The DSA and VOSA have issued a reminder to bus and coach drivers with ‘acquired rights’ that they have less than a month to finish their 35 hours of periodic training.
The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) was introduced in 2008 for bus and coach drivers, and in 2009 for lorry drivers. Since these dates, all new drivers have had to take the Driver CPC initial qualification. Existing drivers were given ‘acquired rights’ which took their previous experience into account.
By law, all professional drivers must do 35 hours of periodic training every five years, and bus or coach drivers with acquired rights must finish their training by 10 September 2013. Anyone who does not complete this training risks being fined, or even losing their livelihood.
Alastair Peoples, DSA and VOSA chief executive, said: “Periodic training keeps drivers’ skills up to date, helps save money through improved fuel efficiency and reduced accidents, and contributes to safer roads in Britain.
“We know that the majority of these drivers have completed, or are on track to complete, their first cycle of training in time.
“VOSA officers already routinely check the Driver CPC status of professional drivers. After the deadlines they can also check whether ‘acquired rights’ drivers have completed their training or are driving illegally.
“Not being aware of Driver CPC is not an excuse for drivers or operators.”
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