Driver CPC: what you need and where to get it
Searching for Driver CPC training in Devon? I'll be straight with you: I don't deliver Driver CPC courses. But here's a plain-English guide to what you need, and how to find an approved course.
- Who needs it
- Professional lorry, bus & coach drivers
- Periodic training
- 35 hours every 5 years
- Where
- An approved training centre
- Delivered by AVDT
- Not currently
What is Driver CPC?
Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is the qualification professional lorry, bus and coach drivers need on top of their driving licence. It's there to keep drivers' knowledge and skills up to date throughout their career.
You need it if driving a lorry, bus or coach is the main part of your job. Some drivers don't, for example if you're driving for personal use rather than commercially. GOV.UK sets out who needs it.
How it works
- New drivers get their initial Driver CPC by passing the qualification tests while getting their lorry or bus licence.
- To keep it, you complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years on approved courses.
- Once your hours are done, you're sent a Driver CPC card, which you carry when you drive professionally.
- If you only drive in the UK, you can usually choose National or International Driver CPC courses. If you drive in Europe too, you'll need International courses. GOV.UK explains the difference.
- You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without Driver CPC.
I don't currently deliver Driver CPC
Driver CPC periodic training has to be delivered on approved courses, and AVDT doesn't run them at the moment.
Having spent three years as a DVSA Vocational Examiner, I'd much rather point you in the right direction than waste your time. The links below are the official place to start.
- Driver CPC courses
- Not offered by AVDT
- LGV & PCV tuition
- Yes, see LGV & PCV
- D1 minibus training
- Yes
- Forklift & telehandler
- Yes, on your site
Three steps to sorting your Driver CPC
More official links are on my Resources page.
1. Read the official guidance
Start with Driver CPC training on GOV.UK. It covers how much training you need and which type of course counts for you.
2. Search for approved courses
GOV.UK links to the official course search. Only approved courses count towards your 35 hours.
3. Book with an approved centre
Choose an approved training centre that suits you, and check the course is approved before you book. Your hours are recorded by the centre that delivers the course.
Training I do offer
Looking to get your lorry or bus licence first?
I offer LGV (lorry) and PCV (bus and minibus) tuition across Devon and Cornwall, including C1 training for trainee paramedics and other individual drivers, D1 minibus training, and training days for driving schools. See LGV & PCV training →
Driving a minibus?
Find out in two minutes whether your licence already covers you, and what training you need. D1 minibus training →
Forklift or telehandler operators?
On-site operator training on your own equipment, planned around your working day. Forklift and telehandler training.
Common questions
Do you deliver Driver CPC courses?
No, not at the moment. Driver CPC periodic training has to be done on an approved course, and only approved training centres can record your hours. Use the GOV.UK guidance to find one.
Do I need Driver CPC to drive a minibus?
If driving a minibus is the main part of your paid job, you'll usually need Driver CPC. If you drive for a school, charity or community group, or only now and then, you might not. GOV.UK explains who is exempt, and I'm happy to help you think it through.
Do I need Driver CPC to drive a forklift or telehandler?
No. Driver CPC is for professional lorry, bus and coach drivers. Forklift and telehandler operators need proper operator training instead, which I deliver on your own site (see forklift and telehandler training).
What happens if I drive professionally without it?
You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without Driver CPC, so it's worth checking your hours well before your card expires.
Not sure what training you need?
Tell me what you drive or operate and I'll point you the right way, even if it's not me.