A new qualification for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers –
the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence is coming.
In future, just holding a driving licence will not be sufficient
for someone who wishes to drive these vehicles for a living.

The Driving Standards Agency is taking the lead in implementing EU Directive 2003/59
which requires all professional bus, coach and lorry drivers
to hold a Driver CPC in addition to their vocational driving licence.

The main aim behind Driver CPC is to improve road safety;
providing better qualified drivers to help reduce road casualties.
Driver CPC should also bring an improved professional and positive image to the industries,
attracting more people to drive buses, coaches and lorries for a living.
It is aimed not only at improving the knowledge and skills of LGV and PCV drivers when they first start work,
but also ensuring those skills are maintained and developed throughout the driver’s working life.

In order to maintain their Driver CPC, all category C and D licence holders
(including C, C1, C1E and D, D1, DE, D1E)
will be required to undertake 35 hours Periodic Training every 5 years.

And i have mine in a couple of weeks.

view the report here