Are your Professional Drivers and YOU compliant with the NEW Licence Test and Training?Do YOU understand EU Directive 2003/59/EC or Compulsory Driver CPC?Have you explained to your Drivers that without Qualification & Periodic Training they will lose their JOBS!Who will be affected?Professional drivers of vehicles in categories: D1; D1+E; D; D+E from 10 September 2008 C1; C1+E; C; C+E from 10 September 2009 Who is required to comply?It affects all new and existing drivers.Including a professional driver from countries outside the EU who drive within a Member state. Who will not be affected?Drivers of vehicles with maximum design speed less than 45kphWhich drivers are exempt?Armed forces fire and defenceDrivers of road testing vehicles Emergency services Drivers of vehicles used for lessons Non-commercial driving Incidental drivers (were not sure what one is yet. Get back to you on this one!) INITIAL QUALIFICATIONWho is exempt?Acquired RightsDrivers already holding a full licence for category: D1, D1+E, D or D+E on 10 September 2008 Drivers already holding a full licence for category: C1, C1+E, C or C+E on 10 September 2009 Initial QualificationQualification will be received through testing in two parts: Four-hour theory test Two-hour practical test These tests will be required as well as the licence acquisition tests Modular approach will reduce the burden (See qualification syllabus) Initial Qualification CompletedOnce completed a professional driver receives a Certificate of Professional Competence Driver CPCValid for five years from date of issue May drive professionally throughout all Member states Enforcement bodies throughout Europe can ask to see evidence of a Driver CPC Completion will be recorded as: Code on driving licence for UK licences Separate driver qualification card for non-UK licence holders PERIODIC TRAININGAll who drive professionally must complyMust take part in 35 hours retraining every 5 years i.e. one week Can be taken in courses of no less than 7 hours at one time one day Free to distribute the five days over the five year period The syllabus is the same as for initial training Expected Benefits are: Accident reduction Less fatalities / injuries Less downtime due to accidents Reduced insurance premiums Increased fuel efficiency Reduced emissions Lower fuel costs Improved profit margins Reduction in maintenance costs Improved image for the industries To increase recruitment and retention Return from Professional drivers to Driving Licence Return to Home Page
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