CPC Information For Training Providers

The reforms were recommended following a consultation with the vocational driver and training industries. They include:

• introducing a National Driver CPC that will cover driving a lorry, bus or coach in the UK
• allowing training courses to be done in blocks of 3.5 hours, rather than the current 7 hours, to allow greater flexibility
• decoupling e-learning from trainer led courses

The debate also included a change to speed up the process for drivers whose Driver CPC has run out to return to driving a lorry or bus coach in the UK. This came into effect in February 2025.

Get a Driver CPC training course approved by DVA

Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) are the competent authority for training providers. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency process course and centre applications on DVA’s behalf, prior to DVA considering approval.

You must be an approved training centre to provide CPC periodic training courses.

You have to apply for approval from the DVA for each course you want to run. Your course will be approved for one year, after this you’ll need to apply for approval again.

Further information is available here: Get a Driver CPC training course approved by DVSA - GOV.UK

Manage your Driver CPC training centre and courses

If you’ve been approved to run Driver CPC periodic training courses, you can use the Gov.uk service to manage your Driver CPC training centre’s details, add trainers, schedule new courses, etc.

Manage your Driver CPC training centre and courses - GOV.UK

Run a Driver CPC training course

Course content rules

Training should:

• have specific emphasis on road safety, health and safety at work, and the reduction of the environmental impact of driving
• cover a variety of subjects including one road safety-related subject
• take into account developments in relevant legislation and technology
• consider the specific training needs of the driver

Training can be delivered:

• as classroom teaching
• as practical training
• remotely, using video call software
• as e-learning
• on top-of-the-range simulators

Course length

An International Driver CPC training course must be at least 7 hours long, which may be split over 2 consecutive days.

A National Driver CPC training course must be at least 3 hours 30 minutes long. If the course lasts for more than 7 hours you can split it over 2 days. These do not have to be consecutive.

For more information on courses, please visit: Run a Driver CPC training course - GOV.UK

How to set up a Driver CPC training centre

You must get approval from the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) to run Driver CPC periodic training courses.

You have to apply for approval for:

• your training centre - this lasts for 5 years
• each course you want to run - this lasts for one year

You can apply for both at the same time, but the courses will not be approved until your centre is.

Having your approval suspended or withdrawn

Your approval can be suspended or withdrawn if you do not run your centre and courses within your approval conditions.

For more information on:

• Setting up centres and courses
• What to include in training courses
• How to record driver training
• Driver CPC in Northern Ireland