If you’re someone who currently holds a HGV licence, you’ll likely be aware of the fact that since 2008 in the case of coach and bus drivers and 2009 for lorry drivers,  periodic CPC  (Certificate of Professional Competence) training is required every five years in order to retain your ability to drive professionally. For those who aren’t so clear on the issue, we now look into the subject in detail, so that you know exactly where you stand and what’s required of you.

Who Needs to Take it? 

Essentially, if the majority of your job involves driving a coach, a bus or a lorry, then periodic CPC  training is something you’ll have to take every five years. The training itself is comprised of a minimum of 35 hours, which can be spread over the entire 5 year period, so long as it is completed within the allotted time for the license held.

What periodic CPC  training should not be confused with is initial CPC training, which is something every driver goes through when they first get their HGV licence (unless you obtained your HGV licence prior to Jan 10th 1997 and you have what’s known as acquired rights – usually shown in the C1 column on the back of your licence). Periodic training is an ongoing assessment of your driving capabilities that was introduced under EU law to maintain driver standards on Europe’s roads. Failure to stay compliant can result in up to a £1,000 fine being imposed, so staying up to date is very important to you and your job.

How to Apply

We at HGVT offer both initial and periodic CPC training courses at all our training centres accredited by JAUPT. You simply have to Sign up on our website or give us a call to ensure that your 35 hours of training is complete, before the date your renewal comes around.

There’s no need to panic just yet, however, as getting your HGV licence was definitely the hard part of the journey. Periodic CPC  training is not a pass or fail process and it’s just something that you’re required to attend. Once you’ve done your 35 hours, you’re all set to drive for a living and your DQC (Driver Qualification Card) will be valid for another 5 years.

Checking Your Periodic CPC  Hours

 Keeping track of exactly how much of your mandatory periodic CPC  training you’ve done is very important, as it will help you stay up to date. Checking your hours can be done quite easily, by logging onto the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) website and registering your details into their system.

Once you’ve registered, your log in details will be posted to the address on your driving licence and you’ll then be able to access your training record online, as and when you please. You must keep your login details somewhere safe, however, as it’s something that you’ll need every time you want to access your hours.

Get in Touch Now

At HGVT, we are the largest provider of CPC driver training in the UK, with more than 60 training centres across the country. We have the expertise and industry knowledge you need to take care of all of your driver training needs. We even have careers advisors who can help those just starting out on their HGV career to find work in their area.

So, if you need any help with anything discussed here or you’d like to book yourself in one of our courses, then simply sign up or give us a call now and have a chat with one of our friendly advisors.