August 2, 2017
What is a driver CPC?
Year on year the levels of urbanisation, pollution and population across our planet all increase and reach new heights, this entails a knock-on effect to every market sector and everyday life even though we fail to realise it sometimes. Although not directly related this urbanised and vastly populated 21st century provides the framework for the Driver CPC. This legislation was sanctioned in order to try better manage safety within the motor industry to cope with more roads, cars and people at workplaces than ever before.
The Driver certificate of professional competence (CPC) first came into effect in September 2009, the Driver CPC is a qualification for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. It has been introduced across Europe with the professed aim of improving road safety and helping to maintain high standards of driving, anyone who fails to comply with these legislations could face a £1,000 fine.
Training required?
If you obtained your standard driving license after January 1997 then you must complete an initial CPC test before you can begin the 35 hours of periodic training, which consists of both a practical and theory element. However, if you held a valid license before this date you will not need to complete an initial CPC. Once drivers acquire their initial CPC they are then required to complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years if they want to keep their CPC, only training that has been approved and delivered by a JAUPT registered provider will count towards certification. This periodic training enables drivers to regularly receive the very latest and newest courses, ensuring they are aware of the latest regulations and potential hazards to ultimately increase safety.
When will the 5 year period be up?
With the driver CPC originating from 2009 the next batch of renewals will be upcoming in 2019, meaning most HGV operators have a couple of years to sort their training needs and make sure they have attended the required number of hours. However, some people will attend crash courses or seek to do their periodic training over a single week, to avoid being caught up with the last minute rush it is recommended that you spread your courses out over a period of time.
"Seven Training provided good training locations and facilities for all courses delivered. Our drivers all said the CPC courses were very enjoyable and engaging, they particularly liked the trainers use of their personal experiences rather than using slide shows of other incidents. "
"The trainer utilised very good content to back up his impressive subject knowledge when making his points. The high-quality training equipment and environment also contributed to making this an enjoyable day, I would definitely use Seven Driver Training again."
"The trainers delivery style ensured the learners were fully engaged, giving them the opportunity to practice their skills significantly prior to assessment"
"The trainer identified each trainee learning style and asked questions appropriate to meet their learning needs, he had established a good rapport with his audience and easily engaged them in practical activities and discussions"