Certificate of Professional Competence course aims to improve the driving skills of those behind the wheel of vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, Certificate of Professional Competence training could be seen as a viable way for the motoring industry to improve on various levels.

Targeting numerous aspects of driving, Certificate of Professional Competence training is designed to ensure the utmost safety and economical security is maintained when drivers are on the road. Helping to make drivers more efficient and safer, the programme which has been compulsory since 2009 could help improve the motor industry.

What is covered?

Areas covered on such CPC training courses include truck technology, safety, defensive driving, securing loads, roll and skid pan procedures and carriage of goods by road. Other courses on offer include Pro-trainer training and Eco and defence driver training.

Who needs the course?

The course is open for anyone to apply but the driver will need to have a CE licence (replacement for old HGV 1). If they hold a C or CIE licence then they can also apply independently but would need to check if appropriate rigid side vehicles were available.

Why is it necessary?

It is now compulsory that all LGV drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must undertake training every 5 years. This CPC training must consist of at least 35 hours of instruction, completed at the rate of one full day a year.  The Certificate of Professional Competence is a Government backed initiative to increase knowledge and efficiency in fleet company driving staff.

It may seem a bit daunting to go back to the classroom to learn what you do right and what you may have been doing wrong but the mix of hands on and theoretical practice have been designed to make the learning process enjoyable as well.

Who offers the training?

Mercedes-Benz provides courses based on their 30 years of training experience. These are governed by both JAUPT, (Joint approval unit for periodic training) and their own BlueTecEco ethos which contributes to ecology and economy in transportation by developing a raft of technological innovations for their trucks and backing that up with training courses.

The brand is also committed to developing more efficient and economically beneficial technologies for vehicles – both large and small – putting them at the forefront of improvements associated with the motor industry.