As a new driver, you will need to pass the initial Driver CPC to gain your professional licence, but you will also be expected to complete periodic training to keep your Driver CPC qualification.

New drivers – the Driver CPC qualification

Before you can drive professionally, you must pass the initial Driver CPC qualification which is divided into four parts:

• Part 1 – Theory Test: includes both the multiple choice test (1a) and the hazard perception test (1b)
• Part 2 – Case Studies
• Part 3- Practical Driving Test of driving ability
• Part 4 – Driver CPC Practical Test (Vehicle Safety Demonstration)

What tests do I have to take?

If you take your test and you are not going to be driving for a living, or are exempt, you will only need to pass parts 1 and 3.

If however, you change your mind and wish to drive a lorry, bus or coach for a living you will need to pass parts 2 and 4.

How much will the Driver CPC cost?

Part 1a – Theory Test (multiple choice) – £28.00

Part 1b – Theory Test (hazard perception) – £12.00

Part 2 – Case Studies Theory Test – £24.00

Part 3 – Vocational licence acquisition Practical Test (of driving ability) £115.00

Part 4 – Driver CPC Practical Test (vehicle safety demonstration) £55.00 weekday (£63.00 evening or weekend)

Can I take the parts in any order?

You must pass Part 1a (Theory Test) before you can take Part 3 (Practical Test) and you must pass Part 2 (Case Studies) before you can take Part 4 (Vehicle Safety Demonstration).

Once you have passed the CPC qualification

Your Driver Qualification Card (DQC) will be sent to you after you have passed all four parts. It’s unlawful to drive professionally without having your DQC.

It’s essential that the DVLA have your correct details as your card will be posted to the same address as on your driving licence.

To avoid penalties, once you start driving professionally you must ensure that you carry your DQC with you at all times. If your card is lost, stolen or damaged you must contact your employer and the DVSA immediately and apply for a replacement card. You can use the details below:

Email: [email protected] (please make sure that you put DQC Enquiry in the subject field of your email)

Tel: 0300 200 1122

Post: Driver CPC Enquiries, PB Box 280, Newcastle, NE99 1FP

You are still permitted to drive professionally while you await the arrival of your replacement card.

Your Driver CPC card will not have your address on it and uses the photograph and signature on your photocard driving licence.

Periodic Training

Your Driver CPC lasts for five years.

In order to retain your Driver CPC, you will need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years if you want to continue driving professionally.

Your periodic training must be taken with an approved training centre.

Find an approved periodic training course or centre.

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Existing professional drivers

If you are an existing professional driver you will have ‘acquired rights’ for five years to a Driver CPC. You don’t need to pass the initial qualification but you must complete 35 hours of periodic training to keep your Driver CPC.

This only applies to the following:

• If you are a BUS or COACH DRIVER and got your vocational licence (D, D1, D+E and D1+E) before the 10th September 2008
• If you are a LORRY DRIVER and got your vocational licence (C, C1, C+E and C1+E) before the 10th September 2009

Driver CPC Exemptions

If you are driving a vehicle for non-commercial purposes you do not need a Driver CPC.

Vehicle exemptions: You won’t need a Driver CPC if the vehicle you drive is:

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

Vehicle Uses: You will not need a Driver CPC if the vehicle you drive is:

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

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We at DTS provide a range of learning aids to ensure you’re ready to pass Parts, 1a, 1b and 2.

One of our most popular solutions is the DTS Anytime Online Training range including LGV & PCV Module 1a/1b Theory Test Revision and LGV & PCV Module 2 Case Studies Revision for CPC.

The LGV & PCV Module 1a/1b Theory Test Revision – Online Training uses the latest licensed DVSA revision questions – from the people who set the tests.

This package will also fully prepare you for the Hazard Perception part of the test with over 700 interactive video clips. And, because it’s an online system, you’ll have access to a built-in progress monitor, free updates, and have access from your smartphone, tablet, Mac or PC anytime, anywhere.

Click on the image below to have a closer look at what’s on offer:

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The LGV & PCV Module 2 Case Studies Revision for CPC – Online Training covers every single aspect of the DVSA syllabus for the CPC test.

It’s structured exactly like the official Part 2 Test and contains hundreds of mock tests and interactive multiple choice questions. It even has over 40 minutes of video tutorials (with subtitles) covering the use of tachograph, pre-drive vehicle inspection and drivers’ hours.

Again, as it’s an online solution, you’ll have access via your smartphone, tablet, Mac or PC anytime, anywhere!

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Our extensive LGV and PCV products page will ensure you find a solution tailored to your revision and learning requirements.

Good luck with your revision!