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.
We make getting your CPC licence a simple, stress-free process ✅
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.
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.
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.
