Periodic Training (PT)
What is it?
Periodic Driver CPC Training is a mandatory requirement for professional bus, coach, and lorry drivers in the UK. Once a driver has obtained their Driver CPC through the Initial Qualification, they must complete 35 hours of training every five years to maintain their qualification.
This training is not a test; instead, it is a series of professional development sessions designed to keep drivers up-to-date with changes in regulations, improve their skills, and reinforce best practices in the industry.
The training covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Defensive driving techniques
- Updates on driving laws and regulations
- Managing driver fatigue and health
- Vehicle safety and maintenance
- Customer service skills for passenger transport drivers
Why is Periodic Training Important?
- Maintains Legal Compliance:
Professional drivers must stay compliant with Driver CPC regulations to legally operate their vehicles. - Promotes Road Safety:
Ongoing training ensures that drivers remain competent and aware of new safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents. - Improves Career Longevity:
By keeping their skills sharp and knowledge current, drivers remain valuable assets in the transportation industry. - Builds Confidence and Adaptability:
The training prepares drivers to handle challenges effectively, from emergencies to changes in road laws.
A Real-Life Example
Consider Tom, a 42-year-old lorry driver with over 15 years of experience. He had just completed his first five years with a Driver CPC and was required to take his periodic training. Initially sceptical, Tom enrolled in a course with CPC Express, unsure how much more he could learn after years on the road.
During the training, Tom discovered new techniques for managing fuel efficiency, a topic he hadn’t considered in depth before. He also learned updated regulations around rest periods and how to better use his tachograph for compliance.
Not long after completing the training, Tom faced a long-haul trip during an unseasonably cold winter. Thanks to his newly acquired skills, he adjusted his driving to conserve fuel, saving his company money and reducing emissions. His proactive approach impressed his employer and earned him recognition as a reliable and knowledgeable driver.
Insights from CPC Express
At CPC Express, we’ve seen how periodic training transforms drivers’ attitudes and careers. One of our instructors, Lisa, shares her perspective: “Many drivers come into the sessions thinking they won’t learn anything new. By the end, they’re surprised by how much the industry has evolved and how relevant the training is to their day-to-day work.”
We’ve also worked with drivers like Tom, who have walked away from periodic training not just meeting the legal requirements but feeling empowered and ready to take on new challenges.
Periodic training isn’t just a tick-box exercise—it’s an opportunity to refresh your skills, stay informed, and even discover ways to make your job easier and more rewarding.
If you’re due for your periodic training, the team at CPC Express is here to make it a smooth and valuable experience. Reach out today to book your sessions and keep your career on the road!