<P> The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is a qualification for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers . It has been introduced across Europe with the professed aim of improving road safety and helping to maintain high standards of driving . Legislation came into effect into the United Kingdom on 10 September 2009 . </P> <P> Under a European Union Directive, professional bus, coach and lorry drivers need to hold a Driver CPC in addition to a vocational driving licence . Any drivers of lorries over 3.5 tonnes and minibuses with 9 seats or more must usually obtain a Driver CPC . See exceptions below . </P> <P> New drivers obtain their Driver CPC by passing a series of initial qualification tests - theory and practical . This must then be followed by 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years if they want to keep their Driver CPC after that period . </P> <P> Bus and coach (PCV) drivers who hold a relevant vocational licence (D, D1, D + E and D1 + E) gained before 10 September 2008, (including restricted vocational licence D (101) issued after 1991 and D1 (101) issued before 1997) and lorry (LGV) drivers who obtained their licence (C, C1, C + E and C1 + E) before 10 September 2009, do not need to take the initial qualification . This is because they are deemed to hold' acquired rights' . However, they will still have to complete periodic training to keep their Driver CPC . </P>

Do i need a cpc to drive a hgv