Driver CPC

E.P. Training is an Approved Training Centre to deliver Driver CPC periodic training. As of September, 10th 2009 periodic training courses for professional drivers will be conducted from our Great Bookham training centre. Approval was awarded by J.A.U.P.T. (Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training), an amalgamation of Skills for Logistics and Go Skills.

The Driver CPC is short for “Driver Certificate of Professional Competence” It has been introduced to the UK through EU Directive 2009/59. It is a new qualification that all lorry, coach and bus drivers will need if they wish to drive professionally for a living.

The Driver CPC qualification comes into effect from 10th September 2008 for all coach and bus drivers and 10th September 2009 for all lorry drivers. For lorry drivers, the Driver CPC qualification will affect all drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVW. The Driver CPC has been introduced to improve the skills and knowledge of professional drivers. The directive has targeted certain areas for development, these include:

• Improve road safety
• Recognise, underpin and develop the knowledge and skills that are needed for a professional driver to undertake his/her duties.
• Keep drivers up to date with new legislation applicable to them (i.e. drivers' hours, digital tachos etc)
• Raise the profile and professionalism within the transport industry.
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The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) is responsible for the implementation of the Driver CPC within the UK, and in turn E.P. Training is delivering Driver CPC courses to meet the syllabus and approval of the DSA.

The Driver CPC courses will be split into two course types. Initial and Periodic Training

PERIODIC TRAINING
If you already hold a lorry, coach or bus licence, you will have acquired rights, another term for grandfather rights. This will be applicable for 5 years after your respective Driver CPC start date (10.9.2009 Lorries), (10.9.2008 Bus and Coach). However, by the end of the 5 years you must have attained a Driver CPC qualification. To attain the qualification you must attend a 35 hour periodic training course at an approved training centre, such as E.P. Training. You must also repeat this course every five years if you wish to continue to drive professionally. The courses will be specific to your particular industry and job. Please note periodic training should cover some, but not necessarily all of the following topics:-

1 Advanced training in rational driving based on safety regulations

1.1. Objective: to know the characteristics of the transmission system in order to make the best possible use of it. (LGV & PCV)

1.2. Objective: to know the technical characteristics and operation of the safety controls in order to control the vehicle, minimise wear and tear and prevent disfunctioning. (LGV & PCV)
1.3. Objective: ability to optimise fuel consumption. (LGV & PCV)

1.4. Objective: ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use. (LGV)

1.5. Objective: ability to ensure passenger comfort and safety. (PCV)

1.6. Objective: ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use. (LGV & PCV)

2. Application of regulations

2.1. Objective: to know the social environment of road transport and the rules governing it. (LGV & PCV)

2.2. Objective: to know the regulations governing the carriage of goods. (LGV)

2.3. Objective: to know the regulations governing the carriage of passengers. (PCV)

3. Health, road and environmental safety, service, logistics

3.1. Objective: to make drivers aware of the risks of the road and of accidents at work. (LGV & PCV)

3.2. Objective: ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants. (LGV & PCV)

3.3. Objective: ability to prevent physical risks. (LGV & PCV)

3.4. Objective: awareness of the importance of physical and mental ability. (LGV & PCV)

3.5. Objective: ability to assess emergency situations. (LGV & PCV)

3.6. Objective: ability to adopt behaviour to help enhance the image of the company. (LGV & PCV)
3.7. Objective: to know the economic environment of road haulage and the organisation of the market. (LGV)
3.8. Objective: to know the economic environment of the carriage of passengers by road and the organisation of the market. (PCV)

It is not necessary to attend periodic training all in one go. Attendance can be as short as 7 hours or up to 35 hours. For example a driver may wish to attend 7 hours every year, equating to 35 hours in total over 5 years. Or he may wish to attend 14 hours year one and 21 hours year five, again the option is available. Once drivers have attended an approved Driver CPC course with E.P. Training, his/her details are recorded on the DSA database. As soon as the 35 hours have been completed your Driver CPC licence is sent to you by the DSA. Please note, while driving professionally it will be mandatory to have your Driver CPC licence in your possession at all times. Failure to produce at the roadside can result in a fine of up to £1,000.

E.P. Training will be delivering Driver CPC periodic training on a regular basis. It will be possible to reserve your place on any of the courses listed in our shopping site.

IN COMPANY PERIODIC TRAINING.
E.P. Training appreciates that some companies may wish to deliver their own “in company” periodic training. Bearing this in mind E.P. Training has developed a number of specific DSA approved training packages that companies can acquire and use in any format and as many times as required. This may be relevant to small or large companies alike, and can been tailored to suit your individual requirements. For further details and a free snapshot, please click here or call E.P. Training on 01372 450800.

INITIAL QUALIFICATION

If you pass your LGV (after 10.9.2009), Coach or Bus (after 10.9.2008) and want to become a professional driver under the new EU directive you must pass the following 4 modules:

Module 1. Obtain LGV provisional entitlement (via DVLA) then sit and pass Theory
and Hazard Perception test. It is the same format as the current theory and hazard
perception test, however it will contain more questions and clips.
Module 2.Sit and pass a case study examination. The candidate will be shown case
studies and then asked questions about them. The answers will be in a multi choice
format. The questions will be LGV or Coach and Bus questions (dependent on the type
of CPC qualification)
Module 3. Practical Driving Test. The practical test will be the same as the current
format, however will last 10 minutes longer. It will be approx 10 minutes longer to
allow for section 4, below
Module 4. Show me tell me questions. The candidate will be asked questions about
certain topics such as load restraints and asked to demonstrate their knowledge e.g.
using a ratchet strap. They must show the examiner how it works and how they would
use it to secure a load. Also the candidate will be asked about driver pre-vehicle
checks, checking for contraband, illegal immigrants etc.

E.P. Training has been providing Large Goods Vehicle training for over 30 years and can supply the candidate with advise and practical instruction on attaining all the above 4 modules.