CPC Professional Conduct — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the legal blood alcohol limit for professional HGV drivers in the UK?
- 80mg per 100ml (same as car drivers)
- 50mg per 100ml
- 20mg per 100ml
- Zero — the same limit as car drivers applies, but operators typically enforce zero tolerance (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Zero — the same limit as car drivers applies, but operators typically enforce zero tolerance
The legal limit for all drivers in England and Wales is 80mg per 100ml of blood (35mcg per 100ml breath). However, most professional operators enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy, and the consequences of any alcohol for professional drivers are far more severe.
Question 2: What should a professional driver do if they witness a road traffic collision?
- Drive past as it is not their responsibility
- Stop safely, ensure scene safety, call 999, and provide what assistance they can (Correct answer)
- Only stop if their vehicle is involved
- Take a video and post it on social media
Correct answer: Stop safely, ensure scene safety, call 999, and provide what assistance they can
Professional drivers should stop safely if they can assist without creating additional hazards. They should ensure scene safety, call 999, provide first aid if trained, and act as a witness. Their professional skills and first aid training can be invaluable at collision scenes.
Question 3: Why is it important for professional drivers to maintain a clean driving licence?
- It is not important as long as the vehicle is insured
- Points and disqualifications can result in loss of their professional livelihood and CPC qualification (Correct answer)
- A clean licence only matters when applying for a first job
- Penalty points expire after 1 year
Correct answer: Points and disqualifications can result in loss of their professional livelihood and CPC qualification
A professional driver's licence is their livelihood. Penalty points, endorsements, or disqualification can result in losing their job, being unable to find alternative employment, and potentially losing their CPC qualification. The consequences are far more severe than for non-professional drivers.
Question 4: What is the professional driver's responsibility regarding mobile phone use while driving?
- They can use a handheld phone on quiet roads
- Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal and can result in 6 penalty points and a £200 fine (Correct answer)
- Using a phone is only illegal on motorways
- Hands-free phones are also illegal for professional drivers
Correct answer: Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal and can result in 6 penalty points and a £200 fine
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal under UK law, resulting in 6 penalty points and a £200 fine. For professional drivers, this is particularly serious as 6 points within the first 2 years of holding a licence results in automatic disqualification.
Question 5: How should a professional driver deal with road rage from other road users?
- Retaliate to teach them a lesson
- Remain calm, avoid eye contact, do not react, and report the incident if necessary (Correct answer)
- Speed up to get away from the aggressive driver
- Block the aggressive driver's path
Correct answer: Remain calm, avoid eye contact, do not react, and report the incident if necessary
Professional drivers should never engage with aggressive road users. Remaining calm, avoiding provocative eye contact, not retaliating with gestures or driving, and if necessary safely stopping and reporting the incident is the correct approach. Reacting could escalate the situation dangerously.
Question 6: What is the driver's responsibility regarding the security of their vehicle and load?
- Security is the responsibility of the police only
- Drivers must take reasonable steps to secure their vehicle and load, especially at rest stops and overnight parks (Correct answer)
- Security measures are only needed for high-value loads
- The load is the customer's responsibility once it leaves their premises
Correct answer: Drivers must take reasonable steps to secure their vehicle and load, especially at rest stops and overnight parks
Drivers must take reasonable steps to secure their vehicle and load at all times, including locking the cab, using anti-theft devices, parking in secure locations, being alert for suspicious activity, and never leaving the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
CPC Professional Conduct
What is the legal blood alcohol limit for professional HGV drivers in the UK?