LGV or PCV drivers who have completed their licence acquisition tests can register on an approved NVT programme and defer their Driver CPC qualification theory and practical tests.
This scheme allows drivers to driver professionally for up to 12 months whilst they work towards their Driver CPC qualification, giving them an opportunity to "earn whilst they learn". Please note that a driver can only apply for this concession once.
The NVT concession will start from either the beginning of the NVT programme or the date when the driver acquires their vocational driving licence, which ever is the most recent. The Driver CPC initial qualification theory and practical tests can then be deferred for the duration of the course OR for 12 months, whichever is shorter. At the end of the 12 months concession, the driver must either achieve their full Driver CPC status or stop driving professionally. On successful completion of the Driver CPC qualification, the driver will automatically be issued with a Driver Qualification Card to show that they have Driver CPC.
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Drivers must be on an approved learning programme which lasts at least six months to take advantage of the NVT concession. This programme of learning must lead to a qualification. Drivers and / or employers will be required to evidence this when applying for the concession.
The qualification must be:-
- Based on relevant National Occupational Standards
- At QCF Level 2 / SCQF level 5
- Accredited by a national awarding body that is externally regulated by the qualification regulators (SQA / OFQUAL)
Qualification that currently meet these requirements are:
- NVQ in PCV driving
- NVQ in Driving Goods Vehicles
- NVQ in Carry and Deliver Goods
- BTEC in Transporting Passengers by Bus and Coach
- BTEC in Carry & Deliver Goods
Any qualification which meet these criteria but are not included in the list above should be submitted to DVA for consideration.
There are no time restrictions on the qualifications followed within an NVT programme. Drivers may continue to work towards their qualification after the end of the NVT concession period.
Please note that if a driver leaves or completes the approved course they will loose their concession rights. It is the responsibility of the employer and driver to notify DVA if the NVT concession is no longer valid, and to return the NVT concession card back to DVA.
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Drivers will be issued with an NVT concession card by DVA that confirms they are registered on the NVT scheme. Drivers are legally required to carry this card when working and produce it if required to do so by DVA Enforcement and the Police.
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Drivers should send a completed application form, along with the appropriate fee, to DVA. Application forms can be obtained from
www.dvani.gov.uk or by contacting DVA by telephone on 028 90 685203 or by email at
NVT@doeni.gov.uk. Evidence from the awarding body to verify the drivers registration on the NVT will also be required.
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Driver Vehicle Agency
NVT Administrator
Business Support Unit
Balmoral Road
Belfast
BT12 6QL
Telephone: 028 90 674203
Email:
NVT@doeni.gov.uk.
NVT Application. (PDF 772KB will open in a new window) [top]
National Vocational Training - Guidance Notes
