Driver CPC FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the questions UK HGV and PSV drivers ask most about Driver CPC — from booking and pricing to DVSA rules and course delivery.
Last reviewed: April 2026 · By Graham Dolman, RADAT-approved CPC instructor (RN24100001)Driver CPC in brief
The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is the legal qualification required to drive HGVs, buses, and coaches professionally in the UK. Qualified drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic Driver CPC training every 5 years to keep their Driver Qualification Card (DQC) valid.
From 3 December 2024, the DVSA split Driver CPC into two qualifications: National CPC for UK-only drivers (can be completed in 3.5-hour or 7-hour sessions) and International CPC for drivers operating in the EU (must be 7-hour sessions). CPC Express runs DVSA-approved online Driver CPC from £16.99 under NLTC consortium AC00591.
About Driver CPC
What is Driver CPC?
The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is the professional qualification required to drive a lorry, bus or coach commercially in the UK. It was introduced by EU Directive 2003/59 to improve road safety and maintain professional driving standards. The qualification is proven by a Driver Qualification Card (DQC), which must be carried when driving professionally.
Who needs Driver CPC?
You need Driver CPC if you drive a lorry, bus, or coach as the main part of your job. This covers HGV category C, C1, C+E and C1+E licence holders, as well as PSV category D, D1, DE and D1E drivers. Some exemptions apply — for example, drivers transporting their own goods for non-commercial purposes, emergency service drivers, and certain agricultural operators.
How many hours of Driver CPC training do I need?
You need 35 hours of periodic Driver CPC training every 5 years to keep your Driver Qualification Card valid. This applies to both National and International CPC. Up to 12 of the 35 hours can be e-learning; the remaining 23+ hours must be live instructor-led training.
What is the difference between National and International Driver CPC?
From 3 December 2024, the DVSA split Driver CPC into two qualifications. National Driver CPC lets you drive professionally in the UK only and can be completed in 3.5-hour or 7-hour sessions. International Driver CPC covers the UK and EU, and must be completed in 7-hour sessions (which can be made up of two 3.5-hour modules). Both require 35 hours every 5 years.
Is Driver CPC being scrapped in the UK?
No. Driver CPC has not been scrapped. The 2024 reform introduced National and International options and made training more flexible, but the 35-hour, 5-year requirement still applies. Read our full guide on whether Driver CPC is being scrapped.
Do I need Driver CPC if I only drive occasionally?
If you drive a lorry, bus or coach commercially — even occasionally — you need a valid Driver CPC. The "main part of your job" test applies broadly, and there is no mileage or hours-per-year exemption. A few specific exemptions exist (non-commercial use, recovery vehicles under certain conditions). Read our guide on occasional Driver CPC requirements.
What is a Driver Qualification Card (DQC)?
The DQC is a plastic card similar in size to a driving licence that proves you hold a valid Driver CPC. It shows your name, photograph, driver qualification number, expiry date, and the DVSA logo. You must carry it when driving professionally — failure to produce it at a roadside check can result in a fine.
Can I be fined for driving without Driver CPC?
Yes. According to GOV.UK, drivers caught driving professionally without a valid Driver CPC can be fined up to £1,000. Operators can also face enforcement action from the Traffic Commissioner. Read more on the legal risks of driving without Driver CPC.
Booking & Pricing
How much does online Driver CPC cost with CPC Express?
Online Driver CPC starts at £16.99 (incl. VAT) for a 3.5-hour module and £29.99 (incl. VAT) for a 7-hour course. The DVSA upload fee is included — there are no hidden charges. A full 35 hours costs from £149.95, among the lowest in the UK.
How do I book a Driver CPC course?
Visit our course booking page, filter by length or CPC type, and click Book Now next to your chosen course. Payment is secure card payment through our checkout, and you'll receive an instant confirmation email.
How do I pay for my course?
All major debit and credit cards are accepted through our secure online checkout. Payment is processed at the time of booking. You'll get a VAT receipt by email immediately. We do not store card details.
Can I book multiple drivers for my fleet?
Yes. We handle fleet bookings with consolidated invoicing, same-day DVSA uploads for every driver, and group discounts for 10+ drivers. For dedicated private courses, contact our team.
Do you offer invoicing for employers?
Yes. Transport operators and employers can arrange 30-day invoicing for fleet bookings of 10+ drivers. Contact us before booking to set this up.
When should I book my Driver CPC?
Don't leave it to the last minute. Drivers who book 3+ months before their deadline get first pick of dates and avoid last-minute stress. Our full timing guide explains how to plan your 35 hours across the 5-year cycle.
Courses & Delivery
Is online Driver CPC genuinely approved by the DVSA?
Yes. CPC Express courses are DVSA-approved under NLTC consortium AC00591 and delivered by RADAT-approved instructor RN24100001. Every hour you complete is uploaded to the official DVSA Driver CPC record in the same way as classroom training.
What equipment do I need for an online Driver CPC course?
A laptop, tablet, or smartphone with a working camera and microphone, plus a stable internet connection of at least 2 Mbps. You'll receive a tech-check link 24 hours before your course so you can verify everything works.
Do I need to keep my camera on during the course?
Yes. DVSA requires live attendance verification, so cameras must stay on for the full session. You'll also take part in Q&A and short group activities to meet the interaction requirement.
Can I do the full 35 hours online?
Yes — up to 12 hours can be e-learning, and the remaining 23+ hours must be live instructor-led training, which CPC Express delivers by Zoom. You don't need to visit a classroom at any point.
What can I expect in an online CPC course?
A live, instructor-led Zoom session with small groups, real discussion, and practical examples from Graham's logistics experience. It's not a lecture — you'll be asked questions and encouraged to contribute. Read our full online CPC expectations guide.
Can I fail a Driver CPC course?
No. Periodic Driver CPC training does not have a pass/fail test. Attendance and participation are what count. If you meet the DVSA attendance requirements, your hours are uploaded. Read more on whether you can fail Driver CPC.
Can I split my CPC training across different days?
Yes. You can complete your 35 hours in any combination of 3.5-hour and 7-hour courses across the 5-year cycle. Many drivers spread it out at 7 hours per year. Read our guide on splitting Driver CPC training.
After Your Course
When will my hours appear on my DVSA record?
CPC Express uploads your hours the same day your course finishes. They typically appear on the GOV.UK Driver CPC record within 5 working days, though often much sooner.
How do I check my Driver CPC training hours?
Use the official GOV.UK Driver CPC record service at gov.uk/check-your-driver-cpc-periodic-training-hours. You'll need your driving licence number. Our step-by-step guide walks through the process.
My CPC hours are not showing — what should I do?
Most uploads show within 5 working days. If your hours still haven't appeared after 7 working days, contact the training provider who ran your course. They can confirm the upload date and resolve any DVSA-side delays. Read our guide on what to do when CPC hours aren't showing.
When will I get my new Driver Qualification Card?
When you complete all 35 hours within a 5-year cycle, the DVSA automatically issues your new DQC. It typically arrives by post within 20 working days of your final course. You must carry your current DQC until the new one arrives.
What if my Driver CPC expires?
If your DQC expires, you cannot drive professionally until you complete the remaining hours. If it expired 60 days to 2 years ago, you'll need a 7-hour Return to Driving course before you can drive professionally in the UK again. Read our full guide on what happens when Driver CPC expires.
Do I get a certificate after each course?
Yes. We email you a course attendance certificate within 24 hours of completion. It confirms the module name, duration, date, and your upload to the DVSA system.
Cancellations & Refunds
Can I reschedule my Driver CPC booking?
Yes. You can reschedule to any available course date at no extra cost, provided you contact us at least 72 hours before your original start time. If you select a lower-priced course, the difference is not refunded.
What is your refund policy?
Online courses cancelled at least 72 hours before the start time are eligible for a 75% refund. Classroom courses cancelled 7+ days in advance are eligible for a 75% refund. Cancellations within 72 hours (online) or 7 days (classroom) are not refundable. Full details on our refund and returns page.
What if I miss my course without notice?
No-shows without prior notice cannot be refunded. However, we'd rather help you rebook than lose your fee — contact us as soon as possible and we'll do what we can to move you to another date.
What if I book the wrong course type?
Contact us and we'll move you to the correct course at no charge, as long as it's more than 72 hours before your session. If you're unsure whether you need National or International CPC, our team can check your existing Driver CPC record and advise before you book.
What if CPC Express cancels a course?
If we cancel a course for any reason, you'll receive either a full refund or a free transfer to another date — your choice. We'll always give as much notice as possible.
Still have questions?
Can't find what you need? Get in touch and our team will come back to you within office hours — or book directly from our course schedule.
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