Plenty of people finish their practical tests and then discover they still can't legally start work. That's the Driver CPC. It runs in parallel with your licence: the licence says you're allowed to drive the vehicle, the CPC says you're allowed to be paid for it.
What the Driver CPC is — and who needs it
The Certificate of Professional Competence is a legal requirement for anyone driving a goods vehicle over 3.5 tonnes as their main occupation. You take it once as an initial qualification, then top it up with periodic training for as long as you keep driving.
There are exemptions — driving non-commercially, carrying material or equipment for your own non-driving job, driving to or from an MOT, and a handful of others. If you're training in order to get a driving job, you need it.
The four Driver CPC modules
Module 1 — Theory (1a and 1b)
1a is a multiple choice test, 1b is hazard perception. These are the same theory tests you need for the licence itself. Prepare properly with our theory revision kit and read how to pass the HGV theory test first time plus our hazard perception tips.
Module 2 — Case studies
A computer-based test built around seven real-world scenarios: drivers' hours, loading, emergencies, security, health and safety. It catches people out because it's applied knowledge rather than recall. Our Module 2 case studies guide covers how to approach it.
Module 3 — Practical driving (3a and 3b)
3a is the off-road manoeuvring exercise, including reversing and, for C+E, uncoupling and recoupling. 3b is the on-road driving test. Passing both puts the licence entitlement on your record.
Module 4 — Practical demonstration
Around 30 minutes with an examiner demonstrating load security, safety checks, roadworthiness and how you'd deal with an emergency. It's included in our full Class 1 packages and can be booked on its own through additional training.
How much does the Driver CPC cost?
DVSA fees are fixed nationally and are the same whoever you train with. Training to prepare for the modules is charged separately by your provider.
| Item | Typical cost | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1a — multiple choice theory | £26 | DVSA |
| Module 1b — hazard perception | £11 | DVSA |
| Module 2 — case studies | £23 | DVSA |
| Module 3a — off-road manoeuvres | £40 weekday / £55 evening & weekend | DVSA |
| Module 3b — on-road driving | £115 weekday / £141 evening & weekend | DVSA |
| Module 4 — practical demonstration | £55 weekday / £63 evening & weekend | DVSA |
DVSA fees as published at the time of writing — always check GOV.UK for the current figures. HGV Academy packages include the relevant test fees, so there's nothing extra to pay on test day.
For the full cost of getting qualified, including the medical and training, see how much an HGV licence costs in the UK.
The Driver Qualification Card (DQC)
Pass Modules 2 and 4 and DVSA issues your DQC, sometimes called the CPC card. You must carry it while driving professionally and it's valid for five years. It usually arrives within a few weeks of your final module.
35 hours of periodic training
To keep your CPC you complete 35 hours of approved training every five years — most drivers do five seven-hour days, spread out rather than crammed. Courses cover subjects like drivers' hours, tachographs, safe loading, fuel efficiency, first aid and vehicle safety.
Employers often fund periodic training for their own drivers. If you run a fleet, our fleet and employer training page covers group bookings.
CPC training with HGV Academy
Driver CPC Module 2 and Module 4 are built into our complete Class 1 packages, so you finish training with both the licence and the DQC rather than discovering a gap afterwards. If you only need Module 4, you can book it on its own.