What is Driver CPC and how often do I need to renew it?

Driver CPC is a legal qualification for professional HGV and PCV drivers. Qualified drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep their Driver Qualification Card (DQC) valid.

Can I be fined for driving without Driver CPC?

Yes. Driving professionally without Driver CPC can lead to fines of up to £1,000 and enforcement action.

Who approves Driver CPC training: DVSA or JAUPT?

Periodic Driver CPC approvals are managed through the JAUPT approvals process, which has operated as part of DVSA since 1 October 2022. Training hours are recorded/uploaded through DVSA systems after completion.

What is the difference between National and International Driver CPC?

International Driver CPC supports UK and EU professional driving and is commonly delivered in 7-hour days. National Driver CPC supports UK-only professional driving and can be delivered in 3.5-hour sessions. The right choice depends on where you need to drive professionally.

What is the Return to Driving Driver CPC option?

From 1 February 2025, drivers in certain circumstances may use a 7-hour Return to Driving module to restart professional driving in the UK, with further training hours required within a time limit depending on route.

Driver CPC Rules 2026: National vs International, 35-Hour Training Explained

January 13, 2026

Driver CPC Rules 2026 (UK): What It Is, Where It Came From, What Changed in 2024/2025, and How to Stay Compliant

This guide is maintained by transport compliance professionals and reflects DVSA and JAUPT requirements in force as of 2026.

This is the definitive UK guide to Driver CPC for 2026. It explains where Driver CPC originated, how it has evolved,
the National vs International split that came into force in December 2024, and the Return to Driving option introduced in February 2025.
You’ll also get a simple “quick check” so you book the right training first time.

Need dates now? See available options here:
Driver CPC training courses.

What Is Driver CPC?

Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is a legal qualification for professional lorry (HGV/LGV) and bus or coach (PCV)
drivers who drive for hire or reward. Drivers must either complete the Initial CPC (new drivers) or keep their entitlement live by completing
35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to maintain a valid Driver Qualification Card (DQC).

Warning: Driving professionally without a valid Driver CPC can lead to fines of up to £1,000 and enforcement action.

Where Did Driver CPC Come From? (Origin & Evolution)

Driver CPC exists because the UK implemented a Europe-wide professional driver standard (EU Directive 2003/59/EC). In practical terms:

PCV drivers (bus/coach) moved into the scheme from 10 September 2008.
HGV drivers (lorry) moved into the scheme from 10 September 2009.

The aim was to raise professional standards through an initial qualification route for new drivers and an ongoing periodic training cycle for existing drivers.
Over time the UK has adjusted delivery rules (including remote delivery rules and, more recently, a UK-only option for periodic training).

DVSA vs JAUPT: Who Approves CPC Training Now?

This is the most misunderstood part of CPC—and it’s where a lot of “DVSA-approved CPC” marketing goes wrong.

JAUPT is the approvals/auditing function for periodic Driver CPC training (centres, courses, and audits).
From 1 October 2022, JAUPT became part of DVSA. The service and processes largely stayed the same—just operated in-house.
After you complete training, your hours are recorded/uploaded through DVSA systems, and the DQC is issued/updated accordingly.

Bottom line: If someone searches “DVSA-approved CPC”, what they really need is:
approved periodic training delivered under the JAUPT approvals process (now within DVSA),
plus correct recording/upload of the hours so the driver stays compliant.

National vs International Driver CPC (Post-December 2024 Rules)

Reforms that came into force in December 2024 introduced two periodic training routes:

International Driver CPC	National Driver CPC
Valid for UK + EU professional driving	UK-only professional driving
Typically delivered as 7-hour training	Can be delivered in 3.5-hour sessions
35 hours commonly completed as 5 × 7-hour days	35 hours could be 10 × 3.5-hour sessions

Why Transcom delivers International CPC only

International Driver CPC remains the cleanest “future-proof” option because it keeps full entitlement for drivers who may take international work later.
Many drivers who pick UK-only hours end up having to undo that restriction if their job changes.

Maximum flexibility (UK + EU validity)
Efficient completion (7-hour days)
No restriction risk if duties change

Return to Driving (From 1 February 2025)

If your Driver CPC has lapsed, the UK introduced a Return to Driving option from 1 February 2025.
This can let some drivers return to UK driving sooner after completing a 7-hour Return to Driving module, followed by further hours within a time limit (depending on route).

Key point: “Return to Driving” is not a magic shortcut for everyone. Eligibility and what you must complete afterwards depends on your circumstances and whether you’re staying UK-only or returning to international driving later.

🚦 Quick Check: Which CPC Route Do I Need?

1) When did you gain your vocational licence (HGV/PCV)?

🔴 Before 10 Sept 2009 (HGV) / 10 Sept 2008 (PCV)?
→ You have Acquired Rights (Grandfather Rights).
Book Periodic Training (35 Hours)
🔵 After those dates? → Go to Question 2.

2) Have you ever held a Driver CPC card (DQC) before?

🟢 Yes (even if it’s expired)
→ You’re qualified. Complete Periodic Training to renew.
Book Periodic Training (35 Hours)
🟠 No, never → You likely need Initial CPC (Modules 2 & 4). Do not book 35-hour periodic training yet.

What If My Driver CPC Card Has Expired?

If your card has expired, there is no grace period. If you need Driver CPC for your work, you must stop driving professionally until you’re compliant.

In many cases you do not need to retake your driving test—what you need is the correct training route to regain/restore entitlement.

Need to get back on the road fast?
👉 View our Driver CPC Course Calendar

Can Driver CPC Be Done Online?

Yes. Periodic Driver CPC can be completed online via live instructor-led training, provided it meets approval/attendance requirements and is delivered correctly.

Do Any Exemptions Apply?

Some drivers and journeys are exempt from Driver CPC depending on the vehicle use and circumstances. If you’re unsure, check the official exemptions guidance before booking.

👮‍♂️ Driver CPC Jargon Buster

DQC: Driver Qualification Card.
Periodic Training: 35 hours every 5 years (for qualified drivers renewing).
Initial CPC: The initial qualification route for new professional drivers (4 tests).
Acquired Rights (Grandfather Rights): Held a vocational licence before the CPC start dates.
JAUPT: The approvals/auditing function for periodic training (now operated within DVSA).