Grandfather Rights and Driver CPC Explained

If you’ve never heard of the term ‘grandfather rights’, it might sound strange to be said in the same breath as something as professional and modern as Driver CPC Training, but it’s a commonly held belief that these rights mean you don’t need to hold a Driver CPC qualification under certain circumstances.

What are ‘Grandfather Rights’?

The ‘grandfather rights’ referred to are also known as ‘acquired rights’, and some people take them to mean that if you got your licence before a certain time, when the rules on Driver CPC training weren’t in place, that Driver CPC doesn’t apply to you at all. This isn’t exactly true, and believing that it is can cause you problems if you don’t abide by the real rules on Driver CPC training.

We’ve broken it down so you know exactly where you stand with these rights.

Grandfather Rights and the law

Drivers of coaches, lorries and buses must by law hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, otherwise known as a Driver CPC. Without it, you’re not allowed to drive professionally at all.  It’s the case now that if you undertake your professional HGV, bus or coach training, then you will need to get a Driver CPC as part of your qualification. But that wasn’t always the case, and that’s why we have grandfather rights or acquired rights.

Who has acquired rights?

If you’re an HGV driver who gained your licence prior to 10th September 2009, then you have acquired rights, since it was only beyond this point that CPC became part of your formal qualification. This applies to Cat C, C1, C+E and C1+E licences for vocational use.

If you are a bus or coach driver who gained your D, D1, D+E or D1+E licence before 10th September 2008, you can also apply for acquired rights.

What do acquired rights really mean?

All the term really means for you with regard to Driver CPC is that you don’t need to hold the actual qualification as part of your licence. It’s assumed that you have the same rights in this regard as drivers who are coming through the system now and do need the Driver CPC. So in other words, you have acquired the Driver CPC by right of having completed your training before Driver CPC was needed. 

However, you do still have some obligation under the law. Just as other drivers who do hold a Driver CPC must complete 35 hours of training every five years, so must you. Failure to do this is a breach of the law and you could suffer serious professional consequences as a result. If you are looking to acquire rights from grandfather rights, you can simply visit the gov website and apply. 

Where can I complete my Driver CPC training?

HGVT offers periodic CPC courses for drivers, with training available online or on site. We have a range of approved modules to suit your needs and ensure you always stay compliant.

The driver CPC qualification improves the knowledge and skills of professional drivers throughout their working life, giving them the tools to remain safe and compliant on the road.

Every individual who wishes to drive professionally needs 35 hours of JAUPT approved CPC training to keep their Driver’s Qualification Card valid. Drivers are responsible for gathering all the necessary qualifications and training to meet their driver CPC requirements, and must keep a record of their training and further training requirements to ensure they remain compliant and protect themselves from liability.

HGVT is the trusted, reliable leader in driver CPC training with a nationwide network of vetted partner training schools across the UK. You won’t find a provider that combines enthusiasm for driver training with expertise, knowledge, and thorough approach to professional driver development. In addition to keeping you compliant, we focus on delivering a great candidate experience and courses with a guaranteed return on investment.

Contact us for more details.

Why use HGVT for Driver CPC training?

Your training is booked and tracked through the HGVT App. Everything is controlled through our app, where you are kept updated at all times. It reminds you when courses need to be taken, how many hours of training you have left to complete, and when your certificate is close to expiring. Our team guides you through every step to ensure you meet training standards.

What happens if I do not complete periodic driver training?

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without Driver CPC. Furthermore, you may become disallowed from driving professionally in the future.

Exemptions from needing Driver CPC:

• non-commercial transport of goods
• carrying material or equipment you use for your job, once driving is less than 30% of your monthly work
• driving your own agriculture, horticulture, forestry, farming or fisheries, once driving is less than 30% of your monthly work
• driving within 62 miles (100 km) of our base- but the vehicle cannot be carrying goods, and driving a HGV, bus or coach cannot be your main job
• driving to and from vehicle test centres from pre-booked appointments
• driving lessons for those who want to get a driving licence or a Driver CPC
• maintaining public order – and the vehicle is being monitored a local authority
• rescue missions or emergencies
• where the vehicle is:
  • being road tested for repair or maintenance
  • either new or rebuilt and has not been put into service yet
  • being used or controlled by the armed forces, police, fire and rescue, ambulance, prison service, or people running a prison or young offender institution
  • limited to a top speed of 28mph

Car Licence Holders Pre January 1997

If you obtained your car licence (Category B licence) before 1st January 1997, your automatically entitled to Category C1 (medium goods vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes) and Category D1 (minibuses) on your licence. This allows you to drive these vehicles without any extra tests. However, if you want to drive them professionally you are still required to undergo Driver CPC training.

Key Aspects of C1 Grandfather Rights:

• You have C1 (7.5 tonne vehicles) and D1 (minibuses) on your licence automatically if you obtained your car licence before 1st January 1997.
• This also allows you to drive with a trailer weighing up to 750kg (C1+E).
• If you wish to drive these vehicles commercially, you still need the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence), requiring 35 hours of training every 5 years.
• Grandfather rights holders have relaxed medical rules but must renew them periodically (e.g. every 5 years after the age of 45).