DVSA has reminded drivers that they now can’t legally drive a 7.5 tonne truck professionally even if it’s on their driving licence unless they have completed the Driver CPC.
Drivers issued with their car licence before 1996 have a C1 entitlement on their licence allowing them to drive professionally a vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes.
However, with the passing of the Driver CPC deadline earlier this month, the entitlement no longer stands unless the individual completed the mandatory 35 hours of Driver CPC training.
A DVSA spokesman confirmed to CM that “although a person’s C1 entitlement remains on their licence, if they didn’t have a CPC they would not be able to drive the vehicle professionally (unless covered by one of the exemptions)”.
Exemptions include taking a vehicle for test, or one in use by the emergency services or army.
DVSA said those driving on restricted licences moving their own goods would also likely qualify as exempted under the "incidental driver" ruling - for example a glazer taking windows they produce to be fitted in a house or other building as part of their job where driving is not their principal activity - but couldn't give a definitive answer.
"Please note that is DVSA opinion and does not carry any legal weight. Only a court can make a decision on how the rules about Driver CPC are interpreted. Drivers may want to get legal advice if he wants to rely on this exemption," a DVSA spokswoman confirmed.
The reminder comes after a warning from DVLA that professional drivers must carry their Driver Qualification Cards on them at all times.
