Driver Certificate of Professional Competence is a qualification that all professional bus, coach and lorry drivers will need to have if they want to drive for a living.

It was introduced across the European Union on 10th September 2008. Its main aims are to :-

• Improve road safety
• Recognise and accredit the knowledge and skills required for professional bus and coach drivers.
• Ensure drivers continually update their skills and knowledge.
• Raise the status of bus and coach drivers to promote driving as a career.

Anyone obtaining or applying for a bus, coach or lorry licence after the implementation date will have to pass an initial qualification before being able to drive professionally.

The initial qualification is in 2 parts :-

• A Driver CPC theory test (which is in 2 parts and lasts 4 hours in total with case studies).
• A Driver CPC practical test (which is again in 2 parts lasting 2 hours and includes demonstration elements similar to the 'show me, tell me' part of the existing practical car driving test).

Once you have got your initial qualification it lasts for 5 years, you will then need to complete 35 hours of 'periodic training' over the next 5 years. If the end date passes without any such training your Driver CPC will expire and you could face legal charges if you continue to drive in a professional capacity.

Some exemptions when you don't need a Driver CPC if the vehicle you drive is :-

• Not authorised to exceed 45 kph.
• Being used by or under the instructions of the armed forces, the police or a fire and rescue authority.
• Undergoing road tests for technical development repair or for main tenance purposes.
• Being used in a state of emergency as part of a rescue mission.
• Being used for driving lessons for either driving licence or Driver CPC purposes.
• Not being used to carry passengers or goods for commercial purposes.
• Carrying materials or equipment for your work, where driving is not your principal activity.