If you are operating a vehicle more than 3.5 tonnes for commercial use, you must complete initial Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training, and 35 hours of periodic training every five years.
This qualification applies to all professional drivers, which was first introduced to improve the safety of the vehicle operators, other road users and the environment.
However, not all drivers need CPC.
When you do need CPC
You require CPC if you are driving professionally (commonly referred to as hire or reward). Also, if you are driving a vehicle over 3.5 tonne vehicle is part of your main job, CPC still applies.
When you don’t need CPC
CPC is not needed if you are driving the vehicle for personal use. For example, using a 7.5 tonne vehicle to transport personal belongings to a house in your own time.
It is also not applicable if driving is not a part of your main job. For example, if you are a builder transporting tools. Or, if you are driving under for the emergency services or armed forces, such as a paramedic operating an ambulance.
If you are driving for agricultural purposes, certain exemptions will apply. Such as a farmer transporting produce for farm use only.
If you are driving a historic vehicle not for commercial use, you won’t need CPC.
Operating a 7.5 tonne vehicle
If you are driving a 7.5 tonne vehicle (also known as a Category C1 vehicle), you will need CPC if you the above applies to you. However, there are other entitlements which could apply to you, depending on when you passed your Category B (car) test.
Licence requirements for C1
If you passed your car test before 1st January 1997, you would have been automatically given the 7.5 tonne entitlement, also known as grandfather rights.
If you passed after 1st January 1997, you must take the 7.5 tonne training & testing. You can either complete the training for personal use, or include the Initial CPC training to operate professionally.
The C1 entitlement allows you to operate a vehicle between 3,500kg and 7,500kg. You will also be permitted to carry a trailer weighing no more than 750kg.
If you need to carry a trailer over 750kg, then you will need to complete training and testing for the Category C1+E entitlement. This allows you to carry a train weight of up to 12 tonne.
So, if you have grandfather rights and you are not planning to operate a 7.5 tonne vehicle for commercial purposes, then you can operate a 7.5 tonne vehicle without CPC.
Initial CPC includes the Module 2 Case Study theory test, and the Module 4 Practical Demonstration. Once you pass the initial CPC, you will gain your certificate, then be sent your Driver’s Qualification Card (DQC).
Your initial CPC certificate is valid for five years, in which you will need to complete 35 hours of Periodic CPC training every five years thereafter.
Do you need CPC?
If you are looking to operate a vehicle professionally, 2 Start offer CPC training. Choose from our Initial CPC training, or our periodic training, in which we complete training for the following topics:
- Driver Essentials
- Driving Principles
- Mental Health, Wellbeing & Driver Behaviour
- Emergency First Aid & Health and Safety
- Vehicle Defects & Driver Licencing
You have the choice to complete these as single 7-hour sessions, or you can book our 5-day package, which encompasses all five topics over five days. Either complete training at one of our training depots across the South, or online.
If you also need to transport dangerous goods by road (also known as ADR) then you can also complete ADR training. Some of our ADR courses can count towards your CPC hour requirement.
Alternatively, if you are not sure if you need CPC, or if you have the 101 code on your licence, call our team on 02392 123 555, and they can help you with your requirements.
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