Statutory guidance

Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) syllabus

Updated 28 April 2021

1. Advanced training in rational driving based on safety regulations

All licences

1.1. To know the characteristics of the transmission system in order to make the best possible use of it

Curves relating to torque, power, and specific consumption of an engine, area of optimum use of revolution counter, gearbox-ratio cover diagrams.

1.2. To know the technical characteristics and operation of the safety controls in order to control the vehicle, minimise wear and tear, and prevent misfunctioning

Limits to the use of brakes and retarder, combined use of brakes and retarder, making better use of speed and gear ratio, making use of vehicle inertia, using ways of slowing down and braking on downhill stretches, action in the event of failure, use of electronic and mechanical devices such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), traction control systems (TCS) and in vehicle monitoring systems (IVMS) and other, approved for use, driver assistance or automation devices.

1.3. Ability to optimise fuel consumption

Optimisation of fuel consumption by applying know-how as regards points 1.1 and 1.2, importance of anticipating traffic flow, appropriate distance to other vehicles and use of the vehicle’s momentum, steady speed, smooth driving style and appropriate tyre pressure, and familiarity with intelligent transport systems that improve driving efficiency and assist in route planning.

1.3.a. Ability to anticipate, assess and adapt to risks in traffic

To be aware of and adapt to different road, traffic and weather conditions, anticipate forthcoming events; to understand how to prepare and plan a journey during abnormal weather conditions; to be familiar with the use of related safety equipment and to understand when a journey has to be postponed or cancelled due to extreme weather conditions; to adapt to the risks of traffic, including dangerous behaviour in traffic or distracted driving (through the use of electronic devices, eating, drinking, etc.); to recognise and adapt to dangerous situations and to be able to cope with stress deriving therefrom, in particular related to size and weight of the vehicles and vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and powered two wheelers.

To identify possible hazardous situations and properly interpret how these potentially hazardous situations may turn into situations where crashes can no longer be averted and selecting and implementing actions that increase the safety margins to such an extent that a crash can still be averted in case the potential hazards should occur.

Licences C, C+E, C1, C1+E

1.4. Ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use

Forces affecting vehicles in motion, use of gearbox ratios according to vehicle load and road profile, use of automatic transmission systems, calculation of payload of vehicle or assembly, calculation of total volume, load distribution, consequences of overloading the axle, vehicle stability and centre of gravity, types of packaging and pallets.

Main categories of goods needing securing, clamping and securing techniques, use of securing straps, checking of securing devices, use of handling equipment, placing and removal of tarpaulins.

Licences D, D+E, D1, D1+E

1.5. Ability to ensure passenger comfort and safety

Adjusting longitudinal and sideways movements, road sharing, position on the road, smooth braking, overhang operation, using specific infrastructures (public areas, dedicated lanes), managing conflicts between safe driving and other roles as a driver, interacting with passengers, specificities of certain groups of passengers (disabled persons, children).

1.6. Ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use

Forces affecting vehicles in motion, use of gearbox-ratios according to vehicle load and road profile, use of automatic transmission systems, calculation of payload of vehicle or assembly, load distribution, consequences of overloading the axle, vehicle stability and centre of gravity.

2. Application of regulations

All licences

2.1. To know the social environment of road transport and the rules governing it

Maximum working periods specific to the transport industry; principles, application and consequences of Regulations (EC) No 561/2006 and (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council; penalties for failure to use, improper use of and tampering with the tachograph; knowledge of the social environment of road transport: rights and duties of drivers as regards initial qualification and periodic training.

Licences C, C+E, C1, C1+E

2.2. To know the regulations governing the carriage of goods

Transport operating licences, documents to be carried in the vehicle, bans on using certain roads, road-use fees, obligations under standard contracts for the carriage of goods, drafting of documents which form the transport contract, international transport permits, obligations under the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road, drafting of the international consignment note, crossing borders, freight forwarders, special documents accompanying goods.

Licences D, D+E, D1, D1+E

2.3. Objective: to know the regulations governing the carriage of passengers

Carriage of specific groups of passengers, safety equipment on board buses, safety belts, vehicle load.

3. Health, road and environmental safety, service, logistics

All licences

3.1. To make drivers aware of the risks of the road and of accidents at work

Types of accidents at work in the transport sector, road accident statistics, involvement of lorries/coaches, human, material and financial consequences.

3.2. Ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants

General information, implications for drivers, preventive measures, check list, legislation on transport operator liability.

3.3. Ability to prevent physical risks

Ergonomic principles; movements and postures which pose a risk, physical fitness, handling exercises, personal protection.

3.4. Awareness of the importance of physical and mental ability

Principles of healthy, balanced eating, effects of alcohol, drugs or any other substance likely to affect behaviour, symptoms, causes, effects of fatigue and stress, fundamental role of the basic work/rest cycle.

3.5. Ability to assess emergency situations

Behaviour in an emergency situation: assessment of the situation, avoiding complications of an accident, summoning assistance, assisting casualties and giving first aid, reaction in the event of fire, evacuation of occupants of a lorry/bus passengers, ensuring the safety of all passengers, reaction in the event of aggression; basic principles for the drafting of an accident report.

3.6. Ability to adopt behaviour to help enhance the image of the company:

Behaviour of the driver and company image: importance for the company of the standard of service provided by the driver, the roles of the driver, people with whom the driver will be dealing, vehicle maintenance, work organisation, commercial and financial effects of a dispute.

Licences C, C+E, C1, C1+E

3.7. To know the economic environment of road haulage and the organisation of the market

Road transport in relation to other modes of transport (competition, shippers), different road transport activities (transport for hire or reward, own account, auxiliary transport activities), organisation of the main types of transport company and auxiliary transport activities, different transport specialisations (road tanker, controlled temperature, dangerous goods, animal transport, etc), changes in the industry (diversification of services provided, rail-road, subcontracting, etc).

Licences D, D+E, D1, D1+E

3.8. To know the economic environment of the carriage of passengers by road and the organisation of the market

Carriage of passengers by road in relation to other modes of passenger transport (rail, private car), different activities involving the carriage of passengers by road, disability awareness, crossing borders (international transport), organisation of the main types of companies for the carriage of passengers by road.