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The Driver CPC qualification

Driver CPC is a qualification for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers. It will:

• improve your knowledge and skills before you start driving
  
• develop your knowledge and skills throughout your working life
• improve road safety through better qualified drivers
  

If you are new to professional driving

If you are a new driver, you must pass an initial Driver CPC qualification before you can drive professionally.

The initial Driver CPC qualification is split into four parts:

• part one - theory test (multiple-choice and hazard perception)
• part two - case studies
• part three - practical test of driving ability
• part four - vehicle safety demonstration

You must pass all four parts to be able to drive professionally.

How to book your Driver CPC initial qualification tests

The quickest and easiest way to book your initial qualification tests is online. However, you can book by phone or post if you prefer.

• Book your part one or part two test online

• How to book and manage your driving theory test appointment

• Book your part three or part four test online

• How to book and manage your practical driving test appointment

• Driver CPC fees: Business Link Opens new window

More about what Driver CPC initial qualification tests involve

By visiting the Business Link website you can find out more about:

• whether you need to take the initial qualification tests
• what happens in the initial qualification tests
• what happens after you have passed the initial qualification tests
  

• Driver CPC initial qualification: Business Link Opens new window

Taking periodic training to keep your Driver CPC

Periodic training involves attending courses on various aspects of professional driving. You must do 35 hours of periodic training every five years to keep your Driver CPC.

Only approved courses taken with approved training centres will count towards periodic training.

If you drive both lorries and buses professionally

You only need to complete one set of training every five years if you have a passenger carrying vehicle and a large goods vehicle licence.

• Driver CPC: when and how to take periodic training

If you have Driver CPC by 'acquired rights'

If you are an existing professional driver, you will have gained valuable experience in your work. You will have 'acquired rights' for five years, meaning that you will be deemed to have Driver CPC. This applies to you if you are a:

• bus or coach driver and got your vocational licence (D, D1, D+E and D1+E) before 10 September 2023
• lorry driver and got your vocational licence (C, C1, C+E and C1+E) before 10 September 2023

If you have 'acquired rights' you don’t need to pass the initial qualification. However, you must complete 35 hours of periodic training to keep your Driver CPC.

• Driver CPC: when and how to take periodic training

Proof of your Driver CPC: the Driver Qualification Card (DQC)

After you have passed the initial qualification you'll get a Driver Qualification Card (DQC).

It's unlawful to drive professionally without having your DQC.

Driver CPC is enforced in all European Union (EU) member states.

If you are driving professionally in another EU country, you must still have a valid Driver CPC.

• Driver CPC: your Driver Qualification Card (DQC)

When Driver CPC is not needed

You might not need Driver CPC. Whether you need it or not will depend on:

• the vehicle you drive
• what the vehicle is being used for

Vehicles you can drive where you don't need Driver CPC

You won't need Driver CPC if the vehicle you drive is:

• being road tested after repair, maintenance or technical development
• new or rebuilt and hasn't yet been put into service
• limited to a top speed of no more than 28 miles per hour (45 kilometres per hour)

Vehicle uses where you don't need Driver CPC

You won't need Driver CPC if the vehicle you drive is:

• used for non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods for personal use
• used to carry material or equipment that you use for your job - but driving the vehicle can't be the main part of your job
• used for driving lessons for anyone who wants to get a driving licence or a Driver CPC
• used by, or is under the control of, the armed forces, civil defence, the fire service and forces responsible for maintaining public order
• used in states of emergency or for rescue missions

More useful links

• Driver CPC initial qualification: Business Link Opens new window

• Driver CPC periodic training: Business Link Opens new window

• Buy Driving Standards Agency software and books: TSO Opens new window

• Applying for a provisional driving licence