The Driver CPC Deadline Reminder for Hauliers

With the deadline for Driver CPC only a few weeks away, it is important to understand exactly what the CPC is and what all commercial drivers are required to do before the deadline. We’ve put together a run down of exactly what steps to take before September 9th 2019.

What is a CPC?

A Driver CPC (or Certificate of Professional Competence) is a qualification that is necessary for drivers of lorries over 3.5 tonnes in addition to a vocational driving license. It is written in EU Law that every driver across the continent must hold a Driver CPC in order to drive commercially.

In order to gain an initial Driver CPC, you need to pass four qualification tests – two theory tests and two practical tests. Once this has been completed, to maintain the CPC, you are required to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years. The training is completed in a series of seven hour training courses given by specialist companies. If you do not complete this training and your certificate lapses, you will be unable to drive professionally.

Do I need a Driver CPC?

There are a few cases in which you may not require a CPC. You are exempt from a Driver CPC if:

Driving is not the main part of your job and you are using the vehicle to carry material or equipment that you use for your profession
You provide driving lessons for anyone who wants a driving licence or a Driver CPC
You are carrying out a rescue mission or in states of emergency
Your vehicle is limited to a top speed of 28mph
You are only using the vehicle within 62 miles of your base, and the vehicle doesn’t carry passengers or goods
Your vehicle is being used or controlled by the armed forces, police, fire and rescue service, prison service or a local authority

What about Brexit?

It has recently been reported that fewer drivers are completing the required training for a Driver CPC as they are led to believe that it will not be required after Brexit – however, this is not the case. Whilst the Driver CPC is enforced by an EU directive, the Government has made it clear that the rules are not going to change any time soon. Moreover, the Driver CPC deadline occurs before the proposed Brexit date of the 31st October 2019, meaning that there is no chance the CPC will change before the deadline, and that drivers are still required to complete their training.

What do I need to do before 9th September 2019?

In order to keep your Driver CPC, you need to complete 35 hours of periodic training by 9th September 2019. Here is our step by step guide to organising and completing that training.

Check how much training you’ve completed:

You can check how much training you’ve done and when you will get your next Driver CPC card using the online driver enquiry service from GOV.UK. You can also give your employer access to this record to keep them in the loop.

Find a training course:

The next step is to find a course at an approved training centre. Now we are nearing the deadline courses can fill up very quickly, so it is important to book ahead. The JAUPT website will help you find an approved course with available spaces near you.

Attend 35 hours of training:

Finally you are required to attend 35 hours of periodic training. This is often completed in 7 hour day long courses that take the form of two 3.5 hour sessions. In this format, you would need to attend 5 days of training to gain your Driver CPC.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Unfortunately, if you miss the deadline, you will lose your Driver CPC and in turn your qualification to drive professionally. Driving without a valid Driver CPC in any European country will land you a fine of up to £1,000. As you can see, it is certainly worth getting that training in!

At Transmode we take our driver’s qualifications very seriously and we ensure every driver completes their Driver CPC in advance of the deadline. Get in touch today for your road haulage and logistics solutions.