new drivers who acquire a pcv vocational entitlement (d1, d1+e, d, d+e licence) after the 10th september 2008 and/or an lgv vocational entitlement (c1, c1+e,c or c+e licence) after the 10th september 2009 will have to obtain the initial qualification in addition to their licence to drive professionally. 

new drivers who undertake a national vocational training programme are still able to obtain a vocational licence but can defer the initial qualification by up to a maximum of one year whilst, still being able to drive professionally. an example of a national vocational training programme would be an apprenticeship in driving goods vehicles. drivers intending to use this concession will have to register with the driving standards agency. 

all professional drivers (new and existing drivers) must complete a total of 35 hours periodic training every 5 years to keep their driver cpc valid. existing drivers must complete their periodic training by september 2013 (pcv) and september 2014 (lgv).

Legislation on initial driver cpc

recent statistics published show what appears to be a distinct lack of persons acquiring the initial driver cpc qualification.

new professional lgv drivers (acquired c1, c1e or c after 10/09/2009), who are not exempt from requiring driver cpc must be in possession of a driver cpc qualification card (dcpcdqc), whilst driving professionally.

Having the initial driver cpc qualification is an important legal requirement as (not having) it affects both the driver and the operator (employer).

drivers who are found not to be in possession of a valid driver cpc may be dealt with by vosa by way of a graduated fixed penalty notice (issued at the roadside).

it is also important operators are upto date with the initial driver cpc as it is an offence to cause or permit a person to drive a vehicle (over 3.5 tonnes) without the required training and qualification (initial driver cpc).

any offences committed by a company or its drivers against the new rules will be recorded by vosa, and could result in the operator being bought before the traffic commissioner by way of a public enquiry. driver cpc offences will also count towards the operators overall ocrs score.

vosa driver cpc enforcement references can be found in the "vehicle and operator services agency enforcement sanctions" policy document.

Contact us today for information or to book a course 07545 553274