Aims and Objectives
Initial Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is required for all new drivers of C1 or above who wish to drive for a living, or where the vehicle use would be classed as “hire & reward”. If you are a new LGV driver but passed your actual driving test after January 1997 this applies to you. If you passed your actual car test before 1997 you hold ‘acquired’ or ‘grandfather rights’ for C1 then you will require the Periodic Driver CPC.
Content and Course Design
Module 2
The case study questions are based around a scenario or pictures, questions are then asked based on these, the answers to which should be know from the knowledge gained through the Theory test, essentially Module 2 is designed to assess:
· Knowledge (basic recall of facts)
· Comprehension (basic understanding)
· Application (practical use of knowledge and understanding)
The case studies part of the initial Driver CPC qualification lasts for 90 minutes, 15 minutes to acquaint yourself with the system and 75 minutes to answer questions.
The case studies test is conducted on a VDU, essentially the same as you did your Theory Test on, you will be presented with between 6-8 different case studies based around real-life scenarios, you will then get between 5-10 questions relating to each case study. You will need to answer 50 questions in total and achieve a pass mark of 40.
Module 4
Both the training and DVSA practical test is undertaken at our accredited Centre in Atherton, by our own examiners.
The test itself consists of 5 topic areas, to pass you need to score 15 out of a possible 20 points in each topic area (75%) but achieve an overall score of 80%
In all topic areas listed below, our examiners will be looking for you to identify and mention key elements relating to the question asked.
· Ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use
· Security of your vehicle and its contents
· Demonstrate an ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants and contraband
· Demonstrate an ability to assess emergency situations
· Demonstrate an ability to prevent physical risk
Course Dates
Module 2 – dependant on DVSA Theory Test availability
Module 4 – scheduled monthly throughout the year.
Please contact our Course Information and Booking Team at your preferred location or email info@ttacademy.com for further details.
Alternatively, you can contact us through our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Initial and Periodic Driver CPC?
Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is essential for all professional drivers operating Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs) or Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCVs) in the UK. Introduced by the EU in 2008 for bus and coach drivers, and from 2009 for LGV drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tons, it aims to improve road safety, driver knowledge, and maintain high professional standards.
There are two types of Driver CPC training:
Initial Driver CPC:
This is for new LGV and PCV drivers and is part of the training to acquire your first LGV or PCV license. To achieve the Initial Qualification, you must complete:
- Module 2: Theoretical case study test.
- Module 4: Practical demonstration test.
Both tests must be passed to obtain your Driver Qualification Card (DQC), also known as the Driver CPC card. Once you have the DQC card, you are authorised to drive professionally.
Periodic Driver CPC:
All professional drivers must complete 35 hours of DCPC training every 5 years to maintain their qualifications. The 5-year cycle starts from the date shown on your DQC card. However, there are certain conditions that may affect the requirement to undertake Initial Driver CPC training:
- If you passed your UK car test before January 1997, you may have an LGV Category C1 entitlement through Acquired Rights (Grandfather Rights), meaning you don’t need to complete Initial CPC training.
- If you gained your first LGV vocational entitlement before 9th September 2009, you are not required to take the Initial CPC training but must still complete 35 hours of Periodic CPC training every 5 years.
To maintain your DQC card, you must complete the training as specified above.
Whilst attending my Periodic DCPC training does it count as work within the Working Time Directive?
The Drivers’ Hours legislation states that a rest period is a period during which Drivers may freely dispose of their time. It is therefore the compulsory or voluntary nature of DCPC training which determines whether or not it should be counted as working time.
Driver CPC training should be treated as working time if you are instructed to attend the training as part of your employment (whether you are paid or not). A manual entry is to be completed but cannot be entered as a full 7-hour block. Please speak to your Transport Manager for further clarification.
If, however, you organise your own training and attend that training during your rest period or day off, then it is counted as rest like any other voluntary activity.
How can I check how many DCPC hours I have completed?
To find out how many periodic training hours you have completed you will need to register your details online with the DVLA – https://www.gov.uk/check-your-driver-cpc-periodic-training-hours
Once you have registered your details a password will be sent by post to the address on your driving licence. You will then be able to see how many hours you have completed; check what courses you have attended and check when you’ll receive your next Driver Qualification Card (Driver CPC Card).
