Become a qualified heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or bus driver
Returning to be an HGV or bus driver
If you鈥檙e returning to be an HGV or lorry driver, you must bring your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) up to date.
If you previously qualified, you do not have to complete the full qualification process again.
You鈥檒l also need to check that your driving licence:
- is still valid - check what vehicles you鈥檙e allowed to drive
- has not expired - renew your licence if it has
Bring your Driver CPC up to date
What you need to do depends on when you originally got your heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or bus licence.
If you need to complete Driver CPC training, which type of training you do will depend on where you want to drive.
Some employers offer help with the cost of training.
If you got an HGV licence before 10 September 2009 or a bus licence before 10 September 2008
You must either:
- complete 35 hours of Driver CPC training by finding and taking training courses
- take and pass the Driver CPC part 2 (case studies) and the Driver CPC part 4 (practical demonstration) tests
If you鈥檝e already taken parts 2 and 4 of the Driver CPC tests, you cannot take them again. You must take 35 hours of training instead.
If you got an HGV licence on or after 10 September 2009 or a bus licence on or after 10 September 2008
You must complete 35 hours of Driver CPC training by finding and taking training courses.
Any training you鈥檝e done in the last 5 years counts towards the total. The training is valid for 5 years from the date you took the course.
Taking a Return to Driving CPC course
You can take a Return to Driving CPC course if your Driver CPC expired both:
- more than 60 days ago
- less than 2 years ago
If you want to drive in the UK:
- complete the 7-hour Return to Driving CPC 肠辞耻谤蝉别听
- you can start driving professionally as soon as your training provider has recorded the training聽
- you must also complete 28 further hours of Driver CPC training within 12 months of finishing the course to stay qualified
If you do not complete 28 hours of further training in your first year, you will not be able to continue driving professionally in the UK.
If you want to drive in Europe:
- you must complete 35 hours of International Driver CPC training
- this can include a 7-hour Return to Driving CPC course
You cannot drive professionally in Europe until you鈥檝e completed all 35 hours of Driver CPC training.
You can only take a Return to Driving CPC course once every 5 years.
After you鈥檝e completed your training or tests
Your new Driver CPC card will be sent to the address on your driving licence when you鈥檝e completed your training or tests.