what is cpc training

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a qualification required by anyone wanting to drive an HGV, bus, or coach professionally. It is a qualification for professional bus, coach, and lorry drivers that has been introduced across Europe with the aim of improving road safety and maintaining high standards of driving. The Driver CPC is required by professional drivers of lorries over 3.5 tonnes or Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV) with 9 or more seats, in addition to a vocational driving license. The Driver CPC is obtained by passing a series of initial qualification tests with both theory and practical sections. The initial Driver CPC qualification is split into four parts, including the theory and practical tests drivers will need to pass before they can gain their full vocational driving license. The other two parts are optional and need to be taken only if the driver requires the full Driver CPC to allow them to drive buses, coaches, or lorries professionally. The Driver CPC must be maintained with 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years, or the certificate will lapse. The periodic training is compulsory and must last for one day, which is a minimum of seven hours per day. The training is structured to ensure that all drivers can maintain and develop their professional skills throughout their career. The Driver CPC card is issued when a driver has completed 35 hours of periodic training, and it must be carried while driving a lorry, bus, or coach professionally. If a driver fails to complete the periodic training, their license will become invalid until the hours are completed.