Driver CPC

Overview

The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is a qualification that professional lorry, bus and coach drivers in the UK must hold. It has two stages: an initial qualification, made up of four parts, and then periodic training to keep the qualification valid. The test details below come from the Northern Ireland guidance on nidirect and the periodic training details from GOV.UK, so confirm current rules and test details on GOV.UK before booking.

Who can apply

Anyone who drives a lorry, bus or coach as a profession needs the Driver CPC. A new driver needs a full car licence and must be over 18, though nidirect notes some exceptions.

Levels or stages

Initial qualification

New professional drivers pass four parts.

• Part 1, theory test: a multiple-choice test plus a hazard perception test.

• Part 2, case studies: a computer-based test built on realistic work situations.

• Part 3, driving ability: a practical driving assessment.

• Part 4, practical demonstration: a test of practical skills linked to vehicle safety.

Periodic training

To keep the qualification valid, a driver completes 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years. Training must be done in the country where the driver works or normally lives.

• Drivers who work in the UK and Europe must take International Driver CPC courses only; including National courses gives a National card that does not allow professional driving in Europe.

• Drivers who only work in the UK can take National courses alone, or a mix of National and International courses.

Exam pattern

Marking and results

Part 1 has two sections with separate pass marks, shown in the table above. Part 4 needs a minimum score in each topic as well as an overall score, so a strong topic cannot make up for a weak one.

Fees

Test fees are not listed in the sources used here. Check GOV.UK for the current fee for each part.

How to apply

Parts 1 and 2 can be booked online, and so can parts 3 and 4, through the booking links on GOV.UK and nidirect. You can take Parts 1 and 2 in any order, and Parts 3 and 4 in any order, but you must pass Part 1 before Part 3 and Part 2 before Part 4. For periodic training, find an approved training provider and complete courses that count towards your 35 hours. GOV.UK also offers a service to check the training hours you have already completed.

After the exam

Driving professionally without a valid Driver CPC can lead to a fine of up to 1,000 pounds. Northern Ireland residents follow different procedures, so use the Northern Ireland guidance if that applies.

The government response to its Driver CPC consultation set out planned changes to periodic training, including a minimum course length of 3.5 hours (excluding e-learning) and a return-to-driving route for drivers whose Driver CPC has lapsed for at least 2 months but less than 2 years. Check GOV.UK for which of these are now in force.

Preparation tips

• Study each part separately, as the theory test, case studies and practical demonstration test very different skills.

• For hazard perception, practise with video clips so you can reach the 67 out of 100 pass mark.

• For the practical demonstration, prepare all five syllabus topics evenly, because each has its own minimum.