What you need to know about CPC courses

CPC stands for Certificate of Professional Competence and was passed in the year 2003. The certificate was meant to improve road safety especially in the bus, lorry and HGV coach industry. CPC also aims at improving these driver’s expertise and knowledge on matters concerning the transport industry. To get the CPC, you would first have to go through CPC courses which are a great step for those who are looking forward to a career in the transportation field.

CPC courses are divided into four parts. The first two include the theory and practical test which drivers will have to pass before they earn their vocational driving license. The remaining two are optional but are necessary if a driver intends on getting the full driver CPC. The full driver CPC allows a driver to drive buses, Lorries and even coaches. CPC courses enable drivers to obtain the vocational driving license and the full driver CPC separately or at the same. Those who want to get started on a career in this field as soon as possible can apply for the CPC courses and take all the tests together.

The theory part of the CPC courses deals with multiple choice questions, hazard perception and case study. The practical part of it deals with test of driving skills and safety demonstration. If a driver intends on acquiring the full driver CPC, they will have to pass all parts of the theory and practical part of CPC courses while those who seek the vocational driving license but don’t intend to do it for a living will only be required to pass the multiple choice, hazard perception and practical test for driving skills in the CPC courses.

Those who will be driving for a living will also be required to be taking periodic CPC courses every five years. The full driver CPC will only be valid for those five years and it will be illegal to drive without first retaking the CPC courses.

CPC courses will take 7 hours to complete. The seven hours are divided into two parts but the second part should be done exactly 24 hours after completion of the first one.

There are various exceptions that will allow a driver to use a related vehicle without first completing CPC courses. A driver will not be asked for their CPC if:

The vehicle they drive does not exceed 45Km per hour as the authorized maximum speed

The vehicle is under the control of civil defense, armed forces, fire department or other departments that maintain public order

The vehicle is undergoing maintenance and is on the road for tests

The vehicle is used for rescue missions and for emergency situations

The vehicle is being used by a person looking forward to obtaining driver’s license or CPC

The vehicle is on the road but is being used for no-commercial purposes

The vehicle is being used to transport materials that will be used during the commercial transportation

CPC courses will not only give you permission to drive in the UK streets but will also improve your skills and encourage safe driving.