CPC mandatory for drivers

Proskills glass industry lead Neil Robinson is reminding the trade that the legal requirement for professional drivers to undertake 35 hours of approved training must be completed by the 9th September 2014.

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for large goods vehicles (LGV) and passenger carry vehicles (PCV) drivers who drive professionally throughout the UK has been developed to improve the knowledge and skills of professional drivers throughout their working life and UK officials have confirmed that the mandatory Driver CPC remains a priority in government plans to improve road safety and will be enforced.

For professional drivers of lorries and vans over 3.5 tonnes there is a legal requirement for Driver CPC and all professional drivers (new and existing drivers) are required to undertake 35 hours of approved training every five year period.  An individual’s circumstances will determine how they acquire the Driver CPC but all LGV drivers must complete the required training hours by 9th September 2014.  Those that do not complete by this date will no longer be able to drive LGV for a living. 

Proskills in partnership with Focale Training are introducing a Proskills Driver CPC card to raise awareness of the requirement for Driver CPC, and raise the standard and effectiveness of the training provided.  It is awarded to drivers following the initial seven hours of training and re-issued on completion of their full 35 hours (if completed with the five year qualifying period).

The card is designed to identify the driver and training they have undertaken.

The Proskills driver safety course is a course designed to cover duty of care for directors, managers and drivers that also counts for seven hours of driver CPC hours for drivers. All drivers who drive commercial vehicles over 3.5 tons for a living have to attend 35 hours.

 Tel: 01235 833 844