Every driver must have a Driver CPC card if they are driving professionally.

There are 2 different routes for the Driver CPC. 

Route 1 - Having Driver CPC through ‘acquired rights’

You could have the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) through ‘acquired rights’ if you’re already a professional lorry, bus or coach driver.

You’ll have ‘acquired rights’ if you are a:

Lorry Driver and got your vocational licence (C, C1, C+E and C1+E) before 10^th September 2009.

Bus or Coach driver and got your vocational licence (D, D1, D+E and D1+E) before 10^th September 2008 – this includes a restricted vocational licence D(101) issued after 1991 and D1(101) issued before 1997 (though you should by now have completed periodic training).

If you’ve got your Driver CPC by ‘acquired rights’ you must have completed 35 hours of periodic training by 9^th September 2014 if you’re a lorry driver. If you’re a bus or coach driver, you must have already completed your training by 9^th September 2013 to keep driving professionally.

This training is classroom based and held at our premises at Felling, Gateshead. This consists of 5 modules with each module giving a credit of 7 hours and once all 5 modules (35 hours) have been completed the Driver & Vehicle Agency will issue the driver with their Driver Qualification Card.

Route 2 - Initial CPC

If you passed your car test after 1997 you must do the Initial CPC if you are going to be driving professionally.  

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) Initial qualification has 2 parts which means that drivers will need to complete 4 parts to gain their full vocational driving licence:

• Part 1 – Theory tests (this includes 2 separate tests – multiple-choice and hazard perception)
• Part 2 – Driver CPC Case Study test (computer-based exercise with 7 studies based on real-life situations – e.g. 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 safe and secure, e.g. loading your vehicle safely)

You must pass all 4 parts to get your Vocational Driving Licence & Driver CPC

You can be fined up to £1000 if you are driving professionally without a Driver CPC.

We also offer individual modules which can count towards 7 hours of your Driver CPC. The current modules are;

• Tachograph Legislation, Compliance and Fatigue
• Operator Licencing/Enforcement/Loading
• Professional Driver, Personal Health and Wellbeing
• Transport/Personal Health and Safety
• Safe Loading/Safe Transportation/New Technology

It is your responsibility to check that you have not already sat a module, as you are prohibited to repeat them.

Please also see the ADR Course as this can count towards 28 hours of your Driver CPC.

These courses are ran every Saturday as well as 1x full week course (Monday - Friday) once a month.

This course is aimed towards someone who is managing a fleet of LGV vehicles. As the nominated person on a company’s operating licence you will need to hold a Transport Manager CPC in Road Haulage certificate.The training course is ran over 5 days with the exams taking place approximately 2 weeks later. We also offer the CPC for Passenger Transport.  

If you would like further information on the course, please contact the office on 0191 469 1777.

 

 

The course is aimed towards office/warehouse staff and fork-lift truck drivers.  It is a 7 hour classroom based training course covering the following topics:

• ADR Regulations
• How to identify the different ADR products and classes
• Required warning signs

Upon completion of the course, an in-house certificate will be raised for each candidate.

If you would like further information on the course, please contact the office on 0191 469 1777.

The ADR Course is designed for drivers, warehouse personnel and other personnel who will be in direct contact with hazardous substances.  Training is usually for the 7 common ADR classes and may be for; 

7 ADR Classes in packages
7 ADR classes in packages and tankers

We offer 7 ADR classes in packages and tankers. The course is held over 5 days and follows strict guidelines.  

Once you have completed this course 28 hours (4 days) can be uploaded to count towards your Driver CPC.

If you would like further information on the course, please contact the office on 0191 469 1777.