Driver CPC  Initial Training

You can now purchase the Module 2 initial case study learning pack. Please click here to purchase

From the 10th September 2008 a new legislative directive comes into force with the aim of improving the skills and knowledge of all PCV and LGV drivers throughout their working lives.

The Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence), EU Directive 2003/59 comes into force 10th September 2008 for coach and bus drivers (Cat D1, D1+E, D and D+E) and 10th September 2009 for lorry drivers (Cat C1, C1+E,C and C+E).

The main objectives of the Driver CPC are to:

• Improve road safety within the transport industry.
• Increase the amount of knowledge required before a person may gain a vocational licence.
• Undergo periodic training to confirm and expand on existing knowledge and skills of each driver, to ensure they continue to be confident, safe and fuel efficient drivers.

Driver CPC can be divided into two main categories:

INITIAL TRAINING AND PERIODIC TRAINING

The initial Driver CPC qualification is applicable to all persons who wish to acquire their vocational licence after 10th September 2008 (PCV), 10th September 2009 (LGV)

The acquisition of the initial qualification can be divided into 4 modules. These are:

MODULE 1

Provisional driving licence acquisition. Pass the theory and hazard perception test. Before a provisional licence can be applied for you must pass a medical with a GP. The theory and hazard perception tests are independent of each other. You can sit one test after the other, or if preferred, on separate dates. If you fail the theory test but pass the hazard perception test then you only resit the theory test. And vice versa.

Module 1A (Theory Test). To pass the theory test you are required to answer 100 multiple choice questions. You must get at least 85 answers right to be awarded a pass. The theory test exam lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes and costs £35.

Module 1B (Hazard Perception). The hazard perception test consists of 19 hazard clips, which consist of 20 markable hazards. You are required to to identify hazards as and when they appear on the screen. The tests last 1 hour and 15 minutes and is £15. In order to pass you must achieve at least 67 points out of a possible 100.

It is highly recommended you prepare and study for the exams appropriately. E.P. Training can supply you with all the relevant training material.

MODULE 2

Module 2 (Case Study). Module 2 is a case study examination which must be sat at a DSA approved theory test centre. The exam lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes. You will be asked a variety of questions with multiple choice answers. The exam will use diagrams, video clips, text and audio to help illustrate the questions. Each test will consist of 7 case studys. In turn you will be asked 6-8 questions per case study. E.P. Training can supply you with a CD ROM to assist you in preparation for the exam. Please call 01372 450800 for further information or click on the link below to purchase the Driver CPC case study tuition pack.

MODULE 3

Module 3 (Practical Driving Test) You will be required to undergo a practical driving test by a DSA approved examiner. You must be able to demonstrate competence and safety  during your drive. It is anticipated the exam will last 1 hour and 30 minutes. It is similar to the current LGV practical test. However you will also be assessed on eco-fuel efficient driving.

It may be the case that you are acquiring your LGV licence for private use only, i.e. you r main occupation will not be driving an LGV for a living. If this is the case then only modules 1,2 and 3 need to be attained.

If on the other hand you are going to be driving for a living, then you will also need to pass module 4.

MODULE 4

Module 4 is a separate practical test that last for approximately 30 minutes. It will normally be conducted after your practical driving test (module 3), at a DSA examination centre by a DSA examiner on a DSA approved vehicle. The examiner will ask certain questions and you must be able to demonstrate and explain your answers. For example, part of the module 4 test will be to carry out a pre-use vehicle check. You will be required to to carry this out explaining what you are checking and why you are checking it. You may also, for example, be asked how you would check for illegal immigrants and/or contraband on the vehicle. Again you must demonstrate and explain how you would do this. The passmark for module 4 is 80%.

Once you have passed module 4 you will be awarded a Driver CPC qualification. This will be valid for 5 years. As the Driver CPC is an ongoing qualification you will then have to undergo 35 hours periodic training every 5 years.

As of 10th September E.P. Training will be conducting Driver CPC initial training. We can assist you with all the relevant instruction and training tools needed to pass all 4 modules. For further information, please feel free to call Sean or Ed on 01372 450800.