What is a CPC? - Hughes Driver Training, the HGV Training & Careers Company Chat Options

What is a CPC?

What is a CPC?

everything you need to know

What is a CPC?

A CPC is a drivers Certificate of Professional Competence and it’s given to you once you have completed 35 hours of periodic training. A CPC can also be known as a ‘driver qualification card‘ or ‘DQC’, and it is your key to becoming a professional lorry, bus, or coach driver.

Completing CPC training will help you on your way to becoming a professional driver in the UK. During your course, we’ll get you on the road to mastering:

Certificate of professional competence example
  • Drivers hours
  • The ins and outs of loading and unloading
  • Essential first aid
  • Eco-friendly driving & much more

Depending on when you earned your driving licence, there’ll be 2 options available to you:

Initial

  • If you got your car licence post-1997
  • Module 2 has you delving into case studies
  • Module 4 is all about the ‘Show Me’ / ‘Tell Me’ Practical

Periodic

  • If you got your car licence pre-1997
  • Gear up for 5 days of classroom training

 

Initial

  • If you got your car licence post-1997
  • Module 2 has you delving into case studies
  • Module 4 is all about the ‘Show Me’ / ‘Tell Me’ Practical

Periodic

  • If you got your car licence pre-1997
  • Gear up for 5 days of classroom training

 

You must always carry your CPC card whilst your driving a lorry, bus or coach professionally. And you’ll need to renew it every 5 years.

Get in touch

DRIVER CERTIFICATE OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE

Keep your skills moving.
Plan your Driver CPC.

New to professional driving, keeping your qualification current or returning after a break? Hughes can help you understand your next step.

Get my Driver CPC quote →Call 0800 1777 447

Course advice, training options and a personalised quote.

Start with your goalsDiscuss your licence and experience.
Find your training optionsAsk about suitable courses and availability.
Know your next stepUnderstand the costs and what’s included.

YOUR NEXT STEP WITH HUGHES

The right CPC route
for your driving plans.

Driver CPC is the professional qualification for many lorry, bus and coach drivers. The route depends on your existing licence, qualifications and the driving you intend to do.

Initial qualification and periodic training serve different purposes. Tell us what you already hold so we can help you understand the relevant option.

Find your starting point ↓

START WHERE YOU ARE

Getting qualified
or keeping up to date?

You don’t have to have every answer. Tell us what you want to achieve and we’ll help you understand the options.

INITIAL QUALIFICATION

I’m new to professional driving

Understand the qualification stages relevant to your licence and experience.

  • Tell us your existing licence categories.
  • Discuss theory, case studies and practical requirements.
  • Check what is included in your training quote.
Ask about initial Driver CPC →

PERIODIC TRAINING

I need to keep my CPC current

Plan your periodic training before your qualification deadline.

  • Check your card expiry and recorded training hours.
  • Discuss UK-only or international driving requirements.
  • Ask about available courses, dates and costs.
Ask about periodic Driver CPC →

SUPPORT THROUGH YOUR TRAINING

A clear plan.
A team beside you.

Build your next step around the training you need and the goals that matter to you.

Find your route

Talk through your licence, experience and intended driving. We’ll help you understand the relevant training options.

Talk to the team →

Prepare with a plan

Discuss availability, course details and any requirements before booking. Get clear on costs and what is included.

Ask for my course details →

Build your skills

Discuss training relevant to your professional role, including topics such as drivers’ hours, vehicle safety and responsible driving. Confirm the available course content with the team.

Explore Hughes training →
Your CPC route is not determined by your car test date alone. Previous qualifications, licence dates and intended driving all matter.

HEAR FROM A HUGHES LEARNER

Support that makes a difference.

Read Hughes learner reviews ↗
★★★★★
“Incredible team here, very skilled and informative, easy to work with, made my training a joy.”

Jamie Loxley · Class 2 training
Trustpilot · 5 October 2026 · Read the full review ↗

A QUOTE THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS

Get clear on your next step
before you commit.

Your Driver CPC needs depend on your qualification history, deadlines and intended driving. Ask us about suitable courses, dates and costs.

  • Your course options and relevant requirements
  • What is included in your quote
  • Suitable dates, format and availability
Get my personalised quote →

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED

Your Driver CPC
questions, answered.

Need advice for your circumstances? Ask the team about your options.

Ask a course question →
What is the difference between initial and periodic CPC?

Initial qualification is the route for many new professional drivers. Periodic training keeps an existing qualification current. Your previous licence and qualifications can affect what you need.

How often do I need periodic training?

Qualified drivers generally need 35 hours of periodic training every five years. Check your deadline and recorded training hours before booking.

Is National CPC the same as International CPC?

No. National Driver CPC covers professional driving in the UK. International Driver CPC is needed for professional driving in Europe. Ask which available courses fit your intended driving.

What if my CPC has expired?

Returning drivers may have different training requirements depending on their qualification history. Speak to the team and check the official return-to-driving guidance before booking.

How much does the training cost?

Your quote depends on your starting point and the training you need. Ask us to explain the course, costs and what’s included before you decide.

When and where can I train?

Dates and locations depend on the course and availability. Tell us your preferred area and timeframe so we can confirm suitable options.

Read the current official guidance on GOV.UK ↗.

YOUR NEXT STEP STARTS HERE

Let’s plan your
Driver CPC training.

Tell us a little about yourself. Our team will help you understand your options and get a personalised quote.

  1. Tell us your starting pointShare your preferred location and training interest.
  2. Talk through your optionsDiscuss your experience, goals and preferred dates.
  3. Get a clear next stepUnderstand the course details and costs before deciding.

Prefer a conversation?
0800 1777 447

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