How many CPC modules are there?

All aspiring professional lorry drivers must complete driver CPC training if they want to enter the rewarding field of HGV driving. But what exactly is driver CPC training, and how many CPC modules are there?

You can find out all you need to know about driver CPC throughout this blog, so carry on reading!

What is driver CPC training?

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, commonly abbreviated as Driver CPC, is a recurring professional development that continues throughout a HGV driver’s career.

Driver CPC was introduced to enhance road safety by ensuring that professional drivers are aware of updated health and safety requirements, and any other advancements in the sector.

There are two types of CPC training: initial and periodic training, both of which professional drivers must complete to drive a heavy goods vehicle legally. We’ll explain more about each throughout this blog.

What are the initial CPC modules?

Initial driver CPC training, or the CPC initial, is mandatory training for new-professional drivers. It’s for those who earned a lorry entitlement after the 9th of September 2009 and haven’t held a CPC beforehand.

The initial CPC is comprised of two elements: CPC Case Studies (CPC Module 2 Theory Test) and CPC Practical (CPC Module 4).

CPC Case Studies

The third and final test you do as part of your HGV training starts with the first part of the CPC.

CPC module 2 is a theory test that gives you seven “case studies” based on real-life situations you’ll likely come across whilst driving an HGV.

You get 1 hour 15 minutes to complete between 6-8 multiple choice questions on each case study. In total, there are 50 questions to answer and the pass mark is 40 out of 50 (80%).

CPC Practical

This practical demonstration test covers the parts of being a lorry operator aside from driving, such as vehicle safety checks.

You’ll be trained on how to conduct the various checks before taking a “show me, tell me” style examination. While showing the examiner how to perform each, you must also tell them what you’re doing.

After completing your initial CPC training, you’ll gain your driver qualification card, also known as a driver CPC card. This means you’re now fully qualified and able to use your professional licence for work!

What’s involved in driver CPC periodic training?

Periodic CPC training, or the interim CPC, is a training necessity that HGV drivers must fulfil every five years to ensure their licence stays valid.

If you drive a HGV without a valid CPC, you can be fined up to £1,000 or even lose eligibility to drive HGVs professionally – so, it’s essential that you maintain your CPC qualification.

Periodic CPC is for drivers who have held a lorry entitlement (C1, C1+E, C or CE) before 9th September 2009 or individuals who are renewing a CPC.

The training consists of classroom-based refresher modules that build on existing knowledge – with CPC periodic training, there are no questions to answer as it’s purely an attendance-based course. So, all you need to do to pass is turn up on time and don’t fall asleep!

How many periodic CPC modules do I need to complete, and how long do they take to finish?

Each module lasts for 7 hours (not including breaks), and you need to pass 5 CPC modules (35 hours of training every 5 years) to achieve your periodic driver CPC qualification.

Drivers typically choose to complete one module per year, but it’s entirely up to them how they wish to do it.

List of periodic course modules we offer at HGV Training Network

The content of periodic CPC modules varies between HGV training providers, but ultimately they all aim to improve driving skills, safety, emergency first aid, fuel-efficient driving and environmental responsibility. Here are the 7-hour course modules we offer here at HGV Training Network:

• Health and Safety & Fire Marshal
• Company Image & Driver Lifestyle
• Security & First Aid
• Drivers Hours & Tachographs
• Vehicle Checks & Weight Dimensions (Lorry Only)
• Eco Driving & Vulnerable Road Users

All you need to do is complete five of the above throughout 5-years and you’ll be well on your way to maintaining your professional licence and driver CPC card.

CPC training at HGV Training Network

In addition to our LGV, HGV and ADR training courses, we offer CPC driver training here at HGV Training Network. Initial driver CPC training is included as part of your HGV training, and we also provide periodic driver CPC training modules for those looking to keep their licence valid.

For more information, you can call our helpful team on 0800 254 5007, or we can help you book your HGV training today! or email us at contact@hgvtrainingnetwork.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.