What's an Initial Qualification?
The term “Initial Qualification” refers to the procedure required to add a PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) to a licence, thus including the Driver CPC element so allowing the holder to drive commercially.
To attain a PCV category and to drive commercially with a Driver CPC 4 module-based tests would need to be passed successfully, as follows.
module |
type of test |
content |
Driver CPC |
licence only |
duration |
Module 1 |
theory |
100 questions & 19 hazard clips (can be split and taken |
 |
|
2 hrs 30 min |
Module 2 |
theory |
7 case studies, |
|
1 hr 30 min |
|
Module 3 |
practical |
"Show me - Tell me" reversing and braking exercise and |
|
|
1 hr 30 min |
Module 4 |
practical |
demonstration of vehicle safety |
|
30 min |
For the full Driver CPC modules 1 and 2 can be taken in any order, as can modules 3 and 4. However candidates must complete module 1 before they can take module 3 and must complete module 2 before they can take module 4. In other words the theory test must be taken before the practical part.
Driver Qualification Card
Once drivers' have successfully passed all 4 modules for the Driver CPC initial qualification a Driver qualification card will be issued. It will driver's responsibility to carry this card "at all times" whilst they are driving commercially with penalties for drivers who are found to be driving without one.
licence only
It is still possible however to acquire a PCV category on a "licence only" basis without the Driver CPC element attached, for example, for those wishing to drive a minibus on a non-commercial (non-Hire and reward) basis. Therefore, if you wish to attain a PCV category on your licence on this basis you will only need to successfully pass modules 1 & 3.
upgrade to a Driver CPC qualification
However, if you later decide to upgrade from a "licence only" acquisition to a full Driver CPC and drive commercially, this can be achieved by taking the additional modules 2 & 4.
upgrade PCV licence category
In addition if you wish to upgrade your PCV licence category, i.e. from a minibus to a coach, then a separate module 3 with the respective vehicle upgrade required will need to be taken.
Modules 1 & 2 are conducted at official theory test centres. Whereas modules 3 & 4 are conducted at a DSA (Driving Standards Agency) driving test centres.
Confused about how to add a new PCV category to your licence in order to drive either a minibus, bus or coach? This section of the site will help you "step by step" to understand what you need to do from deciding whether you need a "licence only" or a Driver CPC "Initial Qualification", completing the right forms and applications to finding the right driver course for you.
Driver CPC Reference Guide
- What is the Driver CPC?
- Do I need a Driver CPC?
- What does the syllabus contain?
- What's an Initial Qualification?
- What's Periodic Training?
- Official DSA CPC study publications
- Officially approved Driver CPC training courses
- Driver CPC card, responsibilities & enforcement
