CPC Licence (Certificate Of Professional Competence)

Here at Oplas Transport Consultants, we can provide all relevant information with regards to professional driver regulations; whether you are an Operator Licence Holder, or a current CPC Holder looking for more information.

What is the CPC Licence?

The CPC Licence (Certificate of Professional Competence) is compulsory for all lorry, bus and coach drivers who wish to drive such types of vehicles in a professional capacity.
Drivers must carry their qualification card with them at all times as evidence that they are capable of driving their vehicle responsibly. Drivers who do not carry their card can be fined up to £1000.

There are certain circumstances in which you may not need a CPC. These include situations where your vehicle is being road-tested after repair/maintenance; is new or rebuilt and not in service, or are limited to travelling 28mph. You may also not require CPC if your vehicle is not being used for commercial purposes; is used to carry tools/equipment for your job, or is used for states of emergency.

If you need more help deciding whether you need a CPC, Oplas are happy to guide you.

How Can I Get One?

If you have never driven professionally before, you will need to pass the CPC initial qualification test. This consists of four main parts: a theory test; a driver CPC Case Studies text; a driving ability test, and a driver CPC practical demonstration test (for safety and security).

You must pass the first initial theory test (Part 1) before you can complete the driving ability test (Part 3), and complete the driver CPC Case Studies test (Part 2) before completing the driver CPC practical demonstration test (Part 4). Parts 1 and 2 can be completed in any order; as can Parts 3 and 4.

If you are already a professional lorry, bus or coach driver, your past experience is counted as the equivalent of taking the CPC initial qualification. This is the case if you are a lorry driver and got your vocational licence before September 10 2009, or before September 10 2008 for bus and coach drivers.

Maintaining Your Certificate of Professional Competence

You will need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years in order to maintain your Driver Qualification Card (DQC). This periodic training can be done at any approved training center across the UK.

It is up to you when you take the course, so long as it is within the five year period before your current CPC qualification is expected to run out (NOT from when you did your last 35 hours of periodic training). For new professional drivers, you must complete your periodic training within five years of acquiring the initial qualification.

If you wish to drive a larger vehicle of the same type or drive with a trailer (and this isn’t already on your vocational licence), you will need to pass a lorry driving ability test with the right vehicle combination for the category of vehicle you wish to drive.

You will need to take the Certificate of Professional Competence initial qualification again, if you wish to drive a different vehicle altogether (for example, you drive a lorry professionally but would like to drive a bus or coach).

Role of Oplas

Oplas Transport Consultancy is an independent consultancy firm, specializing in road transport management and regulation compliance.

With transparent, straightforward advice, we lead our clients’ transport operations to be compliant with current regulations, as well as prepare them for possible future amendments in the law.

If you’re a professional driver and would like to know more about the CPC, get in touch with Oplas today.