CPC Certificate of Professional Competence (Drivers)

The 35 hours are classroom based theory. Complete the 35 hours satisfactorily and you gain your certificates then you get your Driver Qualification Card sent to you direct from Driving Standards Agency.

So, don’t get caught out if you operate a vehicle 3½ Tonnes or more with a tachograph then there is a good chance you are required to complete 35hrs of periodic training over a 5 year period.

If you are a (PCV) i.e. a  Mini Bus or Coach driver you had to have completed your 1st cycle of 35hrs training by September 2013.

If you are a (LGV /HGV) i.e. a Large Van or Truck driver you had to have completed your 1st cycle of 35hrs training by September 2014.

If you haven’t completed the full 35 hours training before your cut off date then you are no longer eligible to driver for hire or reward. You will not lose your licence just your entitlement to drive for hire or reward.

Confused by all the recent changes brought in by the government?

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But don't worry if you have gone past the deadline, you can still come on one of our courses to gain your Driver Qualification Card!

Drivers are reminded they can still attend a Driver CPC course however to gain the 35 hours periodic training required. . This is sent direct to each drivers address detailed on their drivers license from the D.V.S.A. Drivers can expect to receive their D.Q.C. from the D.V.S.A. in Longbenton in Newcastle-upon-Tyne within 4-5 working days of attending the course.

Who needs a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence?

Drivers acquiring a vocational licence for the first time, and who wish to drive for a living, will have to complete the 'initial qualification' for Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC).

The initial qualification can be taken at the same time as your vocational driving test. If you pass, you will be issued with a Driver Qualification Card (DQC), which looks similar to a photo driving licence. For more information, see our guide on Driver CPC initial qualification for lorry, bus and coach drivers.

Once you obtain the Driver CPC, you must complete 35 hours of periodic training within the next five years to continue to drive professionally.

Drivers with acquired rights

Bus and coach drivers who hold a relevant vocational licence gained before 10 September 2008, and lorry drivers who obtained their licence before 10 September 2009, do not need to take the initial qualification. This is because they are deemed to hold 'acquired rights'. However, they will have to complete 'periodic training' to keep their Driver CPC.

You will be issued with a DQC on completion of your 35 hours of periodic training. Until this time, or until the deadline to complete the periodic training passes, your driving licence will be accepted as proof of your Driver CPC status.

"What do I need to do to get started?" - click here and enter your details in our enquiry form.

New online enquiry service for professional drivers

The Driving Standards Agency has developed and launched a new online enquiry service for professional drivers.

The new online driver enquiry service, developed by the Driving Standards Agency, has just been launched to allow lorry, bus and coach drivers working towards Driver CPC to go online to check records of the periodic training they've done.

Lorry, bus and coach drivers can access the service 24 hours a day, which provides a clear and simple online record, showing:

• the driver's Driver CPC qualification expiry date (bus and coach and / or lorry)
• details of each training course completed

Drivers can register to use the service at www.direct.gov.uk/checkdrivercpc

What happens if you don't have a Driver Qualification Card card by September 2014?

It will be an offence to drive a vehicle without holding a DQC, or to cause or permit a driver to do so. The driver will also commit an offence if they fail to produce their card at a Police / VOSA roadside check. The penalties that apply to both drivers and employers are:

• Driving without a DQC: £1000 fine
• Causing or permitting the above: £1000 fine
• Failure to carry DQC: On the spot fine
• Forging or falsifying documents: 2 years prison sentence or fine

"What do I need to do to get started?" - click here and enter your details in our enquiry form.

Leaving Armed Forces Soon?

If you are currently serving in H.M. Armed Forces but looking to retrain for a career in 'civvy street' you are welcome on one of our courses! We have had dozens of ex servicemen from Catterick Garrison, RAF Leeming and Royal Marines attending our courses, and yes we can help you with the paperwork relating to your resettlement grant.