Driver Certificate of Professional Competence Training

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.