Driver CPC

Driver CPC training in the UK

What is Driver CPC?

To drive HGVs and PCVs at a professional and commercial level, drivers must complete statutory training in order to be issued with a Driver Qualification Card (DQC).

The statutory training referred to is known as Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) and applies to most C1, C1E, C and CE (HGV drivers) and D1, D1E, D and DE (PCV drivers).

First introduced in September 2008 (PCV) and September 2009 (HGV), Driver CPC has 3 main objectives:

  • Improve road safety
  • Underpin and expand on current driver knowledge e.g. driver hours, digital tachographs, rules and regulations etc.
  • Ensure new entrants have the required skills and knowledge to carry out their duties as professional drivers.

Active drivers (acquired rights) will need to undertake 35 hours of Driver CPC training every 5 years. New entrants must compete the Initial Driver CPC before undertaking periodic training.

For Periodic CPC, tuition consists of a series of modules, each lasting 7 hours on various topics that should be relevant to the driver’s specific occupation. Driver CPC took effect from September 2008 for PCV drivers and September 2009 for HGV drivers. It is possible to complete periodic CPC training online or in a classroom. The choice is yours.

There are two types of Driver CPC training, initial Driver CPC training and periodic Driver CPC training and it is very important you complete the correct one.

Driver CPC

Initial Driver CPC Training

New drivers will complete their initial Driver CPC training as part of their category C1, C1E, C, D1 or D training. To obtain a licence, students will need to pass all the following modules:

Driver CPC Training Modules

Module 1a. Theory test consisting of 100 multiple choice questions. Must get at least 85 correct answers.

Module 1b. Hazard perception theory test. 20 hazard clips. Each clip consists of 2 to 3 hazards. Must get at least 67 (out of 100) points to be awarded a pass.


Module 2. 50 multi choice questions based on 7 different scenarios. The scenarios are designed to reflect situations a professional PCV or LGV driver will encounter in his or her working life. Must get at least 40 answers correct to be awarded a pass.

Module 3. Practical driving tests. The driving test is split into two exercises.

Module 3a. Off road exercise and (C+E) coupling / uncoupling procedure. Before 3b can be taken, 3a must be passed. Once 3a has been completed successfully, A certificate will be awarded that is valid for 6 months. This, up to 30 minutes test, involves reversing your truck into a simulated loading bay within a designated area. For vehicles with trailers, a demonstration of coupling and re-coupling must be passed. Most training companies are able to carry out their own reverse test.

Module 3b. A 1 hour on road driving test. This is a 60 minute drive negotiating various road and traffic conditions including show me tell me questions. The HGV on road driving test is by far the most challenging aspect of gaining LGV entitlement which is why training with a reputable, local training provider is so important.

Module 4. Practical associated knowledge exam. No driving is required for this part but you will need a suitable vehicle to demonstrate your answers. It’s all about what a driver does whilst not driving.

This may include checking the vehicle is not incorrectly loaded or overloaded, securing a load with the correct restraining devices, checking a vehicle is safe and in good working order before taking it on the public highway etc. Please view our Module 4 questions and answers page for more information on this subject.

On completion of all 4 modules drivers will be issued with their initial DQC which is valid for 5 years. Within those 5 years and every 5 years thereafter drivers will then become subject to periodic Driver CPC training, i.e. 35 hours every 5 years.

Periodic Driver CPC Training

As mentioned above, professional (existing) drivers need to ensure they have completed 35 hours of periodic driver CPC training every 5 years in order to be issued with a DQC.

It is up to the employer and driver to choose which topics they wish to study for their Driver CPC. Government regulations state that course modules must be officially recognised (Driver CPC approved) and must last at least 7 hours. It is also not possible to complete the same 7 hour course in a 5 year block

The majority of approved driver CPC modules are 7 hours in length and many experts recommend that drivers undertake 1 module every year to achieve their 35 hours, thus spreading the cost and time away from work. Again, once periodic training has been completed, drivers will be issued with a valid DQC. All drivers must carry their DQC with them when driving professionally. It is an offence not to carry a valid DQC whilst driving commercially.

Driver CPC Exemptions

Driver CPC applies to most professional PCV and HGV drivers but NOT every driver will require a DQC as there are a few Driver CPC exemptions. It would be true to say some of the exemptions are quite vague and some road transport lawyers have likened the exemptions to a minefield.

If an operator believes his drivers are exempt from Driver CPC then the onus will be on the operator to prove and demonstrate that to be the case. We suggest you visit the Government website and view the Driver CPC exemptions to check your status.