Hi ,
Although not "routemaster" does anyone have a simple/clear understanding of how the sep 08 changes to pcv licenses and the introduction of cpc's affect the preservation movement . If you get a pcv before sept or allready have a pcv do you still need to do the cpc ? If you have pcv license but don't do hire/reward eg free bus service at a rally do you still have to do the cpc ?
I was thinking about doing a pcv course but wondering with the new raft of regulations whether its worth doing it or not bearing in mind the cost of initial pcv training costs and subsequent cpc costs (35 hours in 5 years)

Any thoughts

cheers
mark2391

I believe the 5 year "training" only applies if you're driving for hire and reward so would wouldn't need it when driving out of service buses or for free bus services at rallies.

I would suggest you try and get your licence before September 2008 as the test is being increased in length as is the written part (4 parts I believe) so would make it much harder and longer to pass and may not be worth it especially if your only want your licence for a hobby.

I think even if you don't do the CPC but decide in say 10 years time to work as a bus driver you would just be able to complete the "training" and then drive in service.

A load of rubbish if you ask me - what can you possibly teach in the classroom a bus driver who has been doing the job for anything up to 40 years? It's the car drivers that need periodic training. But like the LEZ it's easier to hit buses and lorries!

Incidentally the driver CPC is completely different to the operator CPC which I have so I would still have to do the "training" at some point of the next 5 years.

James

James/Mark

Hi there! James whilst you are in the main correct, the Driver CPC runs in tandem with the PCV licence. Basically no CPC no licence irrespective of what age the vehicle is. For those of us with grandfather rights, we need 7hrs training per year i.e. one day, new holders are different.

You are quite right though, what a load of tosh..

Andy

Welcome to my forum James , good to know we have another follower with valued input .

Alan , Forum owner

I believe the CPC is only required if you drive in a 'Professional' capacity. There is an exemption for 'the non commercial carriage of passengers and goods, for personal use' See www.dsa.gov.uk/documents/policy/text_directive.pdf for the full EU Directive.

As I understand after this September the initial CPC will be integrated into the PCV Theory and Practicle tests so you will have no choice.

The message is to get your PCV test before September as you will still then have 5 years before you need to complete the CPC if you decide you want to drive in a professional capacity in addition to personal use.

I passed the PCV test 4 days ago! No more limiting passengers to 8 on running days!

Ken

Welcome to the ' professional drivers club ' Ken , another safe driver of these ' icons ' .