CPC Training Company in Norfolk Warn Small Companies to Not Get Caught Out by Law Change.

Online, April 8, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is a new certification method that is being introduced across Europe in efforts to help improve safety on the road and ensure high standards of driving.

The European Union Directive passed in 2003 dictates that any professional bus, coach and lorry drivers must possess a Driver CPC as well as their vocational driving licence by 10th September 2013 and those who drive LGVs (Light Goods Vehicles) or HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) must obtain a drivers CPC by September 2014.
For drivers to achieve their CPC they must pass a number of both theoretical and practical tests:

1. Theory test - hazard perception and multiple choice tests
2. Case studies
3. Practical assessment - tests driving ability
4. Vehicle safety demonstration - Driver CPC practical test.

After the driver has completed these four exams the driver must finish 35 hours of training every five years. The driver cannot pass or fail, it is simply to ensure drivers keep up to date with contemporary driving knowledge and skills and will continue to act safely, courteously and maintain fuel efficient driving methods.

With the deadline for this certificate less than six months away, CPC Training Norfolk company are concerned that small businesses may be hit the hardest. Some smaller companies may not be aware of the change in law, which could lead drivers getting caught out and being temporarily pulled off of the road until they are certified.

Colin Wright, from Britannia Safety and Training states that "Many businesses we speak to are still unaware or they are just too busy to take the time out and ensure their staff are working now towards the September deadline". 35 hours amounts to around five days work; and smaller businesses with smaller fleets are finding it a lot more difficult to find this time compared to larger businesses with more commercial vehicles.