How much does a CPC course cost?
The cost of a CPC course can vary, depending on where and how you do it. It is usually cheaper per person if a company runs a course because they often pay by the day instead of for each person, but generally a CPC course is between £50 and £60 per day. This is not to be confused with the modules of a professional driving test, which count as CPC courses, but are only for new drivers.
If you have 'acquired rights' on your driving licence, it may be possible to drive another catoegory professionally, but you will have to make sure you have completed the right CPC courses.
New serious incident reporting system for bus and coach operators
You will be able to report serious incidents to us with greater ease through a new online form available on a computer, tablet or smartphone.
We’ve worked with the PSV industry on the new PSV112 form to make it easier for you to report an incident and help us manage the case.
The new PSV112 online form will be available from today (6 April).
We’ve also updated the ER112 form for serious incidents involving Earned Recognition bus and coach operators.
You must report serious incidents to us immediately so we can help prevent further incidents where possible. If in doubt report an incident anyway.
Once you’ve made a report
You will receive confirmation that the report has been submitted and we will aim to be in contact within 2 working days to confirm if the vehicle needs to be inspected.
Failure to inform us of a reportable incident may result in enforcement action and operators should not use or repair an affected vehicle before we respond to the report.
Incidents to report
You must by law report incidents where any failure or damage may affect the safety of passengers or other road users, including:
- fatalities
- serious injuries (such as broken bones, damage to major organs or overnight hospitalisation)
- a safety critical system failure (such as brake failure or wheel loss)
- significant body damage (such as a bridge strike)
- a vehicle fire (including arson)
- a suspected serious safety defect
IMPORTANT changes to EU Regs
So what exactly are the EU Drivers’ Hours changes 2020? The amended EU Drivers’ Hours Rules (Regulation EU 2020/10454) introduced on 20 August 2020, additional rules now allow a driver to exceed their daily and weekly driving time, in certain circumstances.
Previously under Article 12 EU Regulation 561/2006 a driver has been (and still will be) permitted to depart from the rules on daily driving time, weekly driving time, the 90-hour two-week driving limit, rests and ferry rests “to the extent necessary to ensure the safety of persons, of the vehicle or its load”…
- So long as road safety is not jeopardised, and....
- To enable the vehicle to reach a suitable stopping place.
In order to qualify for any relaxation under this rule, the driver must record manually on the tachograph chart of a digital print out (or on a duty roster) the reason for this, this must be done at the latest on arrival at the suitable stopping place. If this recording requirement is not complied with, then the relaxation simply does not ‘engage’ or apply so, rest/driving time offences will have been committed if the normal maximum limits are exceeded.
The new rule
The following further relaxations are now possible and again ‘provided that road safety is not thereby jeopardised and in exceptional circumstances’.
- To exceed daily and weekly driving time by up to one hour in order to reach the operating centre or the driver’s place of residence to take a weekly rest period (NB either type of weekly rest)
- To exceed daily and weekly driving time by up to two hours so long as an uninterrupted break of 30 minutes is taken immediately prior to the additional driving, again to reach the operating centre or the driver’s place of residence, to take a regular weekly rest period. (NB applies only to regular weekly rest).
This is only ‘in exceptional circumstances’ and hence cannot be routinely used as a means to circumvent the normal rules. This applies to daily driving time, weekly driving time and daily rest periods.
The driver must manually record this on the tachograph chart or digital printout at the latest on arrival at the destination or the suitable stopping place.
NB Where any period has been extended it has to be compensated by an equivalent period of rest attached to any other rest period by the end of the third week following the week in question.
To summarise
The existing ability to reach a stopping place remains, to ensure the safety of persons/vehicles/load. However, it is extended in exceptional circumstances for the purpose of drivers reaching the operating centre (“the operator’s operation centre”) or the driver’s home for weekly rest purposes.
DQC with an expiry date from 1 September 2020 to 30 September 2020
On 31 March 2020 DVSA gave notice that, subject to review, it did not intend to carry out enforcement action against drivers from 1 September 2020 to 30 September 2020 if their DQC expired during this period.
This gave these drivers up to 29 extra days to complete their periodic CPC training if this was disrupted due to COVID19.
This notice has been rescinded and enforcement action will be carried out from September in relation to DQCs expiring after 31 August, as there are now enough periodic training courses available for drivers whose DQC expires in September 2020 to renew their DQC before then.
If your DQC expires from September 2020, you must not drive until it is renewed. You could face a £1000 fine if you drive without a valid DQC.
Motorway Roadworks Speed Limit Raised To 60mph: Faster Journeys
Highways England slashes journey times close to motorway roadworks by increasing the speed limit by 10mph
The speed limit on motorways affected by roadworks has been increased from 50mph to 60mph to cut journey times and minimise frustration, Highways England confirmed. This change – that also applies to major A roads – follows a trial of the higher speed limit over 18 months. On average, it found that journey times fell by 3,780 hours a day, at 8 sites. Also, the average speed of traffic increased and more motorists stayed within the legal limit.
Highways England therefore explained that ‘where it is safe for road users and road workers’, vehicles can be driven at ‘up to 60mph’ if this higher limit is confirmed by signs. It is not therefore a blanket policy. Chief Executive, Jim O’Sullivan, added:
‘Research showed that road users benefit from 60mph limits in roadworks. They have shorter journey times and feel safe.’ He also suggested that whereas people ‘understand’ the need for roadworks they are ‘frustrated’ by delays. So, the purpose of the trial was to see whether a higher speed limit can reduce this frustration without excessively increasing the risk to workers (and motorists).
Mr O’Sullivan further explained that there is a vast amount of roadworks planned for the immediate future, so the higher speed limit is likely to benefit a lot of people. ‘We have a huge programme of work planned, so being able to use 60mph where safe will continue to improve everybody’s experience’, he emphasised.
Highways England also consulted motorists to establish whether there is support for the new, higher speed limit close to roadworks. They concluded there is. Motorists claimed that the limit is ‘appropriate’ and ‘safe’, for example. ‘I cannot believe the time we have made up already in our journeys’, a driver stated.
AA welcomes higher roadworks speed limit
AA President, Edmund King, also welcomed the higher limit on stretches of motorway affected by roadworks. Driving at 60mph is ‘often safer than driving at 50mph’, he argued. Mr King then added:
‘Sticking to 50mph often leads to other drivers tailgating in order to try to force vehicles to pull over. The speed limit for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes travelling on dual carriageways or motorways is also 60mph, so sometimes this leads to tailgating in 50mph limits.’
He further suggested that some works are so long that a higher speed limit is necessary to ensure any delays are reasonable – rather than excessive. ‘We have very long stretches of roadworks such as the 32 miles being converted to smart motorway on the M4’, Mr King emphasised. ‘Here, 60mph would seem more appropriate.
The 7 month extension to the validity of your DQC gives you an extra 7 months to complete your 35 hours of periodic training. You have 5 years and 7 months from the date your current CPC became valid to undertake this training.
Example
Your DQC validity has been extended from 30 June 2020 to 31 January 2021. This means periodic training undertaken from 1 July 2015 counts towards the 35 hours of training you must complete by 31 January 2021 to renew your DQC.
Enforcement arrangements
DQC with an expiry date from 1 September 2020 to 30 September 2020
On 31 March 2020 DVSA gave notice that, subject to review, it did not intend to carry out enforcement action against drivers from 1 September 2020 to 30 September 2020 if their DQC expired during this period.
This gave these drivers up to 29 extra days to complete their periodic CPC training, if this was disrupted due to COVID19.
This notice has been rescinded and enforcement action will be carried out from September in relation to DQCs expiring after 31 August, as there are now enough periodic training courses available for drivers whose DQC expires in September 2020 to renew their DQC before then.
If your DQC expires from September 2020, you must not drive until it is renewed. You could face a £1000 fine if you drive without a valid DQC.
Where this applies
All EU countries are obliged to recognise the extension of your DQC. You must carry your DQC when carrying out international road transport.
Remote training
Training is available remotely from commercial providers, via online video platforms. The department encourages drivers to continue to undertake training wherever possible, but not as an activity that needs extra travel and only in compliance with general government advice.
From <https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-temporary-changes-to-driver-cpc-requirements#remote-training>
Physical attendance at public inquiries and other hearings are due to resume from Monday 6 July, with social distancing measures in place.
Published 17 June 2020
From:
Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain
The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain have announced that in-person tribunal hearings are set to resume from Monday 6 July 2020. This follows the postponement of cases in March 2020 as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Each tribunal location has been risk assessed and appropriate control measures identified. Steps will be put in place to maintain social distancing and ensure that facilities are COVID-secure. The health and safety of attendees, Office of the Traffic Commissioner (OTC) staff and the commissioners themselves remains of paramount importance and underpins the decision to resume in-person hearings.
Those called to a hearing will be advised of the time and date of their hearing, with sufficient notice given to prepare their case. OTC will provide advice on the steps they may need to take ahead of the hearing in the provision of evidence, and on arrival to assist in maintaining social distancing and ensuring hygiene standards.
Anyone who wants to attend a public inquiry as an observer will need to contact the OTC in advance. This is because the capacity of the tribunal rooms will be restricted during the current period. Some hearings may continue to be held via video link or equivalent. This will be limited to appropriate cases only.
Anyone called to PI who has concerns about attending in person should let OTC staff know immediately on receipt of the letter calling them to a hearing.
While the majority of OTC staff continue to work from home, please direct any email enquiries to Enquiries@otc.gov.uk or your relevant case worker’s email address.
From <https://www.gov.uk/government/news/traffic-commissioners-to-resume-in-person-hearings>
In an open letter, HSE and DfT have reminded businesses of their duties to drivers read more
From <https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-temporary-changes-to-driver-cpc-requirements>
Most professional lorry and bus drivers must complete 35 hours periodic training every 5 years to maintain a Driver CPC card (sometimes called a ‘driver qualification card’ or ‘DQC’).
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak it may be difficult for drivers to complete the required training.
The Department for Transport has therefore put in place temporary changes in professional driver qualification requirements
This means that drivers whose Driver CPC card expires in the period from 1 March 2020 to 30 September 2020 can continue driving.
In addition military drivers (who have different training) will be allowed to drive in civilian situations during that period.
From <https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-temporary-changes-to-driver-cpc-requirements>
by : Julia Banim on : 03 Apr 2020 12:24
Ashley Lawrence/Facebook
A clever student from Kentucky has been designing and sewing face masks for those from the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Ashley Lawrence, who studies deaf education at Eastern Kentucky University, had noticed how many people have begun crafting their own face masks due to a shortage of medical supplies. However, she couldn’t see any which would have been suitable for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Taking matters into her own hands, resourceful Ashley picked up a sewing needle and began making her own; complete with transparent screens across the mouth area to allow for lip reading.
From <https://www.unilad.co.uk/news/student-makes-special-face-mask-for-people-who-are-deaf-or-hard-of-hearing/?fbclid=IwAR1SwpjDh_yxTaKX3PNtMSi6kWFoW67V9mR51fJUHxzZmgDXDVAnTqpgtKI>
From 15 June, face coverings will be required while using public transport in England.
Published 4 June 2020
From:
Department for Transport and The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP
# government asks transport operators in England to make wearing face coverings a requirement of using public transport from 15 June to coincide with the next stage of carefully easing restrictions
# bus, coach, train, tram, ferry and aircraft passengers must wear a face covering on their journey to help reduce the risk of transmission when social distancing is not always possible - with government also working with operators to ensure staff are provided with face coverings where appropriate
# guidance remains to work from home if you can and avoid public transport where possible
The government will work with operators to make it mandatory for passengers to wear face coverings when using public transport in England, the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced today (4 June 2020).
Wherever possible people should continue to avoid public transport and walk, cycle or drive, but for some people this may not be an option. Transport usage has been slowly increasing, including on the tube which has seen around a 20% rise this week compared to last week.
When necessary to use public transport people may be more likely to be in enclosed spaces for longer periods of time where we know there is a greater risk of the spread of the virus and social distancing is likely to be difficult to follow consistently. This differs from enclosed spaces like shops, for example, where people can more easily go outside if social distancing is not possible and where shop owners can place limits on the number of customers allowed inside at any one time. The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has set out that using face coverings in this setting can provide some small additional protection to fellow passengers and can help people to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus if they are suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms.
Speaking at the Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Grant Shapps confirmed the government is asking operators to introduce face coverings as a requirement for travel from 15 June. The government will also work closely with the transport industry to help them implement the plans.
The changes will be made under legislation such as the National Rail Conditions of Travel and Public Service Vehicle Regulations for buses. While the government expects the vast majority of people to comply with the changes, operators will be able to refuse travel or issue penalty fines for those who fail to wear a face covering, in a similar way to the rules on having a ticket for travel. British Transport Police will also support the implementation of these changes.
Social distancing and hand washing remain by far the most important disease prevention measures but it is also vital all passengers travelling on buses, coaches, trains, trams, ferries and aircraft should wear a face covering and the government will also work with operators to ensure staff are provided with, and wear face coverings, where appropriate for their role.
People should wash their hands or use hand sanitiser before putting their face covering on and after taking it off and it is important that people don’t touch their face covering when wearing it, where possible, to avoid hand to mask transmission of the virus.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
People should continue to avoid public transport wherever possible. But, as restrictions are carefully eased when it is safe to do so, it’s likely that we will see more people needing to use public transport.
So, while respecting social distancing and maintaining good hand hygiene remain the most important steps we can all take to stay safe, wearing a face covering can play a role in helping us to protect each other.
This is about the small changes we can take to help control the virus, which is why I urge everyone using transport to wear a face covering, to help keep us all safer.
Face coverings are not the same as face masks. It is important that people do not use medical grade PPE masks to ensure these remain available for frontline staff. Last month, the government set out advice for people on how to make their own face coverings easily at home, using scarves or other textile items. These face coverings should cover the mouth and nose while allowing the wearer to breathe comfortably and can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head to give a snug fit.
Paul Plummer, Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said:
Wearing face coverings on trains will help to ensure that those who need to travel by rail can do so with confidence. Greater use of face coverings will boost the other measures we are putting in place to keep people safe, like more thorough cleaning, improved information on potential crowding and one-way systems at busier stations.
To ease pressure on public transport, the government has announced measures to encourage people to choose other forms of transport, including £2 billion for cycling, and the acceleration of e-scooter trials across the country. To capitalise on the increase in cycling uptake in recent months, the government is also working hard on measures to get more people commuting by bike with initiatives such as the Cycle to Work scheme to help with the cost of bikes, including e-bikes.
This document provides advice on the relaxation of drivers’ hours rules, in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. This document should be considered in conjunction with the extensive existing guidance provided on drivers’ hours.
The drivers’ hours and working time rules are in place to protect road safety and the working conditions of drivers and to reduce the risk of drivers being involved in fatigue-related accidents. As such, any relaxation of these rules should only be considered where genuinely necessary and when other supply chain management interventions are unable to alleviate issues. The Department for Transport wishes to make clear that driver safety must not be compromised. Drivers should not be expected to drive whilst tired - employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users.
Drivers’ hours rules for goods vehicles
For journeys within Great Britain (GB), either the GB or EU rules may apply. For international journeys either the EU rules or the European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport (AETR) may apply. Which set of rules applies depends on the type of driving and the type of vehicle being used, and, in the case of international journeys, the countries to be visited.
Most vehicles used for the carriage of goods by road and with a maximum permissible weight (including any trailer or semi-trailer) of over 3.5 tonnes are in scope of the EU rules.
Detailed information is available covering the GB, EU and AETR rules. Information is also available on working time rules. The working time rules that apply depend on whether you drive a vehicle in scope of the EU or GB domestic drivers’ hours rules.
Emergency relaxations
Both the GB and EU drivers’ hours rules automatically cease to apply in emergency situations where immediate preventative action is needed to avoid, amongst other things, danger to the life or health of people. The definition of an emergency is contained in domestic legislation (The Drivers’ Hours (Goods Vehicles) (Exemptions) Regulations 1986 and the Drivers’ Hours (Passenger Vehicles) (Exemptions) Regulations 1970).
The department’s advice about emergency situations is if your journey is necessary to enable someone to:
1) provide goods or services to protect public health, and/or
2) meet their or others’ basic needs for day to day living, and/or
3) provide medical treatment
and there is a risk of danger to the life or health of people if your journey is not carried out; then you should make use of the emergency exemption.
Operators do not need to ask the department for a temporary ‘urgent’ exemption for these type of journeys. The emergency exemptions cease to apply once the situation is under control and there is no longer a need for immediate preventative action.
The department would not normally expect drivers in emergencies to:
• drive for more than 11 hours in one day
• have less than 9 hours of daily rest
• work for more than 7 days before the start of the regular or reduced weekly rest (if operating under the EU rules), or
• have less than 24 hours weekly rest
In addition, drivers operating under the EU drivers’ hours rules should ensure they take a 45 minute break after 4.5 hours driving.
The relevant provisions of the Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005 will not apply, to the extent that they conflict with the requirements of responding to the emergency. Drivers will, however, remain subject to all other requirements of the Working Time Regulations in an emergency event.
The practical implementation of any changes should be through agreement between employers, employees and (where available) driver representatives. Employers must, where possible, agree any extension of working time with employees or other workers, before that work starts.
The drivers in question must note on the back of their tachograph charts or printouts the reasons why they are exceeding the normally permitted limits. This is usual practice in emergencies and is, of course, essential for enforcement purposes.
Operators should maintain records of when standard drivers’ hours have been deviated from, along with a justification of why this was needed. The responsibilities of operators, transport managers and the wider supply chain may be examined after the current events. It is important that on subsequent inspections and checks it can be clear that a relaxation was used appropriately, was well implemented and in a way to reduce fatigue (for example in relation to shift patterns).
Drivers’ hours relaxations
If a journey doesn’t fall under the emergency provisions the drivers’ hours rules must be complied with. If the situation is still urgent and an operator believes a temporary relaxation of the drivers’ hours rules would be applicable, they should contact in the first instance an organisation representative of their part of the broader supply chain. Temporary, urgent relaxations will only be put in place on a systematic basis and only when other measures in the supply chain cannot be used.
Current temporary relaxations
You can find any temporary relaxations that are currently in place on the Driver’s hours collection page. If there are no relaxations showing on that page it means that there are none currently in place.
Health and safety legislation
As well as the drivers’ hours and working time rules, transport operators, as employers, are required, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure the health and safety of their employees while at work and others who may be put at risk by their work activities. In addition, they have a legal duty as an employer to manage risks from fatigue.
That is why when the department does relax the drivers’ hours and working time rules we remind operators, in our notification of the relaxation, that as employers, they remain responsible for the health and safety of their drivers and other road users and that they must ensure that driver safety is not compromised by expecting them to drive whilst tired.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have issued advice on managing the risks of fatigue and this includes good practice advice on shift lengths. HSE guidance on managing shift work advises that employers should avoid shifts that are longer than 8 hours where work is demanding, safety critical or monotonous and that they should limit shifts to a maximum of 12 hours (including overtime). It also advises that they should encourage and promote the benefit of frequent and regular breaks to reduce the risk of fatigue.
From <https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-drivers-hours-relaxations/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-drivers-hours-relaxations>
At least 28 bus drivers have died since the coronavirus outbreak began. And while new measures have been put in place to protect them, some worry it’s too little, too late. read more
ERS - Earned Recognition Status
Earned Recognition Status first. What does it mean? Basically, an operator can apply to the DVSA if they feel that the way their operation is run (in the sense of safety and general compliance) is excellent. Why apply? For the simple fact that it is good to market yourself with ERS and, perhaps more importantly, the DVSA will leave you be. So, while they are pulling other drivers over, they will wave you on with a smile!
If you have ERS, it is because your OCRS is high i.e. you are in the 'green zone'. What else do you ned to know and is it worth applying for ERS? read more
Coronavirus Covid-19 Latest Update
Many drivers and operators will be concerned about their situation at the moment. Please have a look at the advice we offer drivers and employers on the site. read more
The move will see the firm double the ranks of its female workforce before 2025 as it recruits an average of more than 150 women per year over the course of the next six years. read more
The 49-year-old has been behind the wheel of a Cardiff Bus for the past 21 years, and said when it comes to driving gender just isn’t an issue.
“I can drive a bus better than a man,” she joked. “It’s become such an important thing for women to be seen in the public eye doing these jobs. That (gender) attitude is stuck in the dark ages,” she said.
Ms Dean is one of four dedicated women at Cardiff Bus who are speaking out on the benefits of driving for the bus operator this month.
Women have been jumping in the driving seat at Cardiff Bus since the First World War, with the flexibility of shifts, camaraderie, and independence attracting female recruits over the decades.
Despite this, just 7% of the bus operator’s current workforce is female, which reflects a clear national gender divide in the transport industry.
Statistics highlighted by Business Wales, the Welsh Government’s flagship business support programme, reveal a worrying gender disparity in the industry, with women accounting for just 2.3 to 2.7 per cent of bus and coach drivers in the UK.
In a bid to encourage greater diversity in the workforce, Cardiff Bus has launched an all-female recruitment drive to mark International Women’s Day on March 8th.
In keeping with the global initiative’s theme of Each for Equal this year, women are being urged to sign up to become a driver and help to bridge the gender gap in the transport industry.
Amanda Canterbury, Head of Human Resources at Cardiff Bus said: “We are delighted to be launching our latest recruitment drive encouraging women across the city to become a part of the Cardiff Bus family.
“Traditionally we have seen a larger percentage of applications from men for our driver positions, and while our dedicated male drivers are integral to our success, we want to create a more diverse workforce going forwards.
“We strive to offer a variety of benefits, which we tailor to ensure they can achieve a greater work-life balance, and ultimately a greater sense of job satisfaction and pride in their work.
“These include more flexible shift patterns, a friendly working environment, good pay and conditions, full in-house training, and consistent support from colleagues and management.
“We’ve found that some people are dissuaded from applying because there is a misconception that driving a bus is difficult or even scary, however with our full training in-house, and the support of other drivers, we’ll be there to support you every mile of your journey.
call or WhatsApp: 07482 133160
Contact Us
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
International Driver CPC will be the new name for how Driver CPC currently works.
You will need to take 35 hours of International Driver CPC training every 5 years to be allowed to drive in the EU and the UK.
The will be no changes to how it works. This means that:
- courses must be at least 7 hours long
- if a course is split over a day, it has to be completed on 2 consecutive days
- e-learning in a trainer-led course is limited to 2 hours
- you’re allowed to do a total of 12 hours e-learning towards your overall 35 hours of training
National Driver CPC will be a more flexible version of the existing Driver CPC.
If you only want to drive in the UK, you’ll be able to take either:
- 35 hours of National Driver CPC training every 5 years
- a combination of 35 hours of National Driver CPC and International Driver CPC training every 5 years
The new flexibility means that with National Driver CPC courses:
- the courses must be at least 3 hours 30 minutes long - training providers will still be able to offer longer courses if they want to
- split courses will not need to be completed on 2 consecutive days - course providers will be free to set their own time limits
- you will be able to take e-learning only courses - for example, you could take an approved 3 hours 30 minutes long e-learning course at your workplace or home
- you’ll be allowed to do a total of 12 hours e-learning towards your overall 35 hours of training
Drivers and hauliers are in even greater demand. There may also be changes to the operater licence requirements coming soon, so driver and manager training are more important than ever. If you already work in a transport operation, or are thinking about setting up as an operator in haulage or PSV, you will need to get plenty of help and advice. We are always happy to speak to people who need some information, so please contact us and we will do what we can to help. We do not charge for any services until we agree with the client. Advice is free!
Drivers must have a Driver Qualification Card, or DQC. If you are a professional large goods vehicle driver (C, C1, C+E or C1+E).
Each CPC card is valid for five years from the date of issue. This means that – unlike the 2014 deadline set when Driver CPC was introduced – each driver’s renewal date is unique to them.
All drivers must undertake 35 hours’ periodic training before the end of the five years following the issue date on their DQC. If the training is not undertaken during that time, they will not be permitted to drive professionally until they have completed their 35 hours.
The best way to ensure that a DQC doesn’t lapse is to carry out at least one day’s mandatory periodic training every year.
The consequences
If a driver is caught driving commercially without their Driver Qualification Card:
Both driver and operator face fines of up to £1000
Driver suspended from driving commercially until training is completed
Possible reduction in driving workforce, and operations adversely affected
If operations are affected, your reputation with customers could be damaged
If convicted, operator’s OCRS rating will drop to red
Likely increase in insurance premiums
From 1 October 2022 the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT) became part of DVSA.
JAUPT processed applications from training providers for centre and course approvals for Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) and drink-drive rehabilitation (DDR).
JAUPT offered these services exclusively to DVSA so it was decided to bring the functions JAUPT offered in-house to DVSA. The existing staff have joined DVSA so the service to DCPC training providers and drink-drive rehabilitation providers stays the same.
Services staying the same in the short term
So, the change does not affect the services to DCPC and DDR providers a lot of the services will remain the same to begin with, including:
the current process for approving training courses and centres
uploading new courses
auditing process for training courses and centres
keeping the existing find your nearest service
The phone number for enquiries will continue to be 01908 787 000 and the email for general enquiries is JAUPT-Enquiries@dvsa.gov.uk
All Rights Reserved | SwindonTraining.com
Driver CPC Training Online
We understand that a course via the internet is never the same as face-to-face but we guarantee that we will make it the best
experience we possibly can - informative and fun too.
You will still:
• get a full day of training.
• get the information you need.
• be able to participate and ask questions.
• get a valid CPC certificate.
• get the support we offer all our customers.
• get a very competitive price.
See our Driver CPC page for more info and booking courses
Driver CPC consultation results published
On 11 December 2023, the Department for Transport (DfT) has published its response to the consultation on proposed changes to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC).
The consultation ran earlier in the year to gather views on measures to make it simpler to become and remain a professional driver in the UK. The recommendations from the government include:
- introducing a National DCPC (N-DCPC) that will cover driving a lorry, bus or coach in the UK
- allowing training courses to be done in blocks of 3.5 hours rather than the current 7 hours to allow greater flexibility
- Increasing the amount of e-learning that can be done to 12 hours.
These changes will only apply to the N-DCPC for driving a lorry, bus or coach solely within the UK.
The intention is to introduce these changes in summer 2024. The full response has been published on GOV.UK.
Those wanting to drive a lorry, bus or coach outside of the UK will need to complete the training within the existing rules which will not change from 35 hours of training every 5 years.
Making it easier to return to driving
The government is also looking to speed up the process for drivers whose DCPC has run out to return to driving a lorry, bus or coach in the UK.
This would be by allowing them to take 7 hours of training before returning to the sector and making the remaining 28 hours up within the first year.
This would only be for NDCPC and is not expected to be introduced until 2025.
Further consultation
The consultation also asked about the introduction of a periodic test to take the place of training. Further consultation is needed on this option which will be launched in the new year.
Understanding Driver CPC
The Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) was introduced in 2008 for PCV Drivers and 2009 for Lorry Drivers. It represents a pivotal step in enhancing road safety and compliance within the transport industry. But what exactly is Driver CPC, and how does it affect you?
Choosing the Right CPC Training Course
Driver CPC Training comes in two forms: Periodic and Initial Driver CPC Training. The choice depends on your specific circumstances. Periodic training is for those with acquired rights. This may include holding a 7.5-tonne, class 2, or class 1 license before September 9th, 2009. Or a PCV license, this would be before September 9th, 2008. For these individuals, a 35-hour (five-day) Periodic Training session is required every five years.
If you passed your car test before January 1997, you may be entitled to drive 7.5-tonne vehicles (Cat C1). Candidates with a C1 entitlement pre-September 9th, 2009, attend Periodic Training on acquired rights, even if they have never passed a vocational driving test. If you hold both bus and coach, as well as lorry vocational licenses, you need only complete one set of Periodic Training.
CPC Training for Lorry Drivers.
If you operate a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes for work purposes, you must hold a Driver Qualification Card. Drivers who had a lorry entitlement of C1 (7.5 Tonne) or higher on September 9th, 2009, needed to complete 35 hours of Periodic CPC Training. This needs to be done by September 9th, 2014, to obtain a Driver Qualification Card valid for five years. During this period, they completed another 35 hours of periodic training to drive beyond 2019.
Each new five-year period begins from the expiry date of the current Driver CPC qualification. If you did not have a lorry entitlement of C1 (7.5 Tonne) or higher on September 9th, 2009, you must obtain your first Driver Qualification Card by completing Initial CPC.
CPC Training for PCV Drivers
If you drive vehicles requiring D1 (minibus) or D (bus) licenses for work, a Driver Qualification Card is essential. Drivers with a lorry entitlement of D1 (minibus) or higher on September 9th, 2008, had to complete 35 hours of Periodic CPC Training by September 9th, 2013, to obtain a five-year valid Driver Qualification Card. During this period, they completed another 35 hours of periodic training to drive beyond 2018.
As with lorry drivers, each new five-year period begins from the expiry date of the current Driver CPC qualification. If you did not have an entitlement of D1 or higher on September 9th, 2008, you must obtain your first Driver Qualification Card by completing Initial CPC.
CPC Training for Dual Entitlement (Lorry & PCV) Drivers
If you held a PCV License on September 9th, 2008, and a lorry license on September 9th, 2009, your 35 hours of Periodic Training will cover both. However, if you held only one license at the cut-off dates and gained the other later, you require an Initial CPC for your new entitlement (and Periodic for your old entitlement). The benefit is that once you’ve completed your Initial CPC, any subsequent Periodic Training will count toward both categories.
If you have 'acquired rights' on your driving licence, it may be possible to drive another catoegory professionally, but you will have to make sure you have completed the right CPC courses. To be able to sit a standard Driver CPC course, you need to be able to answer yes to one of the following 3 statements:
A) I passed my car test before 1997
B) I passed a vocational driving qualification before 2008(PCV) or 2009(HGV)
C) I currently hold or have held a driver CPC card
If a driver held a Cat C or CE licence prior to the introduction of CPC on 10 September 2009, they were granted acquired rights for the first 5 years. These acquired rights expired on 9 September 2014.
If the driver holds these acquired rights, 35 hours of periodic training should renew the entitlement.
You can still drive professionally while waiting for your card if both of the following apply:
• you’ve done your periodic training
• your training provider has recorded the training (they must do this within 5 working days of the training ending)
For drivers who passed their test while in the Armed Forces, you will need to complete modules 2 and 4 of the current driving test.
How much does a CPC course cost?
The cost of a CPC course can vary, depending on where and how you do it. It is usually cheaper per person if a company runs a course because they often pay a group fee, instead of for each person, but generally a CPC course is between £50 and £70 per day's course.
For drivers of companies in Swindon, Royal Wootton Bassett, Marlborough, Chippenham, Corsham, Newbury, Hungerford, Cirencester, Stroud, Wantage, Didcot, Witney, Abingdon, Oxford and Reading, we offer classroom CPC courses at exceptionally reasonable rates that suit the client's needs.
For companies we have a sliding scale of pricing, so you pay as little as necessary to get your drivers CPC trained.
Driver CPC courses in the workplace for as little as £35 per driver - 10 to 15 drivers.
For 5 still only £55 per driver, and for fewer than 5, it is 175+18 per driver.
For 15 to 20 drivers it is just 30 per driver!
Email: contact@swindontraining.com or use the contact form and we will get back to you right away.
The CPC Scheme Explained
The CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) scheme was developed in order to standardise professional levels of competency across Europe in the transport sector, which is subject to detailed and comprehensive legislation. The scheme applies to drivers and transport managers.
The idea is that a professional driver will undertake 35 hours of periodic training within a 5-year period. This may be taken all at once – 5 modules of 7 hours each during a week of training, or it may be spread over the 5-year period, for instance, the individual undertaking a CPC module once or twice a year until he or she has ‘banked’ the requisite number of CPC training hours.
A transport manager will complete an initial Transport Manager CPC course and will then undertake periodic refresher courses in order to stay abreast of current legislation.
Staying up to date with changes in legislation, keeping key information fresh and to the forefront of our thinking and ensuring that we all understand the importance of the role we play in compliancy and customer care are some of the mainstays of the CPC scheme, each clearly laid out in the CPC syllabus (see JAUPT).
A solid CPC course will look at specific factors that affect the transport industry, legislation and driver behaviours. It will provide ample learning opportunities for the attendees and, like any vocational training course, a driver CPC module will involve the recycling and refreshing of knowledge that the participants already have, with opportunities to build on that knowledge and apply it to their own specific context.
Another extremely important part of the CPC training scheme is to increase the learner’s confidence in their own ability to carry out their daily tasks effectively and address any issues or concerns they may have. This is why it is essential for the trainer to create an environment that permits and encourages the participants to be open and frank about their own experiences and (professional) opinions. As a trainer, I have found that I learn something new every time I deliver a course, so I too gain from the process and always aim to use the experience to develop professionally.
Operating Light Goods Vehicles in Europe? – Apply for your International Operators’ Licence TODAY
From 21 May 2022, new EU rules mean that if you are intending to use a Light Goods Vehicle weighing more than 2.5 tonnes to transport goods for hire or reward into or through the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you will need an International Operators’ Licence.
With less than a month until these rules come into effect, if you want to continue to operate in the EU without interruption, you need to apply for an operators’ licence and select the interim option.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please visit GOV.UK for a full list of the information required.
When completing your application, remember:
- You’ll need to have a qualified transport manager. If you do not have the qualification, you might be able to be temporarily recognised as a transport manager if you have enough experience. You can make the process easier by using the service on GOV.UK.
- You’ll need to show documents such as bank statements, to prove that you have access to a set amount of finance to run your business. See which documents you can use.
Do you already hold an International Operators’ Licence?
If you already hold an International Operators' Licence for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) you can add extra LGVs to your existing licence.
You may also need to make posting declarations for journeys to the EU
Don’t forget that if you’re transporting goods between two points in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway for commercial purposes, (known as cabotage or cross trade), you must now make a “posting declaration”, which means registering the operator, driver, driver employment details, dates of travel, and the vehicle used.
This could be using HGVs, vans or other light goods vehicles of any size, or cars, whether or not you’re towing a trailer. It’ll apply if you’re moving the goods for hire or reward, or for your own business’ use.