A new qualification for all professional lorry drivers - the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) – will be launched on September 10 by the Driving Standards Agency.

New drivers entering the industry will need to pass the Driver CPC initial qualification exams as well as holding the relevant vocational driving licence.

“The new Driver CPC qualification has been developed to raise and maintain the standards of lorry, bus and coach drivers,” explained Rosemary Thew, chief executive of the Driving Standards Agency.