The Importance of Obtaining a Driver CPC

The increasing road safety issues involving buses and trucks led to the implementation of the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) driver standard across Europe in 2008. Today, it has grown into a highly respected set of standards that is quickly changing the face of European roads. Here are some of the benefits it offers European countries promoting CPC compliance.

Fewer Accidents

Studies show that around 80 percent of cases of road traffic collisions are caused by driver error. Because of this insurance premiums increase and businesses are interrupted. If drivers will undergo proper training and obtain a CPC before being fully licensed to drive buses and trucks on major roads, the rate will be reduced along with its potential repercussions.

Less Maintenance

Wear and tear on car tires and the engine can be associated with untoward driving behavior. Companies that hire drivers that do not have CPC are more likely to have to perform vehicle maintenance than those that strictly employ CPC holders for this reason. This is why CPC plays a major role in reducing freight companies’ upkeep cost and downtime.

Fuel Economy and Staff Retention

In attending training for obtaining CPC, a driver will learn the best practices that help conserve fuel and energy. Additionally, they will be taught about existing laws that a lot of reckless drivers violate intentionally or unintentionally. This way, fewer drivers will be subject to termination due to constant violations.

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Why 10 September 2014 is Vital for LGV Drivers

Professional drivers of large goods vehicles (LGV) have until 10 September 2014 to complete their 35 hours of Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). Completing that requirement will allow them to continue their employment in the profession.

The reason for the above requirement is EU Directive 2003/59, which aims to improve safety on the roads. The Directive requires all professional drivers to hold a Driver CPC aside from their vocational driving licences. Additionally, drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years from the date of their current qualification to maintain their Driver CPC.

The requirement applies to new and existing professional drivers. New drivers must pass an initial Driver CPC test before they can enter the profession. Existing drivers maintain their Driver CPC by virtue of ‘acquired rights’ or ‘grandfather rights’. If they let their Driver CPC expire, however, then they can regain that by completing 35 hours of periodic training.

To meet the requirement, drivers should take Driver CPC courses with approved training centres. They can find these centres through the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training. They can start anytime, although they better start early to complete their training on or before the deadline.

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Road Safety: The Value of Driver CPC Courses

Road safety in the United Kingdom has been hailed as one of the best in the world, though vehicular mishaps still happen every once in a while. Some of these accidents involve Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) drivers who commandeer buses, lorries, and coaches. As a response, the UK government instituted the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) courses to maintain high driving standards and further improve road safety.

So what exactly is being taught in these courses and what areas of driving do they aim to improve on? The main goal of the program is to educate and equip drivers with the knowledge pertaining to current road regulations. Drivers are obliged to take a four-part exam that involves tests on theory, driving case studies, driving ability, and practical application.

The entire training program lasts a total of 35 hours, which are divided into five seven-hour sessions. Upon completion, drivers will be given the approval to drive, provided that they also have their vocational driving license. Some of the many benefits of the Driver CPC are – a fewer number of accidents, which equate to drivers having lower insurance premiums, improved driving, which prolongs the life of the vehicles, and better fuel economy, to name a few.

In summary, Driver CPC is a valuable tool that will benefit not only business owners, but more importantly the general public. 

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