FAQ
- What is Driver CPC?
Driver CPC is the implementation of an EU Directive and came into force on10th September 2009 for all new and existing LGV Drivers. In addition to holding a driving licence, LGV Drivers who drive professionally will have to hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) which is renewable every 5 years.
Existing drivers will inherit “Grandfather” rights and will have until September 2014 to complete their 35 hours of Periodic Training. New drivers, taking their test after September 2009, will have to complete additional test modules and then complete their 35 hours of training 6 years from the date of passing their test.
- What is the purpose of Driver CPC?
DCPC is being introduced to improve the knowledge and skill of professional drivers which should result in -:
Improved road safety. Help the transport industry by providing savings through more fuel efficient and defensive driving. Help with staff recruitment and staff retention. - Who will Driver CPC affect?
All professional drivers unless they are exempt.
Those who may be exempt are-:
Driver of vehicles with an authorised speed of not more than 45km/h
Vehicles used to maintain public order.
Vehicles used in states of emergency or rescue
Vehicles used for driving lessons
Vehicles used for carrying material to be used by the driver in the course of their work provided that driving the vehicle is not the driver's principle activity, e.g. scaffolders , plumbers etc.
Not withstanding the exemptions listed above it is hoped that employer would see the benefits of Periodic Training and encourage any driver they employ to attain a DCPC.
If a driver switches between exempted and non exempted driving then they will be required to hold a DCPC. - Can I drive professionally without a DriverCPC?
Each professional driver will have a Driver Qualification Card ( DQC ) issued by the DVLA, similar to their driving license photo card or their digital tachograph card, on completion of either their 4 modules of Initial Qualification (New drivers after 10/09/2009) or on completion of 5 seven hour training sessions of Periodic Training.The DQC is your training record after you have completed the Initial Qualification or completed 35 hours of Periodic Training. After September 2014 NO DQC CARD....... NO WORK!!!
No, your status will be checked during roadside checks and those found to be in breach of the regulations will be fined or reported to the Traffic Commissioner. Operators who allow breaches of the regulations will also be held liable.
How will the authorities know my DCPC status?
Periodic Training will be given by accredited trainers delivering accredited 7 hour training courses. Completed training will be updated by the trainer to a central database within 5 days of training completion
Each professional driver will have a Driver Qualification Card (DQC) issued by the DVLA, similar to their driving licence or Digital Tachograph Card. As each 7 hours accredited training session is uploaded to the data base the DQC when produced at a roadside check will have the completed accredited training sessions stored on it and it is this information that will allow the authorities to monitor training progress toward the 35 hours in the 5 year period and will indicate to them in September 2014 if the 35 hours of accredited training requirement has been met. - How much will the Driver Qualification Card cost?
The cost of the DQC is included in the cost of your DCPC periodic training.
- What happens if I have not managed 35 hours of accredited training by September 2014?
You will not be able to drive professionally.
- How much will the 7 hour DCPC training sessions cost?
This will depend on whether the training takes place on the client’s site or at Euro1 Training Ltd. accredited Training Centre. A client’s training facilities must comply with JAUPT’s training centre standards and will be inspected prior to the booking being accepted. We would envisage that training taking place at Euro1’s accredited Training Centre would be in the region of £65 per person per day, around £50.00 per person if the training for 10 people is carried out at client’s premises. These prices include the DSA upload fee of £8.75 per person and the relevant training manual.
- How often does the Periodic Training take place?
Drivers have flexibility to complete their periodic training as they see fit provided that each block of training lasts at least 7 hours and split sessions are completed within 24 hours. Professional LGV drivers will have to ensure that they complete 35 hours of accredited periodic training every 5 years for the rest of their professional driving life. All 35 hours can be done in the 5th year however be aware that if everyone leaves their training until August 2014 it is possible that all courses will be fully booked and that you will have to come off the road until your training is completed.
Euro1 Training Ltd will hold periodic training sessions on the last Wednesday of each month until further notice.
- Is there a syllabus or will any training suffice.
The Directive clearly outlines what subjects should be covered in any accredited training course. Any company can tailor their DCPC training to suit the needs of their business provided the module content is specified in the Directive syllabus. Euro1 Training Ltd can, if required, develop a bespoke 7 hour taining module, have it accredited and deliver the course in our classroom or onsite. Our current accredited 7 hour training course, delivered in a modern training facility covers EU and Domestic driving regulations, working time directive, analogue and digital tachographs and daily walk round checks. Other courses for the future include customer care, safe loading, driver guide to fuel efficient driving, health and safety in road transport.
Further information can be found using the following links
www.drivercpc.org/
www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=432
