Driver CPC deadline is here

Driver CPC deadline is here

The deadline for lorry drivers with acquired rights to finish their first 35 hours of Driver CPC periodic training has now passed.

9 September was the deadline for existing lorry drivers to finish their training.

From 10 September, all professional lorry, bus or coach drivers on Great Britain’s roads have proved their skills and taken training to keep themselves up to date.

The latest figures show that 664,000 drivers have now done their first block of training. This compares to industry estimates suggesting there are between 425,000 and 675,000 professional drivers in Great Britain.

If you had acquired rights and haven’t yet completed 35 hours of periodic training, you’re not allowed to drive professionally again until you complete it.

Any training you’ve already done stays valid for five years from the date you took the course, and isn’t lost because of the deadline.

You get a driver qualification card (DQC) when you pass the Driver CPc initial qualification or complete 35 hours of periodic training.

You must carry this while driving a large goods vehicle or passenger-carrying vehicle professionally.

You can get a £50 fixed penalty for driving professionally without having your DQC with you.

You can still drive professionally if you’ve just completed your periodic training and you’re waiting for your DQC to arrive.

Remember: Driving without a DQC, or failing to produce it, carries a maximum fine of £1,000 for both the driver and the operator licence holder.

These offences will be referred to the Traffic Commissioner.