Driver CPC for bus, coach and lorry drivers

A new qualification for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers - the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is coming. In future, just holding a vocational driving licence will not be sufficient for someone who wishes to drive these vehicles for a living.

The Driving Standards Agency is taking the lead in implementing EU Directive 2003/59 which requires all professional bus, coach and lorry drivers to hold a Driver CPC in addition to their vocational driving licence. It comes into force across all European Union member states on:

• 10 September 2008 for bus and coach drivers
• 10 September 2009 for lorry drivers

In order to maintain their Driver CPC, all category C and D licence holders (including C, C1, C1E and D, D1, DE, D1E) will be required to undertake 35 hours Periodic Training every 5 years.

Driver CPC also introduces a new Initial Qualification for drivers entering the industries after these September dates which they must complete in order to drive professionally.

The main aim behind Driver CPC is to improve road safety; providing better qualified drivers to help reduce road casualties. Driver CPC should also bring an improved professional and positive image to the industries, attracting more people to drive buses, coaches and lorries for a living. It is aimed not only at improving the knowledge and skills of LGV and PCV drivers when they first start work, but also ensuring those skills are maintained and developed throughout the driver’s working life.

The DSA is working closely with trade associations for the freight, bus and coach industries, the Sector Skills Councils and other government agencies to ensure Driver CPC is implemented in a way that suits the needs of the industries.

Please Note:

Any lorry of 3.5 tons and upwards and minibuses with 9 seats or more are covered by Driver CPC.

Driver CPC will enable young people to enter these sectors in a safe and professional manner, from 18 years of age, subject to any licence restrictions for category D drivers (see ‘Minimum ages’ section under Driver CPC evidencing, enforcement and exemptions).

The existing ‘Transport Manager’s CPC’ also known as the ‘Operator’s CPC’ is a separate qualification and anyone holding one, who still drives professionally as part of their job, will also need to hold a Driver CPC.