Initial CPC

“What is CPC?” is one of our most frequently asked questions. Here, we explain what Driver CPC courses are, why you need CPC training, what is involved and whether you need Initial or Periodic Driver CPC training. Our aim is to help you navigate through the sometimes complicated process of becoming a professional HGV driver. If you’d prefer to discuss your CPC driver training questions with one of our helpful advisors, please call us now; we’d be more than happy to talk it through.

Back in September 2009, the Government passed the Driver CPC legislation to ensure that all professional Drivers would be subject to the same ongoing requirement for retraining. Since then, the Driver CPC has been keeping HGV Drivers’ skills at the high level required by the role through ongoing ‘Periodic’ training on a range of subjects which are relevant to the life of a professional HGV Driver.

Some Drivers are not affected by the Driver CPC legislation; these include people who drive for emergency services (e.g. ambulance driver), the military, people who drive in the course of other duties (e.g. scaffolders) and people using vehicles purely for personal use (e.g horsebox owners moving their own horses.) Safe to say, most people DO fall under these rules, so if you think you’re exempt for any reason you should seek advice before driving.

Because there is no fixed price for CPC training, our CPC training prices will depend on your location and CPC needs.  Easy As HGV has been offering CPC driver training since 2008, so we offer the best rates, which means you don’t need to shop around. Whether you need express CPC training or would rather train at an easier pace, we can offer you a course to suit you. We are available to chat through the options, so please call for an instant price.

Periodic Training

This is the ongoing training you need to do as a professional HGV Driver. Every 5 years you’ve got to do 35 hours of this refresher training, or 7 hours per year. The training takes place in a classroom environment and covers lots of interesting, relevant subjects, for example Digital and Analogue Tachographs, Working Time Regulations, Safe Loading & Restraints, First Aid and Driver Health and Wellbeing. We offer a whole suite of courses nationwide, so wherever you live there will be one locally to you. You are also able to complete some of the training online.

You will know by which date you need to complete the 35 hour requirement because when you pass your Initial Qualification, you’ll get a Driver Qualification Card from DVSA which will tell you the expiry date, and prove that you are compliant with the Driver CPC rules.

Experienced Drivers with Acquired Rights

If you passed your car test before January 1997 and had until September 2014 to complete your 35 Hour Periodic Training requirement, but did not meet the deadline, you will need to undertake EITHER the Driver CPC Initial Qualification OR 35 hours training in order to re-activate your entitlements. Once you’ve done that, a new 5 year (35 hour) period will begin immediately.

Driver CPC Initial Qualification

These days, the Initial Qualification is part of the process of getting a HGV licence for anyone who will be using that license to work. Without passing the two modules that make up the Qualification (Module 2 and Module 4), you basically do not have a ‘permit to work.’

So, a quick guide to all this ‘Module’ business so you can see where the Initial Qualification fits into the bigger picture;

• Module 1 – This is the theory test you’ll do before you can begin practical training (Hazard Perception and Multiple Choice)
• Module 2 – A second theory test, made up of case studies, which checks your ability to use your knowledge.
• Module 3 – The practical test you’ll do for your HGV course.
• Module 4 – A half-hour long practical demonstration test at the test centre where you will need to show the Examiner that you understand all of the safety features of the vehicle, and what is required of you as a professional driver.

Module 2 and Module 4 can be done after Module 1 & 3 have been completed.

It’s important to note that the legislation does not affect you if you’re driving for personal use only, i.e. hiring a vehicle to move personal goods, or driving a horsebox.