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About Initial Driver CPC

European Union has introduced a new certification called Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) to improve the driving standard and rod safety. It is mandatory for all professional bus, coach, truck drivers if they want to drive the vehicle on road for earning.

If you already have LGV/PCV license(C, C1, C1E, D, D1, D1E) whose validity until September, 2013(for PCV) and September, 2014(for LGV) need not to have the initial Driver CPC. But if you have only LGV license and want to get the PCV license or vice-versa then you have to have the Initial Driver CPC. Driver of minibuses can’t hire or drive if they don’t have the initial Driver CPC. They have to update their periodic training regularly.

If you have UK car license after January, 1997, you have to pass the Driver CPC test to get the Driver Qualification Card which permit you to drive bus, lorries more than 3.5 tonnes and minibuses more than 9 seats.

Driver CPC test is divided into two parts; theory test (multiple choice questions and hazard perception) and practical test. You have to undergo a 35 hours periodic training and after passing the test you will be given a Driver Qualification Card. The validity of the card is 5 years.

There is a different kind of Driver CPC qualification called ‘Operator’s CPC or Manager’s CPC which can help you to prepare your own fleet. In spite of having this qualification you have to pass the Driver CPC test to drive professionally.

Driver CPC test pattern:

Module 1 - Multiple Choice Questions and Hazard perception Video Clips: There will be total 100 questions for multiple choice type questions (MCQ) and 19 video clips for hazard perception test. Pass mark for MCQ is 85 and Hazard perception test 67. Total time will be given 2 hours 30 mins.

Module 2 - Driver CPC case study test: This is a computer based test and you will be given MCQ questions, different types of pictures or images. You have to select the proper answer. The questions will be based on different real life scenarios which you are facing every day. By this test they will test your practical knowledge. There are total 7 case studies each having 6-8 questions and the time will be given 1 hour 30 mins. The pass mark is 40 out of 50.

Module 3 - Practical Driving Test: You are not permitted to appear on the practical test until you have passed Module 1. In this test examiner will test your driving skill, knowledge of different parts of car, knowledge of road safety and rules etc. The timing of the test is 1 hour.

Module 4 – Driver CPC Practical Demonstration Test: To appear on this test you have to pass Module 2 and Module 4. There will be total 5 topics and the timing is 30 mins. To pass this test you have to score 80% and have to secure 15 points out of 20 points. By this test examiner will ability in the areas below:-

1. Proper loading and unloading of goods with safety measures 2. Proper security of the vehicle 3. Ability to prevent any criminal activity 4. Assessment of emergency situation 5. Ability to prevent any physical risk

For professional driver, they have to pass Module 2 and 4 for earning and non-professional driver have to pass Module 1 and 3.

We also provide initial driving training who have passed the Driver CPC test outside UK. Our training school provides driving training in different languages other than English. Our instructors are DSA certified and multilingual.

After successful completion of test you will be awarded Driver Qualification Card (DQC) and it is totally free of cost. It will be send to your address. If any case your DQC is stolen or lost, you can apply for a new one within 7 days to DSA. There is some fee for replacement of the card.

DQC Contact Number- 0300 200 1122 and Email ID- customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk. You can drive the car up to 15 days without the DQC.

Your Driver CPC is valid for 5 years and after expiration you have to pass the Driver CPC training of 35 hours. After passing the exam your Driver CPC will be extended for next 5 years.

There are some exemptions or concession in Driver CPC for drivers in some situations like:

Maximum speed limit not exceeds 45 Km/hr

Undergoing road repairing and maintenance

Used for rescue or emergency operation

Used by Armed forces, Civil Services, Fire services etc.

If you need more help or have any query, contact us.