How to Plan a Journey on a Transport Manager CPC Exam
Planning a journey is one of the most important tasks you’ll face in the Transport Manager CPC exam. Whether you’re sitting the Road Haulage or Passenger Transport version, journey planning demonstrates your ability to operate legally, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan a journey step-by-step, just like in the exam.
Why Journey Planning Matters in the CPC Exam
The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a legal requirement for Transport Managers. One of the key assessments is being able to plan a realistic journey that takes into account:
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Driving hours and rest breaks
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Fuel consumption and costs
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Route selection and legal restrictions
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Scheduling and delivery windows
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Vehicle type and load requirements
Your journey plan is evidence of your ability to manage a fleet in compliance with UK and EU transport laws.
Step-by-Step: How to Plan a Journey on the CPC Exam
1. Understand the Brief
Carefully read the exam question. Make sure you understand:
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Starting point and destination
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Type of goods/passengers
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Delivery deadlines
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Vehicle details (fuel type, capacity, etc.)
2. Select the Best Route
Follow the information in the case study only, even if you are familiar with the place names mentioned, as these are fictional events. For the Case study, if it tells you you can drive exactly 4.5 hours before taking a break, then do so. Even if you know it means you will be on the hard shoulder of the M6, A Reminder that these questions are fictional and do not fully represent real life towns and cities:
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Avoid low bridges, weight restrictions, and toll roads (if it asks you to do so)
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Choose the most time and fuel-efficient route.
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Follow the guidance about when to take breaks,
💡 Tip: Always double-check your workings. It may well ask you to take a 15-minute break, drive ten minutes, then take your other half hour, even though we wouldn’t do this in real life.
3. Calculate Driving Hours and Rest Periods
Plan the journey in line with EU Drivers’ Hours Rules or GB Domestic if relevant:
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Max 4.5 hours driving = 45-minute break
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Daily max = 9 hours (can be extended to 10 twice a week)
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Weekly rest rules must be observed if a journey spans multiple days
🔗 Need a refresher? Check out our courses on Drivers’ Hours and Tachograph Rules.
4. Factor in Fuel Consumption and Costs
Estimate:
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Distance of the journey
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Fuel usage per mile/km
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Fuel cost per litre
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Total cost of fuel for the journey
Include tolls or ferry fees if applicable.
5. Schedule the Journey
Include:
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Collection and delivery times
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Rest breaks
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Refuelling stops
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Estimated arrival time
Use a journey planning sheet if provided.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Ignoring rest break requirements
🚫 Underestimating journey time
🚫 Missing fuel costs or toll charges
🚫 Choosing illegal or impractical routes
How Journey Planning Is Assessed
Examiners look for:
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Legal compliance (e.g., hours and rest)
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Efficiency (route, fuel, time)
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Accuracy and completeness
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Clear explanation of choices
Prepare with Real Exam Practice
We offer an Introduction to Transport Manager CPC course, and if you go on to book your full course with us, it’s completely free!
✅ Includes journey planning examples
✅ Tutor-led guidance
✅ Access to online materials