CPC initial qualification
New drivers acquiring a vocational licence entitlement after the relevant implementation dates (Sept 08 or Sept 09) and intending to work as a driver must obtain a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) before they can drive professionally.
To minimise cost and inconvenience, the DSA will offer new drivers the opportunity to acquire the Driver CPC at the same time as they obtain their vocational driving licence.
Driver CPC will be acquired by completing four hours of theory testing and two hours of practical tests. The tests can be taken in modules that will support drivers who may be exempt from Driver CPC, or who were exempt and now need their Driver CPC.
The modules will be:
• 2 hours 30 minutes theory test
• 1 hour 30 minutes theory test (case studies)
• 1 hour 30 minutes practical test
• 30 minutes practical demonstration of vehicle safety
The following table illustrates the modular approach to acquiring a vocational licence and/or Driver CPC:
|
|
Module 1
Theory Test
|
Module 2
Case studies
|
Module 3
Practical Test
|
Module 4
CPC Practical Test
|
Licence Acquisition only |
*
|
|
*
|
|
Full Driver CPC |
*
|
*
|
*
|
*
|
Upgrade to Driver CPC
|
|
*
|
|
*
|
Modules One and Two can be taken in any order, as can modules Three and Four.
Candidates must complete module One before they can take module Three and must complete module Two before they can take module Four.
This module will be taken by candidates who want to acquire either a vocational licence only or a vocational licence and Driver CPC.
It is based on the current licence acquisition theory test. From April 2008, it will consist of 100 multiple choice questions and 20 hazard perception clips. Candidates will be allowed two hours 30 minutes to complete this module.
Transition arrangements will be put in place to phase in the increase of questions from 35 to 100 questions. Currently the number of multiple choice questions is 60, and the pass mark is 51. From April 2008, the number of questions will increase to 100 and the pass mark will be 85. The number of hazard perception clips will increase in April 2008, details of which will be provided in the near future.
This module is to be taken only by candidates who want to acquire Driver CPC.
It will consist of approximately three case studies, which are currently being developed. More details will be provided, including examples of case studies, as the development work progresses.
Candidates will be allowed one hour 30 minutes to complete this module.
Module Two will be introduced in 2008 for PCV candidates and 2009 for LGV candidates.
Further information, in terms of how case studies will look, be scored and the pass mark will be provided once they have been developed.
This module is to be taken by candidates who want to acquire either a vocational licence only or a vocational licence and Driver CPC.
It will be introduced on 10 Sept 08 for PCV and on 10 Sept 09 for LGV candidates. The module will consist of a series of questions that will require the candidate to demonstrate their knowledge of vehicle safety issues. This will follow the current proven "show me, tell me" methodology.
The vehicle used for this module must comply with Minimum Test Vehicle requirements
This module is to be taken only by candidates who want to acquire Driver CPC.
It will be introduced on 10 Sept 08 for PCV and on 10 Sept 09 for LGV candidates. The module will consist of a series of questions that will require the candidate to demonstrate their knowledge of vehicle safety issues. This will follow the current proven “show me, tell me” methodology.
The vehicle used for this module must comply with Minimum Test Vehicle requirements as above.
Drivers may be allowed to drive within the UK only before obtaining a Driver CPC when they are undergoing a national vocational training course (NVT) of at least six months duration. In these circumstances, the exemption from Driver CPC will apply for twelve months from the date of licence acquisition or the date of signing onto the NVT.
The driver will be required to complete test modules two and four to gain their Driver CPC. Module two must be taken and passed before module four can be taken.
A driver may only use the exemption once.
The driver will NOT acquire their Driver CPC simply by undertaking the NVT.
