If you drive vehicles that transport people or heavy goods as part your job, you need to have completed your Driver CPC qualifications and the necessary periodic training. But what does this training involve and why is it necessary? This week’s blog breaks down how the process works so you know what qualifications you need to stay safe and legal when driving professionally.

What does Driver CPC stand for?

Driver CPC stands for Driver Certificate of Professional Competence. This certificate will allow workers to apply for their Driver CPC card, also referred to as the DCPC card. You may also see Driver CPC cards referred to as the DQC, which is short for Driver Qualification Card. Don't worry, these are just different names for the exact same card.

What is Driver CPC?

Driver CPC is a qualification which proves the competency of anyone who drives large vehicles such as buses, coaches or lorries in a professional capacity. This means that if you drive any of these vehicles for work, you need to have completed your DCPC training. If you are caught driving professionally without completing CPC training you could be fined up to £1,000.

This qualification is used throughout Europe as a way improving road safety and establishing a basic level of training for those who drive Large Goods Vehicles of over 3.5 tonnes (LGVs), or People Carrying Vehicles (PCVs). This qualification is strictly for those who are driving these vehicles for their job. You do not need to complete this training if your vehicle is carrying people or goods for non-commercial reasons. You can see a full list of exceptions by heading over to the government website.

What does Driver CPC training involve?

Much like a regular driving exam, Driver CPC training consists of both theory and practical tests. These tests are specifically tailored to ensure the participants are prepared for the unique challenges presented when driving LGVs or PCVs.

Training is broken down into 4 separate modules, 2 practical and 2 theory:

• Module 1: Theory test
• Module 2: Case Study
• Module 3: Driving ability test
• Module 4: Demonstration test

If you want a vocational license (not driving for a living) you only need to complete modules 1 and 3. For a full DCPC qualification you must complete all 4.

What is Driver CPC periodic training?

To keep your Driver CPC card, you need to complete a minimum of 35 hours periodic training every 5 years. These are separate courses that drivers need to book and complete in order to keep hold of their CPC card.

These 35 hours can be made up by a wide variety of courses in areas such as haulage operations, emergency operations, professional driving, and many more. Once completed, you can use gov.uk to check your Driver CPC periodic training hours status.

At ESS we deliver top of the range Driver CPC which is fully approved by JAUPT and endorsed by RTITB.. These fun and engaging 7-hour training sessions will provide you with all the knowledge you need to stay safe on the roads and fulfil your obligations to keep your card. To find out more about the courses and book a session, contact our training team on 0115 8970 529. You can also email us at [email protected].

Can I do CPC periodic training online?

Yes! At ESS we provide innovative remote Driver CPC training courses through video conference training.

Our remote courses, delivered over the video conferencing software Zoom, can be completed entirely online. These are in addition to our extensive range of face-to-face courses, which provide the same level of expert training.

What does RTITB mean?

RTITB stands for the Road Transport Industry Training Board. The Driver CPC Consortium looks to help member training providers by reducing "fuel costs, infringements and fines and make drivers safer, healthier and more customer focused." Our Driver CPC periodic training courses (both face-to-face and remote) are fully accredited by RTITB.

What is JAUPT?

JAUPT (Joint Approvals Unit For Periodic Training) are an organisation that work directly with the DVSA (Driving Standards and Vehicle Agency) to establish a unified register for periodic training providers in the UK. They approve and process courses and training providers that meet the requirements to deliver periodic training to drivers. ESS are proud to be registered with JAUPT.

How do I check my Drivers CPC card?

To check the status of your Driver CPC card, you can visit the government’s dedicated online portal. Here, you will be able to check the status of your card, including how long is left until expiry, and how much periodic training you have completed to date.

Is Driver CPC going to be scrapped?

No.

There have been rumours that with Britain leaving the European Union, the need to hold a DCPC qualification would be scrapped or replaced with another system. This is not the case. There are currently no plans to remove or replace this mandatory qualification.

Keeping this standard in place for the UK will help drivers who regularly transport goods to and from Europe. It will mean they meet the required standard both here and when working on the continent. 

Need training?

If you need to book in Driver CPC training, you don’t need to look any further than ESS. Our expert trainers can give you all the information you need to complete your periodic training. Our CPC courses include:

• Drivers Hours
• Haulage Operations
• Health and Safety
• Load Safety
• Emergency Actions
• Analogue and Digital Tachographs
• Vehicle Systems
• The Professional Driver
• Safe and Economic Driving Theory
• Mental Health
• Manual Handling
• On the Road
• Emergency First Aid
• Road Traffic Incident Management Skills

To discuss what training you need with our team, call us on 0115 8970 529 or email us at [email protected]. To see all our other courses, NVQs and apprenticeships, check out our online course index.