Why is it being introduced?
The aims of Driver CPC are to:
•Improve Road safety
•Recognise and accredit skills for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers
•Encourage drivers to continually update their skills and knowledge
•Raise the status of bus, coach and lorry drivers to promote driving as a career

What does the term 'acquired rights' mean?
'Acquired rights', or grandfather rights as they are often known, is a term used when people who hold an existing qualification (for instance a vocational driving licence) do not have to re-qualify when new conditions are introduced.  They are allowed to retain the rights they previously acquired.  If you hold a full vocational licence before the CPC implementation dates, you will fall into this category

What is 'periodic training'?
'Periodic training' is regular training that will continue throughout your professional driving career to help you as a driver and to encourage safe driving for life.  You will need to complete 'periodic training' of thirty five hours every five years to retain your Driver CPC.  There will be a range of courses available and training will be tailored to suit your individual needs to help you become and even better driver.  The training is grouped under three headings:
•Safe and fuel efficient driving (this may include vehicle loading, fuel consumption and pollution)
•Legal requirements (rules for tacograph, driver hours)
•Health and Safety, Service and Logistics (including First Aid, Passenger Safety, Customer Service)
Only courses approved by the DSA and delivered by accredited training organisations will count towards your 'periodic training' which will enable you to obtain your Driver CPC

So once I have got my Driver CPC is that it?
No, a Driver CPC lasts for five years.  To qualify for a further Driver CPC you will need to complete thirty five hours of 'periodic training'.  If the end date passes without you undertaking any such training, then your Driver CPC will expire and you could face legal charges if you continue to drive in a professional capacity

Can I ignore Driver CPC and still drive professionally?
The simple answer is 'no' you cannot ignore Driver CPC.  If you are a bus, coach or lorry driver and you are not covered by any exemptions you will need to take action

What about new drivers?
Anyone obtaining or applying for a lorry, bus or coach licence after the implementation dates will not have acquired rights.  They will not be able to obtain their first Driver CPC by taking their 'periodic training' on its own.  They will have to take an initial Driver CPC test before being able to drive professionally.  This can be taken at the same time as the vocational driving test.

What is the initial CPC Test?
The initial Driver CPC test is in two parts:
•A Driver CPC Theory Test (which lasts four hours in total with case studies)
•A Driver CPC Practical Test (which lasts two hours and includes elements similar to the 'show me, tell me' part of the existing Practical Driving Test taken by all car drivers)
The new test will enable drivers to gain a more in-depth and practical understanding of driving as a profession, and once the initial Driver CPC test has been passed you will be entitled to a Driver CPC and a vocational Driving Licence

When will it start?
For bus and coach drivers it is 10th September 2008 and for lorry drivers 10th September 2009

How can I find out more?
For more detailed information and to discuss your personal or your organisations training needs then please use the Contact Us page of the site or call Steve Gilkes on 01295 768292.