The Driver CPC

What is the Driver CPC?

The Driver CPC came into force in September, meaning that HGV drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training (PT) every five years to remain qualified in their profession. Without PT, a driver cannot continue driving HGVs.

Existing drivers have acquired rights and automatically gain their Driver CPC, while new drivers must go through the whole process from scratch, including passing their HGV driving test. Acquired rights drivers must still take 35 hours of training between now and 2014 - the details are held electronically by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), and drivers must carry their Driver Qualification Card at all times when working.

Drivers and their employers may choose to carry out the training at any time during the five-year period, or parcel it out over the years, at a minimum of seven hours a time.

In practice, this means that there is no rush for any driver or employer to book training courses for the next few years. However, training professionals warn against putting off the task, believing that a last-minute rush before 2014 will cause training prices to increase as hauliers scramble to ensure their drivers are qualified.