About Driver CPC Training
What is Driver CPC Training?
The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is a professional qualification for bus, coach and lorry drivers. The qualification has been introduced across Europe with the aim of improving safety on our roads and higher standards of driving.
Do I Need Driver CPC?
If you are a driver of a bus, coach or lorry then yes you do. If you haven’t completed the qualification or miss your training deadline to renew your Driver CPC then you won’t be able to drive professionally. If you are caught doing so without a valid Driver CPC you can be fined up to £1,000.
There are some exceptions to taking the Driver CPC course and that is if you have acquired your license before the dates shown below:
| Type of vehicle | Vehicle categories included | When you got your vocational licence |
| Lorry | C, C1, C+E and C1+E | Before 10 September 2009 |
| Bus or coach | D, D1, D+E, D1+E | Before 10 September 2008 |
| Bus or coach (not for hire or reward) | D(101) | After 1991 |
| Minibus (not for hire or reward) | D1(101) | Before 1997 |
However, you will need to still take periodic training to the following set deadlines:
| Training block | Lorry driver | Bus or coach driver | Dual-category driver (lorry, bus and coach) |
| First block of training | 9 September 2014 | 9 September 2013 | 9 September 2013 |
| Second block training | 9 September 2019 | 9 September 2018 | 9 September 2019* |
| Third block training | 9 September 2024 | 9 September 2023 | 9 September 2024 |
*You have 6 years to do your second block of training if you have acquired rights for both lorries and buses and finished your first block of training by 9 September 2013.
How Often Do I Need To Take A Driver CPC Course?
The requirements are that you must do 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep your Driver CPC.
To check how many periodic training hours you have completed click here.
What Happens After I Have Done The Driver CPC Course?
After you have completed the relevant training for your Driver CPC qualification, you will be issued with a Driver Qualification Card (DQC). You will be issued with your card straight away if you complete your training in the 12 month deadline, however, if you complete your training earlier than 12 months you will not receive your new card until your current card expires.
It is important to note that you must carry your Driver CPC card on you at all times. Failure to do so can result in a £50 fixed penalty fine, if you are caught driving professionally without it. If you happen to lose you card it is also important that you get this replaced.