European CPC Card: Your Key to Professional Driving in Europe

Driver CPC

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is a qualification for professional bus, coach, and lorry drivers. It has been introduced in Europe with the primary goal of enhancing road safety and maintaining high driving standards.

What is Driver CPC?

Under a European Union Directive, professional drivers of lorries over 3.5 tonnes or passenger-carrying vehicles (PCV) with nine or more seats must usually obtain a Driver CPC and a vocational driving licence. See exemptions below.

New drivers obtain their Driver CPC by passing initial qualification tests in theory and practical sections. They must maintain this with 35 hours of periodic training every five years, or the certificate will lapse.

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 as they are deemed to hold 'acquired rights'. They must still complete periodic training to maintain their Driver CPC.

New drivers who pass the initial qualification tests will receive a "Driver Qualification Card" (DQC), or community code 95, added to the driving licence to show that they hold a Driver CPC.

Drivers who have acquired rights receive their DQC after completing their first 35 hours of periodic training. Their DQC is valid until 9 September 2018 for PCV drivers and until 9 September 2019 for LGV drivers. One DQC covers drivers with licences for both PCV and LGV and is valid until 9 September 2019.

Directive 2018/645 on the driver qualification card and conversion of the qualification for non-EU nationals

Directive 2018/645 allows non-EU drivers to prove their professional qualification and training (CPC) using a certificate bearing code ‘95’ obtained in a Member State. Drivers who are nationals of non-EU countries do not have this qualification, even if they have an equivalent qualification issued by a third country, simply because of a conversion issue. This means that non-EU nationals who could be employed in companies as professional drivers cannot be recruited, thereby undermining their right to entry into the European Union. The IRU (International Road Transport Union) estimates a shortage of around 400,000 professional drivers in the road transport sector in the largest EU countries.

1. Commission's Assessment of the Situation

The European Commission is aware of the EU's shortage of professional drivers, estimated to be around 400,000 in the largest EU countries. This shortage has significant implications for the road transport sector. The Commission recognises the issues faced by non-EU drivers who hold equivalent qualifications from third countries but cannot work due to recognition and conversion barriers within the EU. Efforts are being made to address this gap by considering ways to streamline the recognition of non-EU driver qualifications to alleviate the driver shortage crisis.

2. Obtaining CPC Qualification for Non-EU Applicants

The current framework allows non-EU drivers to start driving under a C or CE license and obtain the CPC qualification. However, non-EU drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training to receive a Driver Qualification Card (DQC). This ensures that they meet the EU standards for professional driving. The European Commission is looking into ways to facilitate this process to help mitigate the driver shortage​ (indirect)​​ (European Union)​.

3. Ongoing Talks with Non-EU Countries

There are ongoing discussions between the EU and various non-EU countries regarding the recognition and conversion of driver qualifications. These talks aim to create agreements allowing for the mutual recognition of driver CPC qualifications, thereby enabling non-EU nationals to work as professional drivers within the EU. Such initiatives are seen as essential steps toward addressing the critical shortage of drivers in the EU and enhancing the mobility and integration of qualified professionals from outside the Union​ (indirect)​​ (European Union)​.

You can visit the Your Europe portal and other relevant EU Commission publications for more detailed and up-to-date information.

A Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) card is essential for professional drivers in Europe for several reasons:

1. Legal Requirement

• Compliance with EU Regulations: The CPC card is a mandatory requirement under the EU Directive 2003/59/EC, which aims to ensure that all professional drivers maintain high road safety standards and environmental awareness.
• Avoiding Penalties: It's crucial to note that driving without a valid CPC card can lead to significant fines and penalties, including potential disqualification from driving professionally. This underscores the importance of maintaining a valid CPC card at all times.

2. Professional Standards

• Skills and Knowledge: Obtaining a CPC card requires drivers to undergo initial qualification and periodic training, which enhances their driving skills, knowledge of regulations, and understanding of road safety.
• Ongoing Training: Drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to keep their CPC valid, ensuring they stay up-to-date with industry standards and best practices.

3. Safety and Efficiency

• Road Safety: Well-trained drivers are better equipped to handle their vehicles safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Environmental Awareness: CPC training often includes modules on eco-driving, which can help reduce fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.

4. Employment Opportunities

• Job Requirement: Many transport and logistics companies in Europe require drivers to have a CPC card as a condition of employment.
• Professional Recognition: Holding a CPC card demonstrates a driver's commitment to professionalism and competence, making them more attractive to potential employers.

5. Standardization Across Europe

• Uniform Standards: The CPC ensures a standardised level of competence among drivers across EU member states, facilitating more effortless movement and employment opportunities across borders.
• Mutual Recognition: A CPC card obtained in one EU country is recognised across the entire EU, simplifying the process for drivers who wish to work in different member states.

6. Public and Employer Confidence

• Trust: Employers and the public can have greater confidence in the abilities and professionalism of CPC-certified drivers.
• Responsibility: The certification process instils a sense of responsibility and awareness among drivers regarding the impact of their profession on road safety and the environment.

In summary, the Driver CPC is a crucial asset for European professional drivers. It ensures legal compliance, promotes high professional standards, enhances road safety and environmental practices, opens employment opportunities, standardises driver qualifications across the EU, and builds trust and confidence among employers and the public. Its benefits are far-reaching and underscore its importance in the transport and logistics industry.