Drivers who have already obtained the relevant vocational licence prior to 10th September 2009 do not have to complete their "periodic training" (35 hours) until 10th September 2014. Those drivers passing their test after 10th September 2009 will also have to be trained for 35 hours in order to obtain the driver CPC qualification BEFORE they are legally able to drive the LGV; this is called the "initial qualification".
The Driver CPC has been introduced in order to improve road safety and fuel efficiency. This will also promote driving as a career at a time where shortages of drivers are reported across Europe.