Driver CPC Training
Along with the fact that the minimum age to drive a HGV has changed well so has how you pass and maintain your licence. The basis is that if your ambition is to drive a HGV/LGV as a profession then you will need to complete CPC training. This forms part of your overall HGV training.
The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence covers Coach, Bus and Lorry drivers to ensure a number of things:
- Make sure you have the knowledge and skills needed before you even start driving
- Help develop your skills and knowledge throughout your professional career
- Increased knowledge in drivers delivers an improvement in Road Safety
The Driver CPC is about ongoing training throughout your working life and because of this there are 2 types of CPC training you will need to undertake: Initial Driver CPC training which is needed for any new applicants and then you will undertake periodic CPC training which is for existing, qualified drivers. Initial driver CPC has to be undertaken by anyone wishing to drive HGV/LGV for Category C1 and Category C.
The initial Driver CPC is made up of 4 different areas that you will have to pass to drive professionally:
Driver CPC Part 1:
Theory – Multiple choice questions
Hazard Perception
Driver CPC Part 2:
Another theory exam – case study
Driver CPC Part 3:
HGV Practical driving test
Driver CPC Part 4:
This is all about a Vehicle safety demonstration.
Periodic Driver CPC Training
If you want to keep your driver CPC then you will have to renew this every 5 years meaning you will have to complete formal training on an ongoing basis. The CPC training must add up to 35 hours and it would be beneficial to do 7 hours training per year to ensure you complete the 35 hours required. You will have to do a minimum of 7 hours training continuously within a 24 hour timeframe for this training to qualify so it makes sense to spread this out over the 5 years and of course allow you to keep the yearly training costs down. It’s worth noting that you only have to attend the professional training as there is no exam undertaken.
After your training is completed you will be issued with your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence qualification card. Whenever you are driving professionally, you must have this card with you.
As you can see, the job of a HGV Professional driver is highly respected and once you attain and maintain your Driver CPC then you can look forward to driving HGV’s and making a good living from this. Don’t forget to look at the potential of ADR training which can improve your earnings potential no end.
