Maintaining your Driver CPC
Drivers need to complete 35 hours of training every 5 years to maintain their Driver CPC. This ensures you stay up to date with changes in regulations, vehicle standards, and driving practices. This is evidenced through the maintenance of a valid DQC.
When Driver CPC was first introduced, HGV drivers had to get their card by 9 September 2014. As cards are valid for 5 years, this means that many current cards will run out in September this year. So there are currently large numbers of drivers trying to complete their 35 hours of training at the same time. In August and September 2019, the volume of training required was three times higher than usual and this year is no exception.
What you need to do if you still have training to complete before September
If you don’t complete your training, you could find yourself suspended from professional driving. So you need to finish and log your 35 hours before your current DQC expires. You can still drive professionally if you’ve completed and uploaded 35 hours of periodic training but are waiting for your new DQC to arrive.
The planned reforms for a periodic test to replace the 35 hours of training have not come into force, so affected drivers must make sure they complete their 35 hours of training through the current process before their card expires. You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without Driver CPC.
Future Planning
We advise a ‘one day a year approach’ to your training. This helps you to maximise your professional development and spread any financial and operational needs for your business.
Helpful Links
Tags: Driver CPC