Vocational Training

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence –  

Is being introduced for Coach & Bus drivers across the EC member states
  • This qualification for new entrants to the profession will be introduced in September 2008.
  • This will be acquired at the same time as the vocational licence. From then on all professional drivers will need to undertake 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to maintain their CPC.
  • Existing professional drivers will be granted “grandfather rights” until September 2013 by when they must have obtained the qualification.
  • The CPC can be acquired on a regular training basis over 5 years, upto 2013 or in one go in the 5th year which would mean taking the full 35 hours training altogether.
  • There will be penalties for non-compliance which will be enforced from day one.

The initial qualification will cover 3 groups of subjects:

Safe & Fuel Efficient driving and vehicle loading

Application of regulations IE Drivers Hours and Tachograph rules

Health & Safety of passengers, customer service and dealing with emergencies.

Contact: www.dsa.gov.uk/cpc also watch this website for further information on courses.