| Drivers Notice Board | | Print | |
 In 2003 the European Union agreed that all commercial goods vehicle drivers must undertake vocational training. The aim of the Driver CPC is to improve road safety and fuel efficiency. European Directive 2003/59/EC came into effect from September 2008, for PCVand from September 2009 for LGV Trucks C1 and above. Those who already hold a vocational licence before the above dates are given acquired (grandfather) rights and will not have to obtain the initial qualification. Every driver however nees to complete 35 hours of periodic training by 10th September 2014 (goods vehicle) or 10th September 2013 ( passenger vehicles), and every 5 years from then onwards. Initial training is to be undertaken by any new drivers passing their test after September 2008 for PCV and September 2009 for LGV. Initial training will result in the driver having to pass a test to show they have completed the learning to the required standard. Periodic training applies to all drivers, they will need to complete 35 hours by 10 September 2014 ( goods vehicles ) or 10 September 2013 ( passenger vehicles), and every 5 years from then onwards. The training is to help improve road safety and fuel efficiency, and also to encourage driving as a career in a bid to reduce the shortage of drivers in the UK. The Driver CPC is a level 2 operational qualification and covers subjects such as fuel consumption, defensive driving, loading, drivers' hours and operator licensing rules together with customer care. A driver will now on completion of the first 35 hours carry a driver record card with them clearly indicating that they have completed the required amount of training. These cards will be issued by the DVLA. |
