We’re often asked if individuals need their Driver CPC so here’s our take on the guidance. It is only a synopsis and full details of the requirements can be found by clicking here.
Do I need to do my initial CPC?
This all depends on when you took your LGV or PCV driving test.
PCV: If you took this test on or before 9th September 2008 then you do not need an initial CPC.
LGV: If you took this test on or before 9th September 2009 then you do not need an initial CPC.
For more information about this please click here to go to the Government website
If you took your category test by these dates you only need to do Periodic Training.
If you took your test after these dates then you will need to complete an initial CPC before you can do the Periodic courses.
There are 4 modules that make up a full Initial CPC which are:
Module 1 – The theory test
Module 2 – Case Studies
Module 3 – Driving ability test
Module 4 – Practical demonstration test
All LGV & PCV drivers have to do Modules 1 & 3 to get their category licence. Modules 2 & 4 are only required if your wish to drive professionally and do not fall into one of the permitted CPC exemptions.
A full list of exemptions can be found by clicking here
(If you were exempt but change jobs to a non-exempt category, you’ll need to complete modules 2 & 4 before you can earn money as a professional driver).
If you hold an LCV licence and have your full CPC for this, but then learn to drive a bus or coach (or vice-versa) you’ll need to redo the Initial CPC for the new category before you can drive professionally. After this, one batch of Periodic Training covers both categories.
Periodic Training
Periodic training requires you to do 35 hours of relevant training over a 5-year cycle once you’ve completed your Initial CPC.
Periodic training is normally delivered as five 7-hour courses, but whether you choose to do one a year, all 5 in a week or any other combination, is up to you.
Each course must be different unless there is a good reason for repeating one (for example of this would be if you hold a First Aid certificate then this is only valid for 3 years so it would be appropriate to do 2 First Aid courses in the 5-year cycle).
We offer the following modules:
Emergency First Aid at Work: Classroom based and covering CPR, burns, wounds, bleeds, fits and unconscious casualty management
Code of the Road: Looks at the Highways Code, Accidents, drink/drugs driving, mobile phone usage, level crossing safety
Highway Emergencies: An in-depth look at what to do in the event of an accident including some basic First Aid covering unconscious casualty management, recovery position, CPR and how to use an AED
Further information about the Periodic training requirements can be found by clicking here
What happens next?
As each course is completed, we upload your hours to the DVSA website, which tracks your CPC status. The information here is accessible in real-time by the Police, DVSA Inspectors and Highways Agency Traffic Officers.
Once you have completed your 35 hours
If you are within a month of, or past, the renew date of your Driver’s Qualification Card (DQC) then the DVSA will automatically post your new card to you (If there is more than a month to go then it won’t be sent out until roughly a month in advance). If you have not received your card within 14 days then you should contact DVSA and ask for a replacement.
If you are not carrying your DQC with you then you can be fined £50.00 but the Police & DVSA inspectors will not normally charge this if they can see that you’ve recently completed your CPC and are waiting for the card.
You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally if your Driver CPC expired before 1 March 2020 or if you have never had one. The same fine will be given to the owner of the vehicle for allowing you to drive without a valid CPC.
If your CPC expired after 1st March 2020 then there is temporary exemption in place that allows you to continue driving without a valid DQC. This is subject to change.