European Driver Training Directive - Driver CPC Guidance Note - Edition 1 - 1 June 2008

Sep 25, 2026

Guidance Note Edition 1 (1 June 2008) explains the European Driver Training Directive and the introduction of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for professional lorry drivers. It outlines implementation from 10 September 2009, the 35-hour training requirement every five years, rules for approved training centres, and audit/withdrawal of approvals. It also describes initial qualification theory and practical modules, the Driver Qualification Card evidence process, periodic training timing for acquired-rights holders, and implications for compliance and penalties.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Implementation timeline and purpose

Periodic training requirements

Approved training centres and records

Initial qualification, theory/practical modules, and fees

QPA Member Guidance Note Edition 1 1 June 2008 Transport Safety Series The trade association for all aggregates, asphalt, ready-mixed concrete, mortar, silica sand and lime Quarry Products Association Limited Gillingham House 38-44 Gillingham Street London SW1V 1HUTel 020 7963 8000 Fax 020 7963 8001 [info@qpa.org](info@qpa.org) [www.qpa.org](www.qpa.org) The European Driver Training Directive © Quarry Products Association 2008 Introduction This new European Driver Training Directive will result in a Certificate of Professional Competence for Professional Lorry Drivers. The QPA Transport Committee has reviewed the directive and sets out in this guidance a summary of how this will affect your business from 10 September 2009. This new qualification for professional lorry drivers, the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), has been given the Government go-ahead. From 10 September 2009 just holding a vocational driving licence will no longer be sufficient for someone who wishes to drive LGV’s for a living. The Driving Standards Agency will be responsible for introducing the new scheme within the UK and for the issue of renewal certificates which will be required every five years. The Driver CPC is being introduced to improve the knowledge and skills of lorry drivers, to help improve road safety and reduce road casualties. The Driver CPC will also bring an improved professional and positive image to the profession, attracting more people to drive lorries for a living. It is aimed not only at improving the knowledge and skills of LGV drivers when they start work but also ensuring these skills are maintained and developed throughout their working life. This in turn will help the environment through reduced fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear. A Driver CPC will require all category C and D licence holders (including C1 and D1) to take part in 35 hours training every 5 years in order to maintain their Driver CPC. It also introducesa new initial qualification process that new drivers must complete before they can drive professionally. For new entrants the 2 hour practical driving test would serve LGV licence acquisition and CPC purposes. A driver who holds a category C and D licence on or before 9 September 2009 will not need to initially qualify to obtain a Driver CPC as this will be automatically granted by Acquired Rights. All professional vocational drivers must undertake periodic training in order to maintain their Driver CPC. Drivers will have to complete a minimum of 35 hours of approved training every 5 years. Each training course must be of a minimum length of 7 hours, with the 7 hours being defined as contact time with the trainer. Each training course must be delivered within a 24 hours period. All training must be taken at an approved training centre and on an approved training course. Records of training undertaken by drivers will be kept centrally. All approved training centres and training courses will be subject to audit and approval may be withdrawn if it is found that centres or courses are not complying with the approval criteria. Drivers who are deemed to hold Driver CPC by Acquired Rights must complete their periodic training within 5 years of the introduction of Driver CPC [i.e. by](i.e. by) [10 September 2014](10 September 2014) . Drivers who gain their Driver CPC by completing the initial qualification must complete their first cycle of periodic training within 5 years of the date they acquired their Driver CPC. Drivers who do not maintain their Driver CPC, i.e. because they leave the industries, but who want to start working as a professional driver again, must complete 35 hours of periodic training in order to regain their Driver CPC. They must complete the training before they can resume working professionally. A new Driver CPC will be acquired by completing 4 hours of theory testing and 2 hours of practical tests. The tests can be taken

FAQs

What is the Driver CPC and when does it start applying?

The Driver CPC is a new qualification for professional lorry drivers to replace the sufficiency of holding a vocational driving licence alone. Implementation is described from 10 September 2009.

How much training is required to maintain the Driver CPC?

Professional drivers must complete a minimum of 35 hours of approved training every five years, with each course lasting at least 7 hours contact time within a 24-hour period.

How is the Driver CPC initially acquired and evidenced?

A new Driver CPC is acquired by completing 4 hours of theory testing and 2 hours of practical tests, taken in modules. Drivers are issued a Driver Qualification Card (DQC) by DVLA as evidence they hold Driver CPC.

Sep 25, 2026

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