Poots launches new lorry industry qualification

A new European qualification for all professional lorry drivers was launched today by Environment Minister Edwin Poots.

From 10 September, new drivers wishing to enter the industry will need to pass the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) Initial Qualification, as well as holding a relevant vocational driving licence.

The Minister explained the importance of the new qualification: “This qualification aims to improve road safety and will ensure that all new drivers coming into the industry have the necessary knowledge and skills to cope with the ever-increasing changes and demands facing the industry. These include minimizing fuel consumption, being aware of the risks of the road, how to assess an emergency situation, and how to load a lorry safely.”

The tests for the new Driver CPC Initial Qualification comprise a theory test involving case studies, and a practical test which requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of vehicle safety and security related issues.

Trainee lorry drivers will be able to prepare for these CPC tests and the existing licence acquisition tests (theory and practical) simultaneously, thereby minimising any costs or delay.

Drivers who hold a full licence to drive a lorry before 10 September will not be required to take the Initial Qualification. However, all drivers, both new and existing, will need to complete 35 hours of ‘periodic training’ every five years in order to maintain their Driver CPC status and continue driving professionally.

Notes to editors:

1. The EU passed the Driver CPC EU Directive in 2003. When fully implemented, it will affect all professional Lorry, Bus and Coach drivers. The Directive became effective on 10 September 2008 for the Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV) sector and will come into effect on 10 September 2009 for the Large Goods Vehicles (LGV) sector.

2. When combined with licence acquisition tests, the Initial CPC Qualification includes four hours of theory testing and two hours of practical tests.

The Initial CPC qualification is in a modular format, as proposed during consultation and agreed with industry:

Module 1 a: a large vehicle test of driving theory

b: large vehicle test of hazard perception

2.5 hours in total. The two elements may be taken separately and in any order

Module 2 the CPC case studies 1.5 hours

Module 3 the practical driving test 1.5 hours

Module 4 practical CPC skills test assessing skills off-road 30 minutes

Modules 1a, 1b and 3 must be taken by all those seeking a vocational licence, whether they intend to drive professionally or not. Modules 2 and 4 are only required for those who wish to drive professionally.

3. Existing professional drivers will not have to sit the new tests, but will instead be required to undertake 35 hours of periodic training every five years. This means that professional lorry drivers with vocational driving licences issued before 10 September 2009 must complete 35 hours of periodic training by 9 September 2014.

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