Driver CPC Deadline is looming

It’s that time again! Five years on and the Driver CPC training deadline for 2019 is fast approaching.

For professional lorry, bus or coach drivers in the UK, the deadline to complete your driver CPC periodic training and maintain your current DQC card is 9th September 2019. All professional drivers – operating a truck, bus, or coach – must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years, in order to keep their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

What the Brexit?
Regardless of whether we leave or don’t leave the EU, drivers of lorries and buses still need a valid CPC to continue to operate in the UK. If drivers miss their deadline, they cannot drive professionally until they have completed training and can be fined up to £1,000. Drivers also need to complete the training in the country where they work or normally live.

Acquired rights
Drivers with acquired rights are those who did not have to take the Driver CPC initial qualification, because of their existing driving experience. You have acquired rights if you obtained your vocational licence before the dates shown below.

Lorry (C, C1, C+E and C1+E) – Before 10 September 2009

Bus or coach (D, D1, D+E, D1+E) – Before 10 September 2008

Bus or coach, not for hire or reward (D 101) – After 1991

Minibus, not for hire or reward (D1 101) – Before 1997.

The deadline for the second five-year block of training for truck drivers with acquired rights is:

  • Truck drivers: 9 September 2019
  • Dual category drivers (truck, bus and coach): 9 September 2019 (for those who completed the first block by 9 September 2013.)

Not sure how many training hours you’ve already completed?
You can check how much training you’ve already taken, and when you’ll get your next Driver Qualification Card (DQC), by using the government online driver enquiry service.

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