Driver CPC Requirements

Guide summary

You must hold a Driver CPC to drive HGVs or buses professionally. Choose between International (UK and Europe) or National (UK only) depending on your training courses. Complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years. Failing to carry a valid DQC can result in a £1,000 fine.

Hold a valid Driver CPC to drive HGVs or buses professionally
Choose International (UK+Europe) or National (UK only) courses
Complete 35 hours of training every 5 years
Carry your DQC card when driving professionally
Penalty for driving without DQC: £1,000 fine for driver and employer
Exemptions: vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, private use, agriculture, emergency services
Use only JAUPT-approved training providers
National courses minimum 3h30; International minimum 7h
Any National course in your 35 hours limits you to UK only
Return to Driving CPC if expired less than 2 years ago

Professional drivers of goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) in addition to their driving licence. Driving professionally without a valid DQC carries a £1,000 fine.

Driver CPC Requirements

Certificate of Professional Competence requirements for professional HGV and bus drivers

Professional drivers of large goods vehicles (LGVs) and passenger carrying vehicles (PCVs) must hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) in addition to their vocational driving licence.

Since 3 December 2024 there are two types of Driver CPC. An International Driver CPC lets you drive professionally in the UK and Europe. A National Driver CPC lets you drive professionally in the UK only. Which one you hold depends on the periodic training courses you take.

LGV requirement: Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes used commercially
PCV requirement: Vehicles carrying 9+ passengers for hire/reward
Initial qualification: 4 tests (theory + practical) or NVQ route
Periodic training: 35 hours every 5 years
Driver CPC types (from 3 December 2024): International (UK and Europe) or National (UK only)
International courses: Minimum 7 hours, may be split over 2 consecutive days, can include e-learning
National courses: Minimum 3 hours 30 minutes, can be in person or fully online
Mixing rule: Including ANY National course in your 35 hours gives a National Driver CPC — you cannot then drive professionally in Europe
Driver qualification card: DQC must be carried when driving professionally
Penalty for non-compliance: £1,000 fine (driver) + £1,000 (employer)

Driver CPC Periodic Training

35-hour periodic training requirements for Driver CPC renewal

Total training required: 35 hours every 5 years
International course length: Minimum 7 hours (may be split over 2 consecutive days)
National course length: Minimum 3 hours 30 minutes
Maximum claimable per day: Cannot claim more than 7 hours in 24 hours
Training provider: Must be JAUPT-approved
Online training: Up to 12 hours of the 35 can be e-learning; National courses can be fully online, International courses only partly
Choosing course types: For UK and Europe, all 35 hours must be International courses; any National course means a National (UK-only) Driver CPC
Returning after a lapse: If your Driver CPC expired less than 2 years ago, a 7-hour Return to Driving CPC course lets you drive in the UK again — then complete 28 further hours within 12 months (Europe still needs the full 35 hours of International training)
Typical course cost: £30-£60 per hour, £200-£400 per 7-hour module
DQC renewal: Automatic on completing 35 hours - no application needed

Driver CPC Exemptions

Vehicles and journeys exempt from Driver CPC requirements

Vehicles under 3.5 tonnes: EXEMPT - no Driver CPC needed
Personal/non-commercial use: EXEMPT - private journeys only
Maximum 100km radius: EXEMPT - if not driver's main activity
Agricultural vehicles: EXEMPT - used for agriculture only
Emergency services: EXEMPT - police, fire, ambulance
Armed forces: EXEMPT - military operations
Driving tests: EXEMPT - during driving test/training
Vehicles pre-1947: EXEMPT - historic vehicles

Driver CPC Penalties

Penalties for Driver CPC non-compliance

Driving without valid DQC (driver): Fixed penalty £1,000 or prosecution
Causing/permitting (employer): Fixed penalty £1,000 or prosecution
Not carrying your DQC card: £50 fixed penalty
Court prosecution maximum: £1,000 fine (level 3)
Vehicle prohibition: Vehicle can be prohibited at roadside
Insurance implications: May invalidate insurance cover
Enforcement: DVSA roadside checks

Managing Driver CPC compliance

Choose the right type - drivers doing any EU or other international work need the International Driver CPC. Any National course in their 35 hours limits them to UK driving
Track expiry dates - maintain a register of when each driver's 5-year period ends
Plan training ahead - book courses well in advance, especially for peak periods
Cost management - negotiate group rates with JAUPT-approved providers
Mix delivery methods - use e-learning (up to 12 hours) to reduce time away from work
Document retention - keep training certificates as proof of compliance

Legal basis

Primary legislation and key regulations

Road Traffic Act 1988 Primary 1988 · UK-wide Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995 Primary 1995 · UK-wide The Vehicle Drivers (Certificates of Professional Competence) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 SI 2024 · UK-wide Vehicle Drivers (Certificates of Professional Competence) Regulations 2007 SI 2007 · UK-wide

Browse UK legislation legislation.gov.uk

Official guidance

Being a goods vehicle operator (opens in a new tab)

DVSA

ECMT international road haulage permits (opens in a new tab)

DVSA

Earned Recognition (opens in a new tab)

DVSA

Guide to maintaining roadworthiness (opens in a new tab)

Publication · DVSA

International authorisations and permits for road haulage (opens in a new tab)

DVSA

Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) (opens in a new tab)

DVSA

Driver CPC Requirements

Managing Driver CPC compliance

Legal basis

Official guidance

Related guides in Driver CPC

Goods Vehicle Operator Compliance Checklist

Vehicle Type Approval

Set Up an MOT Testing Station

Run an MOT Testing Station