What is Driver CPC?
Driver CPC is a mandatory qualification for anyone who wishes to use their LGV or PCV licence professionally, i.e. for work purposes or to be paid as a driver.
The qualification was introduced in 2008 for PCV drivers, and 2009 for LGV drivers.
How to attain your Driver CPC
There are two types of Driver CPC.
The type you require will depend on your current licence, please see below:
LGV Drivers
- If you passed your car test after 01 January 1997 and have never had an LGV Driver CPC before, you will need to complete LGV Driver CPC Module 4
- If you passed your car test before 01 January 1997 and have never had an LGV Driver CPC before, you can complete either LGV Driver CPC Module 4 or LGV Driver CPC Periodic Training
- If you already have or have previously held a Driver CPC card, you will need to complete LGV Driver CPC Periodic Training
PCV Drivers
- If you have never had your PCV Driver CPC before, you will need to complete PCV Driver CPC Module 4
- If you have previous held, or already hold a PCV Driver CPC, you will need to complete PCV Driver CPC Periodic Training
Maintaining your Driver CPC
Driver CPC qualifications last for 5 years. Once you have your Driver CPC, you are required to complete an additional 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep it valid. These are typically delivered in attendance only, classroom based sessions.
We reccomend completing 1 x Periodic Driver CPC Module (7 hour session) every year, in order to keep your CPC in date. When you complete Driver CPC modules with us you will automatically receive an email reminder every 12 months. For more information on Periodic Driver CPC please click here.
You are also be able to count Driver CPC hours by completing other transport related courses such as Transportation of Dangerous Goods (ADR).
Driver CPC Exemptions
There are some instances where Driver CPC is not required, such as:
- if you don’t want to drive for a living, for example you want to drive for a hobby
- carrying passengers or goods non-commercially for personal use, for example using a lorry to conduct your own house removal (not for profit/work)
- driving a vehicle under the control of the police, fire or ambulance service
You can see the full list of exemptions on the DVSA website by clicking here.
