The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a requirement for professional lorry and bus drivers in the UK. It is designed to ensure that drivers have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate commercial vehicles safely and efficiently. In this article, we will focus on the British Truck Driver CPC and explore its key aspects.
What is the British Truck Driver CPC?
The British Truck Driver CPC is a qualification that professional drivers must obtain to drive lorries, trucks, and other commercial vehicles in the UK. The certificate is part of the Driver CPC, which is a European Union (EU) initiative aimed at improving road safety and promoting high driving standards.
The CPC is split into two parts: the initial qualification and periodic training. The initial qualification consists of two parts – a theory test and a practical test. Both tests must be passed before the driver can obtain a CPC.
Periodic training involves 35 hours of training every five years, which is designed to help drivers maintain and improve their knowledge and skills. This training can be delivered in a variety of ways, including classroom-based learning, e-learning, and practical on-road training.
Who needs a British Truck Driver CPC?
Any driver who drives a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes for commercial purposes must have a CPC. This includes drivers of lorries, buses, and coaches. The CPC applies to both new and existing drivers, and there are no exemptions, even for drivers who have been driving for many years.
The only exception to the CPC requirement is for drivers who drive vehicles for non-commercial purposes, such as those who drive vehicles for personal use, emergency services, or the armed forces.
Why is the British Truck Driver CPC important?
The British Truck Driver CPC is essential for ensuring that drivers have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate commercial vehicles safely and efficiently. The training covers a range of topics, including driving techniques, vehicle maintenance, and health and safety.
The CPC also promotes professionalism among drivers and ensures that they are aware of their responsibilities on the road. It helps to improve road safety by ensuring that drivers have a good understanding of the rules of the road and are able to respond appropriately to different driving situations.
In addition to the safety benefits, the CPC also helps to improve the image of the transport industry. By ensuring that drivers are well-trained and professional, it helps to promote a positive perception of the industry and can encourage more people to consider a career in transport.
How to obtain a British Truck Driver CPC?
To obtain a British Truck Driver CPC, drivers must complete the initial qualification and periodic training.
The initial qualification involves two parts: a theory test and a practical test. The theory test consists of multiple-choice questions and case studies, and the practical test involves demonstrating driving skills on the road.
Once the initial qualification has been completed, drivers must undertake periodic training every five years to maintain their CPC. The training must be completed with an approved training provider, and the hours of training must be recorded on a driver qualification card.
Preparing For a Driver CPC as a Truck Driver
Preparing for a Driver CPC Course can be helped by reading and learning current case studies about vehicle safety and safe driving practices recommended by the DVSA Driver Vehicle Standards Agency for UK Drivers.
DVSA Driver CPC Book
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Why Truck Drivers Dislike The Driver CPC
While the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for truck drivers is an essential qualification that promotes safety and professionalism on the road, some drivers may not like it. Here are some reasons why:
Additional Cost: One of the main reasons why some truck drivers may not like the Drivers CPC is because it comes with an additional cost. Drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years, which can be costly, particularly for self-employed drivers. Additionally, if a driver fails to complete their periodic training, they could face a penalty and lose their licence.
Time Commitment: The CPC requires a significant time commitment, particularly for drivers who are already working long hours. The initial qualification involves both a theory test and a practical test, which can be time-consuming, and periodic training requires drivers to take time away from work. This can be particularly challenging for drivers who are self-employed or work on a freelance basis, as they may struggle to balance training with their workload.
Lack of Flexibility: The training requirements for the CPC may not be flexible enough for some drivers. The 35 hours of periodic training must be completed within a five-year period, and there is a limit to how much training can be completed in a single day. This can be challenging for drivers who have other commitments or who work long hours.
Perception of Being Unnecessary: Some drivers may see the CPC as an unnecessary requirement that does not improve safety or professionalism. While the CPC aims to improve driver knowledge and skills, some drivers may feel that they already have the necessary expertise and that the training is not relevant to their day-to-day work.
Lack of Recognition: Finally, some drivers may feel that the CPC is not recognized or valued by employers or the wider public. While the qualification is a legal requirement, some drivers may feel that it is not given the recognition it deserves and that it is viewed as a box-ticking exercise rather than a genuine effort to improve driver knowledge and skills.
Conclusion
The British Truck Driver CPC is an essential qualification for professional drivers of commercial vehicles. It promotes road safety, professionalism, and good driving standards. All drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must obtain a CPC, and periodic training is required every five years to maintain the qualification. By ensuring that drivers are well-trained and knowledgeable, the CPC helps to improve the image of the transport industry and promote a positive perception of commercial drivers.
