Driver CPC
Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is mandated by UK law. All LGV and PCV drivers obtain this certification before driving their vehicles. Lorries, trucks, and buses are large vehicles that carry potential hazards, different from ordinary cars. A driver CPC is a separate document from a driver’s car license. It is proof that the holder is competent to handle the vehicle safely. To obtain a driver CPC, one must first undergo CPC Certification Training to learn principles, concepts, and practices unique to LGV or PCV driving.
Steps to earn a valid CPC card through CPC Certification Training
(1) Initial Training
A driver who has yet to obtain a CPC card will need to undergo initial training as part of the certification process. Since 2009, the CPC certification training programme for LGV drivers has been divided into four parts (instead of two). The areas of coverage are LGV driving theory, case studies and best practices, driving ability, and practical demonstration. Once the driver completes the programme in a JAUPT-approved training centre, they need to pass the DVSA’s tests to obtain a valid CPC card. The tests will cover all four topics discussed in CPC training.
(2) Remedial Training –
The authorities recognize that people, including drivers, may forget some principles and practices over time. Hence, regulators require CPC holders to renew their cards every five years. If the driver wishes to continue driving their vehicle after five years, they need to undergo a 35-hour remedial training within a year before their card’s validity expires. Remedial training would cover the same four topics the driver learned during initial training. As with initial training, a driver would need to find a JAUPT-approved training centre to undergo remedial training. Once you complete your training, the centre would notify the DVSA who would then send you your new license, valid for another five years.
Special CPC Training courses
To make compliance with remedial training easier, regulators have allowed trucking companies to offer CPC training programmes approved by the JAUPT. This policy enables drivers to undergo training without having to leave work. Training redundancies would be eliminated as well. Since trucking and land freight companies have various needs, they can tailor the classes to suit their business’ requirements, as long as the JAUPT minimum standards are met. Some of these special classes that adhere to JAUPT standards are:
Emergency First Aid
The driver will learn how to provide first aid on site. The skills and theories they learn will be helpful in the future, whether or not they are involved in a crash.
Urban Driving
The special characteristics and challenges of driving in an urban setting are discussed in this course. Among the things that the driver will learn is defensive driving in narrow, congested areas. The driver will also learn how to spot hazards unique to urban settings such as pedestrians, jaywalkers, people who use cellphones while walking, and more.
Fuel Efficiency
As part of the efforts to make the trucking industry eco-friendly and improve drivers’ health, drivers will be taught how to drive their vehicle in a way that balances speed, safety, and fuel efficiency. Vehicle maintenance and upkeep will also be discussed in this course.
LGV drivers’ remedial course on safety checks
Before a driver embarks on their trip, they will need to check the condition of their vehicle to ensure safety. A remedial course on safety checks will help the driver recall what these checks are and why they are needed. Important developments in LGV safety technology will also be included.
Driver CPC after Brexit
The UK government has prepared for Brexit scheduled on November 1, 2019. It has said that Driver CPC qualifications obtained from other EU countries would remain valid for the time being, even after Brexit. However, the EU would not recognize any UK driver CPC qualifications after that date. If you want to work or continue to work in the EU, you may need to re-apply in France or Ireland. Watch this space for the rules regarding this in the near future.
If you’re looking for additional consultation on your HGV & LGV training, feel free to speak to our approved training providers.Phil Brown LGV training in Droitwich and Top Gear training in Halesowen. It all starts with your HGV medical. Click here to book your HGV medical with Vital Medicals. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.
