News

Driver CPC

Under a new European Union Directive, professional bus, coach and lorry drivers need to hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) in addition to a vocational driving licence. Any drivers of lorries over 3.5 tonnes and minibuses with 9 seats or more must obtain a Driver CPC.

New drivers obtain their Driver CPC by passing a series of initial qualification tests - theory and practical. This must then be followed by 35 hours of periodic training every five years if they want to keep their Driver CPC after that period. For more information on the initial qualification tests, see the page in this guide on who needs a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence? and our guide on Driver CPC initial qualification for lorry, bus and coach drivers.

Bus and coach drivers who hold a relevant vocational licence gained before 10 September 2008, and lorry drivers who obtained their licence before 10 September 2009, do not need to take the initial qualification. This is because they are deemed to hold 'acquired rights'. However, they will have to complete periodic training to keep their Driver CPC. For more information, see the page in this guide on who needs a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence? and our guide on Driver CPC periodic training for lorry, bus and coach drivers.

Driver CPC is valid for five years. New drivers who have qualified via the initial qualification route will receive a Driver Qualification Card (DQC), which they can show as proof that they hold Driver CPC. Existing drivers will receive their DQC when they have completed their 35 hours of periodic training.

National VQ's launch their new website

National VQs are delighted to announce the launch of their new website, which has been specially designed so that their customers and clients can quickly and easily find the information about any of the training courses currently available through our consultancy.

We have also provided a simple-to-use course booking system that helps you to find and pre-book the perfect course for your needs.

As our service expands we will be constantly updating the site with additional information including updated courses to cover any changes that may occur in the world of construction and business development.

We hope that you enjoy your visit to our site and we would gratefully receive any comments that you care to make on how we can improve our website – and our services to you.