The Initial CPC: Certificate of Professional Competence

Over the years I have had many questions over the Initial CPC, who needs it? Why do I need it?

When do I need it by? So here I will explain the who’s and the why’s.

Since the Initial CPC became a legal requirement on the 10th September 2008 for Bus & Coaches and the 10th September 2009 for HGV Drivers there has been so confusion about who needs it and why.

The Who’s

  1. If you passed your car test after January 1997 and are looking to become a HGV driver for financial gain then you most obtain your Initial CPC qualification.
  2. If you are 21 or younger and are looking to become a HGV driver for financial gain then you most obtain your Initial CPC qualification.
  3. If you are 21 or younger and just need it to transport your horses for personal use you must obtain your Initial CPC qualification.
  4. If you passed your Category C (Class 2) before September 2009 and passed your car test after January 1997 then you most obtain your Initial CPC qualification.
  5. Here’s the confusing one – Are you looking to work for financial gain? – YES – Did you pass your car test before January 1997? – YES – Did you pass in the UK – NO – Do you have a DQC Card or does your C1 (7.5 Tonne) date match your B (Car) date? – NO – then you most obtain your Initial CPC qualification.
  6. And finally if you are looking at a Category D (Bus or Coach) you must do your Initial CPC regardless of age.

The Why’s

  1. This one is simple – If you passed your car test after January 1997 and you are looking to obtain your licence for financial gain YOU MUST obtain your Initial CPC, without it you simply CAN NOT work.
  2. If you are 21 or younger and looking to get your licence to drive your horsebox YOU MUST obtain your Initial CPC, without it you cannot transport your horse or horses.

There are plenty more questions and queries that I have not gone through but I hope the above gives you some idea what the Initial CPC is all about.