Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)
If you want to professionally drive a bus, coach or lorry, as well as holding a valid driving licence, you will need a driver certificate of professional competence (CPC).
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Get Licenced What is a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence?
The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is a qualification for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers. It has been introduced across Europe with the professed aim of improving road safety and helping to maintain high standards of driving.
As a new driver with a Full Driving Licence (Category B) you will need to pass the Driver CPC in order to gain your professional licence, but you will also be expected to complete periodic training in order to keep your Driver CPC qualification also.
Eligibility
To be able apply for a provisional lorry, coach or bus licence you must be at least 17+ years old, a UK resident and hold a Full Driving Licence (Category B).
Before you attempt the driver certificate of professional competence test you will need to apply for a provisional lorry, coach or bus licence.
The category of provisional licence you need depends on the type of vehicle you want to drive.
In order to apply for a provisional lorry, coach or bus licence please visit the Official UK Government Website.
Driver certificate of professional competence test
Once you have a provisional lorry, coach or bus licence you can then take the driver certificate of professional competence test.
Before you can drive professionally in either a bus, coach or lorry you must first pass this test which is divided into four parts:
Module One – Theory Test (includes both the multiple-choice test and the hazard perception test)
Module Two – Case Studies
Module Three- Practical Driving Test of driving ability
Module Four – Driver CPC Practical Test (Vehicle Safety Demonstration)
Your Driver Qualification Card (DQC) will be sent to you after you have passed all four modules.
Receiving your Driver Qualification Card
A Driver Qualification Card will be issued automatically once you have passed the initial qualification and will be sent to the address on your driving licence.
Please Note - You can get a £50 fixed penalty for driving professionally without your Driver CPC card.
Periodic Training
Your Driver Qualification Card lasts for five years. In order to retain your Driver Qualification Card, 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.
FAQs
Yes, with a Driver Qualification Card you are able to drive a bus.
Yes, with a Driver Qualification Card you are able to drive a lorry.
Yes, with a Driver Qualification Card you are able to drive a coach.
You must have the full Driver CPC if you drive a lorry, bus or coach as the main part of your job.
You don’t need the full Driver CPC if you:
don’t want to drive for a living, for example you want to drive for a hobby or carry passengers or goods non-commercially for personal use
drive in certain other situations, such as taking your vehicle for a pre-booked annual test (MOT)
You'll need a wide range of skills, including
excellent driving skills and knowledge of traffic regulations
good customer service and clear communication skills
an assertive but polite approach to difficult passengers
good geographical knowledge
As a bus driver you could work for a local bus company. You could also work in community transport, driving schoolchildren, hospital patients and older people to their destinations.
As a coach driver you could work for long distance operators, or holiday tour companies in the UK or overseas.
As a lorry driver you could work for any kind of company that requires goods to be delivered, this includes retail and delivery companies.
Yes. You will need to take 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to stay qualified.
