pass a series of initial qualifications. The initial training includes a
hazard perception assessment, a vocational test along with practical and theory
testing. Professional drivers must undergo a renewal course every five years to
maintain their Driver CPC efficiency.
The mandate for CPC certification went in to effect in September 2009. Drivers
who held their Passenger Carry Vehicle (PCV) or Larger Goods Vehicle (LGV)
license prior to September 2008 are exempt from the initial CPC training. The
five year Drivers CPC renewal remains in effect for the duration of the
drivers’ professional career, with mandatory attendance required for the
training courses. However, after completion of the initial CPC training course,
no additional exams are required.
The Drivers training course covers all aspects of efficient passenger safety
such as first aid and health, driver’s regulations and macrograph proficiency.
The mandatory requirements are designed to encourage drivers to maintain high
driving skills and the course was developed for all professional drivers who
transport passengers for a living.
Professional drivers can complete their training at approved centres. A list of
these centres can be found online. Drivers must complete
the Drivers CPC 35 hour training course to receive their Driver Qualification
Card. Upon completion of the course their name and certificate information will
be entered into a nationwide database. Although the training to receive the
certificate is mandatory, there is no scheduled completion period. The course
can be completed at any time during the initial five year period. This
flexibility allows drivers to continue driving and earning a living while
completing their training requirements.
Because Drivers CPC certification is a legal mandate, driving without a CPC is
considered illegal. The ongoing implementation of the law will extend the
requirement for initial and ongoing training to all new drivers. Existing
drivers are protected by the grandfather clause; however, all new drivers must
complete the training and pass all required exams prior to becoming employees.
