What is the Driver CPC?

“What is CPC?” is one of our most frequently asked questions. Here, we explain what Driver CPC courses are, why you need CPC training, what is involved and whether you need Initial or Periodic Driver CPC training. Our aim is to help you navigate through the sometimes complicated process of becoming a professional HGV driver. If you’d prefer to discuss your CPC driver training questions with one of our helpful advisors, please call us now; we’d be more than happy to talk it through.

How much is CPC training?

Because there is no fixed price for CPC training, our CPC training prices will depend on your location and CPC needs. Easy As HGV has been offering CPC driver training since 2008, so we offer the best rates, which means you don’t need to shop around. Whether you need express CPC training or would rather train at an easier pace, we can offer you a course to suit you. We are available to chat through the options, so please call for an instant price.

Why do I have to do the Driver CPC?

Back in September 2009, the Government passed the Driver CPC legislation to ensure that all professional Drivers would be subject to the same ongoing requirement for retraining. Since then, the Driver CPC has been keeping HGV Drivers’ skills at the high level required by the role through ongoing ‘Periodic’ training on a range of subjects which are relevant to the life of a professional HGV Driver. Some Drivers are not affected by the Driver CPC legislation; these include people who drive for emergency services (e.g. ambulance driver), the military, people who drive in the course of other duties (e.g. scaffolders) and people using vehicles purely for personal use (e.g horsebox owners moving their own horses.) Safe to say, most people DO fall under these rules, so if you think you’re exempt for any reason you should seek advice before driving.

Passed your car test before January 1997?

Periodic Training This is the ongoing training you need to do as a professional HGV Driver. Every 5 years you’ve got to do 35 hours of this refresher training, or 7 hours per year. The training takes place in a classroom environment and covers lots of interesting, relevant subjects, for example Digital and Analogue Tachographs, Working Time Regulations, Safe Loading & Restraints, First Aid and Driver Health and Wellbeing. We offer a whole suite of courses nationwide, so wherever you live there will be one locally to you. You will know by which date you need to complete the 35 hour requirement because when you pass your Initial Qualification, you’ll get a Driver Qualification Card from DVSA which will tell you the expiry date, and prove that you are compliant with the Driver CPC rules. Experienced Drivers with Acquired Rights If you passed your car test before January 1997 and had until September 2014 to complete your 35 Hour Periodic Training requirement, but did not meet the deadline, you will need to undertake EITHER the Driver CPC Initial Qualification OR 35 hours training in order to re-activate your entitlements. Once you’ve done that, a new 5 year (35 hour) period will begin immediately.

Passed your car test after January 1997?

Driver CPC Initial Qualification These days, the Initial Qualification is part of the process of getting a HGV licence for anyone who will be using that license to work. Without passing the two modules that make up the Qualification (Module 2 and Module 4), you basically do not have a ‘permit to work.’ So, a quick guide to all this ‘Module’ business so you can see where the Initial Qualification fits into the bigger picture; Module 1 – This is the theory test you’ll do before you can begin practical training (Hazard Perception and Multiple Choice) Module 2 – A second theory test, made up of case studies, which checks your ability to use your knowledge. Module 3 – The practical test you’ll do for your HGV course. Module 4 – A half-hour long practical demonstration test at the test centre where you will need to show the Examiner that you understand all of the safety features of the vehicle, and what is required of you as a professional driver. Module 2 and Module 4 can be done after Module 1 & 3 have been completed. It’s important to note that the legislation does not affect you if you’re driving for personal use only, i.e. hiring a vehicle to move personal goods, or driving a horsebox.

HGV Driver CPC Training

Driver CPC Training - Periodic and Initial Qualification

Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is a legal requirement for professional HGV drivers, covering the knowledge and skills needed to drive safely and compliantly. Most professional HGV drivers are required to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years. Driving professionally without a valid Driver Qualification Card (DQC) can result in fines of up to £1,000. Following changes introduced in December 2024, maintaining your Driver CPC now involves choosing between two pathways: National Driver CPC and International Driver CPC. Your choice should be based on where you intend to drive, both now and in the future.

Get an instant quote

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a qualification required by professional HGV drivers in the UK. It was introduced to raise standards of road safety and ensure drivers maintain their knowledge and skills throughout their career.

There are two elements to Driver CPC: the Initial Qualification, required by drivers who obtained their HGV licence after 10 September 2009, and the Periodic Training Requirement, which applies to all professional HGV drivers regardless of when they qualified.

Easy As HGV arranges both Initial and Periodic CPC training, coordinating the process on your behalf through our network of 92+ approved training centres.

Driver CPC is a legal requirement under EU legislation, retained in UK law, for anyone driving a Category C or C+E vehicle professionally for hire or reward. Without a valid Driver Qualification Card (DQC), you cannot legally drive an HGV for commercial purposes.

Exemptions exist in some circumstances, for example for drivers using vehicles for non-commercial purposes or in certain agricultural and emergency roles. If you are unsure whether CPC applies to you, call our team on 0800 970 8447 and we will advise.

CPC training costs vary depending on your location, the type of training required and the number of hours needed. Easy As HGV provides CPC training through a network of 92+ approved centres nationwide, with competitive pricing and no hidden costs.

For a personalised quote, call our team on 0800 970 8447 or get an instant quote online.

What is the difference between National and International CPC training?

National Driver CPC — for UK-based drivers

This option is designed for professional drivers whose routes remain within the United Kingdom. If your work is based entirely in the UK, the National CPC is the most practical way to maintain your qualification. Your Driver Qualification Card (DQC) will be marked “DOMESTIC UK USE ONLY”.

Key features:

Shorter training blocks — periodic training can be completed in blocks as short as 3.5 hours, making it easier to fit around busy schedules
Flexible scheduling — if a course is split, the parts do not need to be completed on consecutive days
Online learning available — the National CPC structure is well-suited to remote and online delivery

Best suited for: supermarket delivery drivers, local couriers operating larger vehicles and those doing national haulage between UK depots.

International Driver CPC — for drivers who work internationally

The International Driver CPC is the continuation of the previous standard qualification. It is required for drivers whose work involves travel into the European Union or beyond. If your role includes cross-border trips, you must select the International CPC when scheduling your periodic training.

Training requirements:

Minimum 7-hour courses — training must be completed in blocks of at least seven hours
Consecutive split courses — if a 7-hour course is split across two sessions, both parts must be completed on consecutive days

Worth noting: even if you do not currently drive internationally, choosing the International CPC keeps your options open should an opportunity for European or cross-border work arise in the future.

Not sure which applies to you? Call our team on 0800 970 8447 and we will advise based on your current and planned driving role.

Which qualification is relevant to me?

Periodic Training

If you obtained your Category C or C+E licence before 10 September 2009, you have acquired rights and do not need to complete the Initial CPC Qualification. However, you are still required to complete 35 hours of Periodic CPC Training every five years to continue driving professionally.

Periodic training covers practical, job-relevant topics including digital and analogue tachographs, working time regulations, safe loading and restraints, first aid, and driver health and wellbeing.

Training is available through our network of 92+ approved centres nationwide, with some modules also available online. Depending on your driving role, you will need to choose between National and International CPC training.

Your deadline for completing the 35 hours is shown on your Driver Qualification Card (DQC). If your DQC has expired or is close to expiry, call our team on 0800 970 8447 and we will advise on the quickest route to getting back on the road legally.

Driver CPC Initial Qualification

If you obtained your Category C or C+E licence after 10 September 2009, you are likely required to complete the Driver CPC Initial Qualification before you can drive professionally. Without it, you probably do not have legal permission to drive an HGV for hire or reward.

The Initial Qualification consists of four modules:

Module 1 – Theory test (hazard perception and multiple choice), completed before practical training begins
Module 2 – A second theory test, consisting of case study questions testing your application of knowledge
Module 3 – The practical driving test for your HGV licence
Module 4 – A 30-minute practical demonstration test at the test centre, where you demonstrate vehicle safety knowledge to the examiner

Modules 2 and 4 make up the CPC Initial Qualification. These can be completed alongside or prior to Modules 1 and 3.

Once you have completed the Initial Qualification, you will receive a Driver Qualification Card (DQC) from DVSA. This starts your five-year Periodic Training cycle.

Easy As HGV coordinates the entire process on your behalf. Call 0800 970 8447 or get a quote online.

Get an instant quote

Driver CPC Training - Periodic and Initial Qualification

Get an instant quote

What is the Driver CPC?

Why do I have to do the Driver CPC?

How much is CPC training?

What is the difference between National and International CPC training?

Which qualification is relevant to me?

Obtained your HGV licence before 10 September 2009?

Obtained your HGV licence after 10 September 2009?

Learn more about our supportive training process by watching this short video

We get you on the road faster

Call free 0800 970 8447

Looking for corporate HGV training?

Get an instant quote

Together we’ll find you the job that’s exactly right for you.