In recent months, there has been a bit of debate over whether or not van drivers will need a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) to drive legally in the UK.
In this post we’ll take a look at what the law has to say about this issue to assess whether you need to take any action to ensure your fleet of van drivers remains safe and compliant.
If you’re a fleet manager and you’ve got any questions about risk management and compliance, why not chat to one of our friendly experts? Call us on 020 8290 9099 or email us at commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
What is a CPC?
CPC stands for Certificate of Professional Competence. This is a qualification that most professional drivers in the UK have to hold along with their vocational driving licence.
Who Needs a CPC?
A Driver CPC is primarily for people who drive lorries, buses, or coaches as their main job. To obtain one, you need to pass four different tests, including a theory test, a series of case studies, a driving ability test, and a practical demonstration.
Once you’ve gained your CPC, you need to complete an additional 25 hours of Driver CPC training every five years. You also need to renew your vocational licence every five years, or every year if you’re over 65.
Read our full guide to what the Driver CPC is, and how it works.
Which Vehicles Need CPC Accredited Drivers?
Driver CPCs are required to drive vehicles that are over 3,500 kg, or which can carry more than nine passengers.
This means you need a CPC to drive vehicles from categories C, C1, D1, and D. Read a full guide to the different vehicle categories.
Do Van Drivers Need a CPC?
Van drivers will need a CPC if their van weighs over 3,500 kg, with or without a trailer.
Yet even then, there are some scenarios where a CPC is not required:
- If driving is not part of your main job. If carrying material, equipment, or people for professional purposes accounts for less than 30% of your rolling monthly work, then you won’t need a CPC.
- For driving within 62 miles, or 100km, of your business premises, so long as the vehicle isn’t carrying passengers or goods.
- For driving to or from pre-booked appointments at official vehicle testing centres.
- In a state of emergency, or during a public emergency.
Do I Need a CPC If I’m Hiring a Van?
CPCs are not required for the non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods. This means that if you’re hiring a van for a house move, for example, then you will not need a CPC.
Will you be able to drive a van on your current driving licence? Probably yes, so long as the van weighs less than 3,500 kg. Read our full guide to everything you need to know before you hire a van here.
Is Your Fleet Compliant?
Even if your van drivers are exempt from needing a Driver CPC, you should still ensure they receive periodic training. Ongoing training and development is an essential part of risk management for fleet managers, no matter what sort of vehicles you’re working with.
If you’re a fleet manager and you’ve got any questions about risk management and compliance, why not chat to one of our friendly experts? Call us on 020 8290 9099 or email us at commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
