New requirement for professional drivers kicks-off

The first phase of a new qualification requirement for professional drivers begins next week, which officials hope will improve road safety and driver performance.

The new Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, (Driver CPC) commences on September 10 for all professional bus and coach drivers. The second phase, covering drivers of lorries and heavy goods vehicles, will start in September 2009.

Drivers entering the industry will be required to take the CPC initial qualification which involves a theory test, including multiple choice questions and a hazard perception assessment, as well as a new “case studies test”.

The current practical test will also be extended to allow more time on a wider variety of roads and to incorporate a new ‘Eco-Safe’ driving assessment.

In addition, there will be a further CPC practical test which requires candidates to “actively demonstrate their knowledge of vehicle safety.”

Both new and existing drivers will need to complete 35 hours of “periodic training” every five years in order to maintain their Driver CPC status and to continue to drive professionally.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) said the certificate was being introduced across the European Union to “improve road safety and make savings for the industry by reducing the number of accidents, encourage fuel efficient driving and reducing vehicle wear and tear.”

Chief operating officer at the DSA, Brian Gilhooley, commented: “The new Driver CPC qualification has been developed to raise and maintain the standards of bus, coach and ultimately lorry drivers.

“Both bus and coach driving are professions with a high level of responsibility. The different elements of the new test in addition to the ongoing training thereafter will require drivers to demonstrate their knowledge and skill in a real life setting.”

He added: “Better trained drivers should help to avoid the costs, both human and financial, of road accidents in the UK.”

Further information on the new qualification, test and training syllabus can be found on the Government’s Transport Office website