FAQ

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) initial qualification has 4 parts:

• ​Part 1 – Theory test (this includes 2 separate tests – multiple-choice and hazard perception) computer-based
• Part 2 – Driver CPC case studies test (computer-based exercise with 7 studies based on real-life situations – eg driving in icy conditions)
• Part 3 – Driving ability test
• Part 4 – Driver CPC practical demonstration test (this takes 30 minutes – you will need to show you can keep your vehicle and load safe and secure)

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You must pass all 4 parts to get your Driver CPC.

​You must:

• Pass part 1 before you can take part 3
• Pass part 2 before you can take part 4

The DCPC is for PCV drivers and LGV drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonne, who drive professionally throughout the UK and Europe. It has been developed as a requirement of the EU Directive 2003/59, which is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of professional LGV and PCV drivers throughout their working life. You must do 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC).

Follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/check-your-driver-cpc-periodic-training-hours

If you passed your car test after 1997 you must:

Firstly, attend a medical and send off for your provisional licence to the DVLA. Once this has been returned you must ensure that the correct professional entitlement has been put onto your licence. Next, you must complete the multiple-choice, hazard perception. Once you have passed these you can then undertake the driver training and test. To enable you to drive legally you must also complete module 2, module 4 training and test. This is the initial drivers CPC.

​If you passed your car test before 1997 you must:

​Firstly, attend a medical and send off for your provisional licence to the DVLA. Once this has been returned you must ensure that the correct professional entitlement has been put onto your licence. Next, you must complete the multiple-choice and hazard perception test. Once you have passed both tests undertake the driver training and test. To enable you to drive legally you must complete 35 hours DCPC. This is the periodic drivers CPC.

Once you have passed your Category C (rigid, class 2) you are automatically given class 1 professional entitlement onto your licence therefore, it is just training and practical test.

There are many different regulations please see the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car/driving-licence-rules-and-what-you-can-tow

Professional drivers are required by law to hold an ADR Licence in order to transport hazardous or potentially hazardous goods in the European Union.

The ADR course covers how to effectively deal and/or identify gases, flammable liquids, toxics, flammable solids and other various substances. As outlined by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) the minimum requirement to achieve an ADR licence is that candidates must pass the following modules; Core, Packages or Tankers and 1 of the 7 classes.