Richard ChaLmers
Car - Car & Trailer - Minibus - Bus
Cumbrias Premier Driver Coach
With almost two decades of experience in the Driver Training Industry, Richard Chalmers is the ideal candidate to help you navigate your way through learning new driving skills.
Getting qualified
To become a bus or minibus driver you need to:
- have a full car licence
- be over 18
- get a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)
You must have the full Driver CPC if you drive an HGV, bus or coach as the main part of your job.
There are 5 tests that make up the full Driver CPC. You might not need to take all 5 tests, for example if you previously qualified as an HGV driver and you want to retrain.
If you’re qualifying for the first time
- Apply for a provisional bus licence.
- Pass the 5 tests that make up the Driver CPC to qualify.
- Take 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to stay qualified.
You need to renew your bus licence every 5 years, and every year when you reach 65.
If you have qualified as an HGV or bus driver before
If you have previous experience as a qualified bus driver, you can return without taking all 4 tests for the Driver CPC.
- Renew your bus or HGV licence.
- Do 35 hours of training or take parts 2 and 4 of the Driver CPC tests.
- Take 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to stay qualified.
Read more about what you need to do to return to bus driving.
If driving is not the main part of your job or the vehicle is exempt
You might not need the full Driver CPC to drive an HGV or bus, for example if you:
- want to carry passengers or goods for personal use and not commercially
- only drive for certain tasks, like taking the vehicle to test centres
- drive as part of your job, but it is not the main part of your job
Training Reviews
Thank you for getting me through my trailer training and taking me to a first time pass. I am absolutely thrilled. Anyone considering getting a towing licence should definitely use this company. They are very patient and understanding and really know their stuff! The van and trailer are a great set up and good to tow. They happily adapted my training to suit my needs and help me worked through all the areas needed to pass. Highly recommended.
Thank you much Richard and Kay! - Meg Atkinson
I would certainly recommend Richard Chalmers for anyone wanting to pass their trailer test. Superb advice and such a easy vehicle and trailer to drive and manoeuvre - Nick Hastings
fantastic service.
easy to understand and learn what you need to complete your test
highly recommend. - Drew Morten
Supercar Experiences
