Why You Should Take Your Driver CPC

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) was first introduced in 2008 for Coach and Bus drivers and then in 2009 for Lorry drivers. But why was the Driver CPC Introduced and where can you get one?

The Driver CPC was introduced across the European Union with the aim to improve fuel efficiency, road safety and to promote vocational driving within the EU as a viable career. This has become a compulsory periodic training program for all professional coach, bus and lorry drivers.

Driver CPC Courses

You must do 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep your Driver CPC and continue driving busses, coaches and lorries professionally. New drivers need to complete initial training and then 35 hours of periodic training within the first five years and then every five years afterwards. If you are found to be driving professionally without a valid Driver CPC you can be fined up to £1000. It is also important to have your Driver CPC Card on you at all times as you can face a fixed penalty of £50 if you fail to produce the Driver CPC Card when requested.

Courses can include First Aid, Operator Licence Protection, Driver Hours and Vulnerable Road User Awareness. All of which allows you the opportunity to increase Continuing Professional Development (CPD).  You can take the same course multiple times within the 5-year periods. For example, you can take a First Aid course in the first and fifth year.

When attending your course, you must bring one of the following items:

  • A valid Passport
  • A Driver CPC Card
  • A digital tachograph card
  • A photocard driving License

At the end of each course you will receive a certificate of attendance. This document belongs to you and is your responsibility. Your employer is not allowed to house this document for you.

For more information on costs and course dates, please contact us today on 01293 535850 or alternatively contact us via info@ridgewaytraining.co.uk

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