If you already hold a LGV (lorry / truck) or PCV (coach / bus licence), you will have acquired rights, another term for grandfather rights.

This will last for the first 5 years after your respective DriverCPC [DCpC] start date (10.9.2008 Bus and Coach), (10.9.2009 Lorries).

However, at the end of the 5 years you must have completed a DriverCPC qualification.

To achieve the qualification you must attend 35 hours of periodic training, with an approved training centre, such as VTL or a Partner. You must also repeat this qualification each five year period if you wish to continue to drive professionally.

The courses will be specific to your particular industry and job.
Please note periodic training should cover some, but not necessarily all of the following topics:

1. Advanced training in rational driving based on safety regulations

• 1.1. Objective: to know the characteristics of the transmission system in order to make the best possible use of it. (LGV & PCV)
• 1.2. Objective: to know the technical characteristics and operation of the safety controls in order to control the vehicle, minimise wear and tear and prevent disfunctioning. (LGV & PCV)
• 1.3. Objective: ability to optimise fuel consumption. (LGV & PCV)
• 1.4. Objective: ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use. (LGV)
• 1.5. Objective: ability to ensure passenger comfort and safety. (PCV)
• 1.6. Objective: ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use. (PCV)

2. Application of regulations

• 2.1. Objective: to know the social environment of road transport and the rules governing it. (LGV & PCV)
• 2.2. Objective: to know the regulations governing the carriage of goods. (LGV)
• 2.3. Objective: to know the regulations governing the carriage of passengers. (PCV)

3. Health, road and environmental safety, service, logistics

• 3.1. Objective: to make drivers aware of the risks of the road and of accidents at work. (LGV & PCV)
• 3.2. Objective: ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants. (LGV & PCV)
• 3.3. Objective: ability to prevent physical risks. (LGV & PCV)
• 3.4. Objective: awareness of the importance of physical and mental ability. (LGV & PCV)
• 3.5. Objective: ability to assess emergency situations. (LGV & PCV)
• 3.6. Objective: ability to adopt behaviour to help enhance the image of the company. (LGV & PCV)
• 3.7. Objective: to know the economic environment of road haulage and the organisation of the market. (LGV)
• 3.8. Objective: to know the economic environment of the carriage of passengers by road and the organisation of the market. (PCV)

It is not necessary to attend periodic training all in one go. Attendance can be as short as 7 hours or up to 35 hours.
For example a driver may wish to attend 7 hours every year, equating to 35 hours in total over 5 years. Or the driver may wish to attend 14 hours year one and 21 hours in year five, again the option is available.

When drivers have attended an approved DriverCPC course with Mainstream, his/her details are recorded on the DSA database. As soon as the 35 hours have been completed your DriverCPC card [called a Driver Qualification Card DQC] is sent to you by the DSA.