Driver CPC Exemptions

Driver CPC Exemptions – The following content deals with the exemption and enforcement of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and identifies the government body that is responsible for implementing and monitoring transport policy law.

Driving Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

The DVSA is the body responsible for applying the law and controls on behalf of the government. In a number of areas, the DVSA are advisers to the elected government on transport and logistics legislation and is the key agency for accurate advice. The DVSA have the responsibility to implement the law and monitor the performance of business operator licence holders, to maintain high standards of safety. 

Exemptions from needing Driver CPC

You do not need Driver CPC if you are using the vehicle for:

• non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods
• carrying material or equipment you use for your job, as long as driving is less than 30% of your rolling monthly work
• driving for someone you work for, or your own agriculture, horticulture, forestry, farming or fisheries business, as long as driving is less than 30% of your rolling monthly work
• driving within 62 miles (100 kilometres) of your base – but the vehicle cannot be carrying passengers or goods, and driving a lorry, bus or coach cannot be your main job
• driving to or from pre-booked appointments at official vehicle testing centres
• driving lessons for anyone who wants to get a driving licence or a Driver CPC
• maintaining public order – and the vehicle is being used or controlled by a local authority
• rescue missions or in states of emergency

You also do not need Driver CPC if the vehicle is:

• is being road tested for repair, maintenance or technical development purposes
• either new or rebuilt and has not yet been taxed
• being used or controlled by the armed forces, police, fire and rescue service, emergency ambulance service, prison service or people running a prison or young offender institution
• limited to a top speed of 28mph

If you are not sure if you need the Driver CPC, you should seek legal advice.

What you need to do

If you want to become an HGV, bus or coach driver in these situations, you need to:

Apply for a provisional HGV or bus licence.

Pass the

• part 1 (theory)
• part 3a (off-road exercises) and 
• part 3b (on-road driving) tests.

Undertake

• Part 2 (case studies test)
• Part 4 (practical demonstration test)

You need to renew your bus or HGV licence every 5 years when you reach 45 and every year when you reach 65.

A driver can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without a Driver CPC.

Further Information

Use the following link to read a comprehensive list of exemptions complete with examples:

www.gov.uk/guidance/driver-cpc-exemptions-examples

Source – DVSA