To apply for an O-Licence, operators must “designate a transport manager if you’re applying for a standard licence”.
That transport manager should be a “professionally competent person.”
Transport Manager CPC
In the O-Licence application, the transport manager must usually provide their Professional Competence Certification. The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) examination is offered by a number of Awarding Organisations, including a trade associations (for example Logistics UK / Road Haulage Association (RHA) / British Association of Removers (BAR) / Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT), a professional body (Institute of Transport Administration (IoTA) / The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) / Society for the Environment (SOE) / Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE), or an OCR approved examination centre.
Transport Manager CPD
“Applicants for the post of transport manager should possess high-quality professional knowledge”, which may go above and beyond the formal qualification.
This may include Continuing Professional Development (CPD) that develops and enhances the transport manager’s abilities with conscious and proactive learning. CPD could include training workshops, conferences and events, e-learning programs, best practice techniques and ideas sharing.
There isn’t a specified requirement for the frequency of transport manager CPD, though drivers are required to complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years. It is still good practice for Transport Managers to complete regular CPD and continue their proactive learning.
There are also some specific cases where the transport manager CPD is required:
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- on the initial application when a transport manager has not been specified as such within the previous five years;
- on the initial application when a transport manager’s qualification is more than 10 years old;
- on the application when a transport manager is proposing to be on more than one licence or when the proposed hours are less than the starting point;
- on renewal of an operator’s licence;
- at Public Inquiry when considering whether a transport manager has exercised continuous and effective management.
Download a Transport Manager CPD reflection log template here.
Driver CPC
Any operator employing or using drivers must ensure they have both:
- The correct licence and training to drive goods vehicles
- A Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC), for professional lorry drivers.
Drivers must also complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and drive a lorry, bus or coach, or face a fine of up to £1,000.
CPC training hours can be completed any time within the five-year period. Approved CPC courses count towards the training (here is a list of CPC courses you can attend). Training courses must last a minimum of 7 hours, which may be may be taken over two separate days, and may include up to 2 hours of online training. Some non-Driver CPC courses can also count towards the 35 hours.
Drivers receive a certificate of attendance at the end of courses, and the training hours are added onto their Driver CPC training record.
