From 10th September 2009 all drivers who passed their LGV Practical Driving test, September 2008 for Bus & Coach, must hold a Driver CPC (Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence).

 

The Driver CPC is for LGV and PCV drivers who drive professionally throughout the UK. It has been developed as a requirement of the EU Directive 2003/59, which is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of professional LGV and PCV drivers throughout their working life. There are two parts to the legislation:

 

The case studies test is a computer-based exercise. You will be given seven case studies based on real-life situations you're likely to come across in your working life. Examples could be driving a bus in icy conditions, or being asked to carry out non-driving work when you're due to take weekly or daily rest. The aim is to test your knowledge, and how you put it into practice.

 

Each test is made up of seven case studies, each one with six to eight questions, with a possible maximum score of 50. The case studies test will take about one and a half hours to complete.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This test takes about half an hour and is carried out at an LGV test centre with the category of vehicle in which you passed your practical test. You will only be allowed to take it if you have already passed part two of the Driver CPC initial qualification, the case studies theory test. To pass, you will need to show your knowledge and ability in the following areas:

• Ability to load the vehicle, paying attention to safety rules and using the vehicle properly
• Security of the vehicle and its contents
• Ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants
• ability to assess emergency situations and prevent physical risk
• Ability to complete a physical, walk round vehicle safety check

 

Lorry tests may also use a piece of equipment called a Load Securing Demonstration Trolley (LSDT) that will allow you to demonstrate your ability to secure loads. In order to pass you will have to score 15 out of a possible 20 points in each topic area (75 per cent) and an overall score of 80 per cent.

 

After you have passed all four modules of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) initial qualification, you will be entitled to a Driver Qualification Card (DQC). This proves that you hold a Driver CPC.

 

RSM offer training courses for both parts of the Drivers’ CPC, the Module 2 being more personal study whereas the Module 4 will require training at our premises before attending the test.