Watch out for changes to driver requirements by September 2013
Businesses are being reminded that it is necessary for drivers of goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and minibuses with over 8 seats, to undertake at least 35 hours of continued professional competence (CPC) training. This must be undertaken by 9th September 2013 for minibus drivers, and 9th September 2014 for lorry drivers. Driver CPC is a requirement for lorry and minibus drivers who drive professionally throughout the UK. It has been developed as a requirement of the EU Directive 2003/59, which is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of professional drivers throughout their working life.
All existing minibus drivers who hold a full valid category D, D1, D+E or D1+E will need to complete 35 hours of periodic training by 9th September 2013. All existing professional drivers who hold a full, valid category C, C1, C+E, or C1+E license (all over 3.5 tonnes) will need to complete 35 hours of periodic training by 9th September 2014. New drivers holding the above license categories will have to complete the 35 hours requirement within 5 years of the date of their initial training.
If you hold both D and C category licenses then you will only need to complete one course of 35 hours periodic training every five years, not 35 hours for each category. If you drive in both categories you must have completed your 35 hours by 9th September 2013 to continue driving D category (minibuses over 8 seats).
If you have drivers with the above category equivalent from other EU Member States, the periodic training must be completed in the country of employment or residence i.e. the U.K.