Two things can stop an HGV driver working even with a perfectly good licence: a Driver CPC that has run out of training hours, and a digital tachograph card that has expired. Both run on five-year cycles, which makes them easy to forget. Here is how each one works and a simple way to stay ahead of them.
Driver CPC periodic training
To keep your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence you must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years. The deadline is printed on your Driver Qualification Card (DQC), and training only counts towards the 35 hours if you took it within the last five years.
- You cannot drive a lorry professionally if you have not completed the training by your deadline.
- Driving professionally without a valid Driver CPC can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, according to GOV.UK.
- Some courses outside standard Driver CPC training can count: GOV.UK says up to 14 hours of dangerous goods (ADR) training can count towards your 35 hours.
- You can check how many hours you have completed using the DVSA online service.
The full rules are on GOV.UK’s Driver CPC training page.
Your Driver Qualification Card
The DQC is the card that shows you hold a Driver CPC and when your next training deadline is. Some drivers instead have code 95 added to their licence, which shows the same thing. Either way, check the date and put it in your diary.
The digital tachograph driver card
If you drive vehicles fitted with a digital tachograph, your driver card records your driving time, breaks and rest. It is valid for five years, and driving without a valid card can cause trouble at a roadside check and with your employer.
Renewal is done through the DVLA, and you can apply online through the GOV.UK digital tachograph driver card service. The DVLA aims to process renewals within 15 working days of receiving your application, so apply well before the expiry date rather than in the last week. Check the current guidance for exact timings and what you need to hold, such as a valid photocard licence.
A simple checklist
Put these dates in your phone calendar with a reminder at least three months ahead:
- Driver CPC training deadline (printed on your DQC)
- Digital tachograph card expiry date
- Driving licence photocard renewal
- Any medical you need to renew to keep your lorry entitlement
- Your ADR certificate expiry, if you carry dangerous goods
A note for ADR drivers
If you carry dangerous goods you will also have an ADR certificate with its own expiry date. It is separate from the Driver CPC, although some of your ADR training can count towards your 35 hours. See our page on ADR drivers for the kind of work involved.
Choosing a licence first
If you are still deciding which licence to aim for, read our guide to the difference between Class 1 and Class 2. Either way, the Driver CPC and the tachograph card apply.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of Driver CPC training do I need?
35 hours of periodic training every five years to keep your Driver CPC.
What happens if I miss my Driver CPC deadline?
You cannot drive professionally until you have completed the training, and you can be fined if you do. Check your deadline on your DQC.
Does ADR training count towards my 35 hours?
GOV.UK says up to 14 hours of dangerous goods (ADR) training can count towards the 35 hours.
How long is a digital tachograph driver card valid for?
Five years. The DVLA aims to process a renewal within 15 working days, so apply early.