If you’re a professional lorry, bus, or coach driver, you’re likely familiar with the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). However, the rules surrounding it can sometimes feel complex, especially concerning drivers CPC grandfather rights. This post will clarify what these rights are, who is eligible, and how they affect your professional driving career. Understanding your status is essential for staying compliant and on the road.
What Are CPC Grandfather Rights?
Driver CPC was introduced across Europe to improve road safety and maintain high driving standards. ‘Grandfather rights’, also known as ‘acquired rights’, were established as a transitional provision for experienced drivers when the scheme began. This provision acknowledged their existing professional experience, exempting them from the initial CPC qualification.
Essentially, if you were already a professional driver before the CPC requirements came into force, these rights allowed you to continue working without needing to take the full, initial tests. Eligibility depends on when you obtained your vocational driving licence.
Who is Eligible for Grandfather Rights?
Eligibility for grandfather rights is tied to specific dates when you passed your driving test for vocational vehicles.
- Lorry drivers: You qualify for grandfather rights if you obtained your C, C1, C+E, or C1+E licence before 10 September 2009.
- Bus and coach drivers: You qualify if you got your D, D1, D+E, or D1+E licence before 10 September 2008.
If your licence was issued before these dates, you were granted acquired rights. You do not need to take the initial CPC qualification, which consists of four parts, including a case study and a practical demonstration test. Your existing driving licence serves as proof of these rights.
The Benefits of Acquired Rights
Having grandfather rights provides significant advantages. The primary benefit is the exemption from the initial CPC qualification, saving you both time and money. New drivers must complete this extensive training before they can drive professionally, but with acquired rights, you can bypass this step.
This exemption allows experienced drivers to continue their careers with minimal disruption. It recognises your valuable time already spent on the road and your proven professional capability, removing the need to prove your skills through an initial, lengthy qualification process.
How to Maintain Your CPC Status
While grandfather rights exempt you from the initial qualification, they do not exempt you from ongoing training. All professional drivers, regardless of how they obtained their CPC, must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to keep their qualification valid.
This training is designed to refresh your knowledge and keep you updated on new regulations and best practices. You can complete the 35 hours at any point within the five-year period. Once you complete your training, you will be issued a new Driver Qualification Card (DQC), which you must carry while driving professionally. Failing to complete the required periodic training means you cannot legally drive for a living.
Staying Informed and Compliant
Understanding your CPC status is an essential part of your professional responsibilities as a driver. If you hold grandfather rights, it means you are exempt from the initial Driver CPC qualification due to your driving experience before certain regulations came into effect. However, this exemption does not mean you’re free from all requirements—you are still obligated to complete periodic training to maintain your status. This training ensures you remain up-to-date with industry standards and safe driving practices.
If you’re unsure about your current CPC status or need to double-check your training progress, the official government website provides detailed guidance and access to your training record. Taking the time to stay informed not only ensures compliance with legal requirements but also protects your professional driving career, keeping you on track for continued success.