If you drive a lorry for a living, Driver CPC is one of those things that is easy to forget until the deadline is close. Then it becomes a rush. Here is how it works, in plain English, so it never catches you out.
What is Driver CPC?
CPC stands for Certificate of Professional Competence. It is a legal requirement for professional HGV drivers. Passing your Class 1 (C+E) test gets you the licence. Driver CPC is the extra bit that lets you drive for a living.
You get the initial qualification when you first become a professional driver. After that you have to keep it up with periodic training.
The 35 hour rule
To keep your Driver CPC you need to complete 35 hours of approved training every 5 years. That is the whole rule.
- It is normally done as five 7-hour days, but you can spread it out however suits you.
- Each course must be at least 7 hours to count, and the training centre must be approved.
- Every course you finish is logged against your licence record, so you can check your hours online.
- Your Driver CPC card (the DQC) shows your expiry date. Keep an eye on it.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
You cannot legally drive an HGV for hire or reward without a valid Driver CPC. Get stopped without one and you can be fined, and no agency or haulier can put you on the road. Missing the deadline also means losing work while you get the hours done.
The simple advice is do not leave it to the last month. Courses fill up, and you do not want to be paying for training with no income coming in.
How to book and what to expect
- Search for an approved DVSA Driver CPC training centre near you. Plenty run courses in Suffolk and Essex.
- Ask what topics are covered. Common ones are drivers' hours, safe and fuel-efficient driving, health and safety, and load security.
- Check the price before you book. It varies a lot between centres, so ring around.
- Take photo ID and your licence on the day.
- Check your training record online after the course to make sure the hours have been added.
Most courses are classroom based and fairly relaxed. Nobody is testing you. You just have to turn up and take part.
Fitting CPC around agency work
One of the best things about agency driving is that you choose when you work. That makes it easier to book a training day without letting anyone down. Plan it for a week you have already told the agency you are off, rather than cancelling a shift at short notice.
If you are changing agency, check your CPC expiry date early. A good agency will ask for it when you register, because they need to see it before you start.
“Adam made the registration process easy, got me started quickly and kept in contact to make sure everything was going well.”
What does Class 1 work pay at BWN?
At BWN we guarantee a minimum of £1,000 for a five-day week, which is a minimum of £200 per shift across five shifts, Monday to Friday. If a shift runs short you still get your £200. If it runs long, the hourly rate applies, which can be up to £25 per hour depending on the job. You are paid from tacho card in to tacho card out, with no break deductions, and we pay weekly.
Class 1 driver with your CPC in date? Message us on WhatsApp on 07792 414025 or email [email protected] and we will tell you what is available this week.