If you are working in the UK as a professional HGV, LGV or PCV driver, it is especially important to maintain your Driver CPC qualification. The majority of drivers have queries over the CPC renewal process, how they could check their licence, what the training course requirements are and how much the training will cost. Therefore, this comprehensive FAQ has answered most questions for you, using reliable sources like HGV Training Centre and Drivers CPC Courses.
Driving CPC, or Certificate of Professional Competence, is a qualification that must be obtained by anyone in the UK and EU driving large vehicles professionally. The qualification was first introduced to improve road safety, but to also ensure professional drivers keep on top of existing laws and standards of knowledge and driving competency.
CPC is split into two different CPC qualifications:
If you drive HGVs, LGVs, buses, or coaches in the course of your employment for hire of reward you must all complete CPC training. This includes delivery drivers, employed transport drivers, or independent contractors.
However, if you are driving you vehicle for your own personal reasons, or under the exemption of driving as part of a non-money making occasion (charity drive), then it may not be required. Always check with the DVSA or your training provider if you are ever unsure.
Every professional driver must have their CPC training renewed every five years. This is done by undertaking a total of 35 hours of approved training. You can represent this in whatever timings suit your arrangements over the course of 5 years, whether that be collectively by a minimum of seven hours or for however long fits into your work schedule.
After you have completed the required hours, your new Driver Qualification Card will be automatically issued to you by the DVSA.
You can complete a driver’s CPC licence check by visiting the official Government portal: gov.uk/check-your-driver-cpc-periodic-training-hours.
Simply input your driving licence number, your postcode and your email address. This will allow you to track how much of your required hours you have completed, the date you completed your last session of training and how many hours you have left before you need to renew your qualification.
For your driving skills and knowledge to remain compliant, the modules of CPC courses are delivered to maintain your issues – it varies, but generally you will normally cover topics including:
Group sessions last a minimum of seven hour day and are conducted by an ADI instructor approved by the DVSA.
Yes. Many centres are offering online CPC didactic modules, especially for drivers who prefer continuing their learning off their own “to-do list” instead of travelling to a centre. You can undertake the live and video sessions virtually on your computer or tablet, while even engaging with live instructors without the hassle of travelling to a course centre.
Online CPC courses are considered “valid” training session just like a student attended in person course, as long as it is delivered by a DVSA approved provider.
Costs will depend on the method of training and location. As a rough average:
Expect to pay between **£150 – £350** for a full 35 hour course. Some providers may offer discounted bundle deals or early booking discounts.
If your CPC card expires, you cannot legally drive professionally until you have completed the 35 hours of education again. Employers may also be at risk if they allow you to operate a commercial vehicle with an expired CPC card.
To ensure your work day or even work week is not interrupted, always renew your CPC weeks, or months, before your expiry date.
There isn’t a formal exam for periodic CPC courses, or at least not one you should worry about passing or failing. Attending the course and providing sound input is more important than any formal exam. Instructors would expect you to be present during the full seven hour mandatory training day, and participate in the discussions.
The course structure is the same, 35 hours every five years, however, specific classroom content may differ depending on HGV or LGV being for goods and PCV being for passenger transport.
Keep your records up to date, reserve your training sessions in advance, and utilize a DVSA approved provider to make sure your education hours count! By continuously renewing your CPC certification proactively you are not just keeping compliant but will also be in a better career position for logistics and transport.
