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.

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Driver CPC Periodic Training - 35-Hour Requirement Explained

Driver CPC Periodic Training is a legal requirement for most professional HGV drivers. Every five years, you must complete 35 hours of training to maintain your Driver Qualification Card (DQC) and continue driving for hire or reward. This can be structured as approximately seven hours per year.

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National vs International CPC Training

Following changes in December 2024, you now choose between two pathways: National Driver CPC for UK-based drivers, or International Driver CPC for those who drive across borders. Your choice depends on your current and future driving role.

Periodic training covers job-relevant subjects including:

Digital and analogue tachographs
Working time regulations
Safe loading and restraints
First aid
Driver health and wellbeing

Easy As HGV coordinates Periodic CPC training through our network of 92+ approved partner centres nationwide. Call 0800 970 8447 or get a quote online to get started.

NATIONAL DRIVER CPC — FOR UK-BASED DRIVERS

The National Driver CPC is a new, more flexible pathway introduced in December 2024, designed for professional drivers whose routes remain entirely within the United Kingdom. Your Driver Qualification Card (DQC) will be marked “DOMESTIC UK USE ONLY”.

Key differences from International CPC:

Shorter training blocks — sessions can be as short as 3.5 hours, making it easier to fit training around work schedules
Non-consecutive splits — if a session is split, the two parts do not need to be completed on consecutive days
Online learning available — the structure is well-suited to remote and online delivery

Best suited for: supermarket delivery drivers, local couriers, and drivers doing national haulage runs between UK depots.

Not sure which pathway applies to you? Call our team on 0800 970 8447 and we will advise.

INTERNATIONAL DRIVER CPC

The International Driver CPC is the continuation of the previous standard qualification. It is required for any driver whose work involves crossing international borders, including into the European Union. If your role includes long-haul trips to destinations such as France, Germany or beyond, you must select the International CPC when completing 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 session is split, both parts must be completed on consecutive days

Worth considering: even if you do not currently drive internationally, choosing the International CPC keeps your career options open should cross-border work arise in the future.

Your deadline is shown on your Driver Qualification Card (DQC), issued by DVSA. The DQC shows the date by which your 35 hours must be completed.

If you completed the Initial CPC Qualification, your five-year clock started from that date. If you have acquired rights (HGV licence obtained before September 2009), your cycle started from the first time you registered periodic training hours with DVSA.

If your DQC has expired or is close to expiry, do not wait. Call our team on 0800 970 8447 and we will advise on the quickest route to completing your hours and getting back on the road legally.

If you obtained your Category C1, C or C+E licence before 10 September 2009, you have acquired rights and were not required to complete the Initial CPC Qualification.

However, acquired rights do not exempt you from Periodic Training. All professional HGV drivers, including those with acquired rights, must complete 35 hours of Periodic CPC Training every five years to continue driving for hire or reward.

If you missed the September 2014 deadline for completing your first 35-hour cycle, you will need to complete either the Driver CPC Initial Qualification or 35 hours of Periodic Training to reactivate your entitlements. Once completed, a new five-year cycle begins immediately.

Call our team on 0800 970 8447 and we will advise on the right route for your situation.

Driver CPC Periodic Training is the ongoing qualification requirement for professional HGV drivers. Unlike the Initial Qualification, which is completed once when you first obtain your HGV licence, Periodic Training is an ongoing requirement completed in 35-hour blocks every five years.

Training sessions cover practical subjects relevant to professional driving including tachograph use, working time regulations, safe loading, first aid and driver health. From December 2024, drivers choose between National CPC (UK driving only) and International CPC (cross-border driving).

Easy As HGV coordinates Periodic CPC training through 92+ approved centres nationwide. Call 0800 970 8447 and we can help find a course near you.

Periodic Training exists to ensure professional HGV drivers maintain and update their knowledge throughout their career. Standards around vehicle technology, legislation and road safety evolve over time, and the 35-hour requirement ensures drivers stay current.

Failing to complete your Periodic Training means your Driver Qualification Card (DQC) expires. Driving professionally with an expired DQC is illegal and can result in fines or prosecution. Some exemptions apply though, call our team on 0800 970 8447 if you are unsure whether Periodic Training applies to your situation.

The cost of Periodic CPC training varies depending on your location and whether you choose National or International CPC. Easy As HGV coordinates training through 92+ approved centres nationwide, offering competitive pricing with no hidden costs.

Individual session costs and full 35-hour package pricing are available on request. Call our team on 0800 970 8447 or get a quote online

Which Periodic CPC pathway is right for me?

If your driving work takes place entirely within the United Kingdom, the National Driver CPC is the right pathway for you. Introduced in December 2024, it offers more flexibility than the previous standard qualification, with shorter training blocks (as little as 3.5 hours), non-consecutive split sessions and online learning options — making it easier to fit your 35-hour requirement around a busy work schedule.

Your Driver Qualification Card (DQC) will be marked “DOMESTIC UK USE ONLY”. If your driving role changes in the future and you begin working internationally, you will need to switch to the International CPC pathway.

Call our team on 0800 970 8447 to find National CPC training near you.

If your work involves crossing international borders, or if there is any possibility it might in the future, the International Driver CPC is the right pathway for you. It covers driving into the European Union and beyond, and keeps all career options open regardless of where your routes take you.

Training must be completed in blocks of at least seven hours, with split sessions completed on consecutive days. While slightly less flexible than the National pathway, the International CPC ensures you are qualified for the widest range of professional driving roles.

Call our team on 0800 970 8447 to find International CPC training near you.

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Driver CPC Periodic Training - 35-Hour Requirement Explained

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National vs International CPC Training

What is Driver CPC Periodic Training?

Why do professional HGV drivers have to complete Periodic CPC Training?

How much does Driver CPC Periodic Training cost?

Which Periodic CPC pathway is right for me?

I drive within the UK only

I drive or may drive internationally

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?

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