DrivingFor drivers6 min read
Driver CPC Renewal: How to Stay Qualified in 2026
Thirty-five hours every five years. Miss it and you are parked up, however good a driver you are. Here is how Driver CPC renewal works now, including the newer, more flexible options.
- You need 35 hours of Driver CPC training every five years.
- National Driver CPC (UK-only) courses can be 3.5 hours and done fully online.
- Up to 12 of the 35 hours can be e-learning on either route.
- Expired less than 2 years ago? A 7-hour return to driving module gets you back on the road in the UK.
What is Driver CPC?
The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is the qualification every professional lorry, bus and coach driver needs on top of their licence. Once you have it, you keep it by doing periodic training: 35 hours every five years. Your card shows when your current five years run out.
National or International Driver CPC?
Since December 2024, drivers can choose between two routes. If you only drive in the UK, the National route is quicker and more flexible.
| National Driver CPC | International Driver CPC | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can drive | UK only | UK and EU |
| Shortest course | 3 hours 30 minutes | 7 hours |
| Fully online? | Yes | Up to 12 hours online |
| Hours needed | 35 every five years | 35 every five years |
| Card | Marked for UK use only | Standard card |
You can mix the two, but if you want to drive in Europe you need the International route.
How to renew your Driver CPC
- Check your card or your DVSA record to see your expiry date and hours done.
- Pick your route: National if you only drive in the UK, International if you might drive in the EU.
- Book courses with an approved training provider. Spread them out rather than cramming at the end.
- Check your hours have been recorded. Providers upload them for you.
- Once all 35 hours are logged, your new card is sent to the address on your driving licence.
Your card goes to the address on your driving licence. If that is out of date, fix it before you finish your training or you could be charged £25 for a replacement.
What if your Driver CPC has expired?
Since February 2025, there is a quicker way back for drivers whose CPC has lapsed:
- Expired 60 days to 2 years ago: take a 7-hour return to driving module and you can drive in the UK again. Then complete the other 28 hours within 12 months.
- Expired more than 2 years ago: you need the full 35 hours before you drive professionally.
Do not forget your licence
Driver CPC and your HGV licence are separate. You also need to renew your lorry licence every five years, and every year from age 65.
Why it matters when you are looking for work
Every reputable agency and employer checks your Driver CPC before you start. At DROPP we check your licence, CPC and digital tachograph card when you register, so you are ready to start as soon as the right job comes up.
Your CPC is sorted. Now sort your next job.
Keeping your Driver CPC current is your side of the deal. Finding you good, steady driving work is ours.
Ready to get back on the road? Get in touch your way.
Register online, message us on WhatsApp, give us a ring or send your CV, and a consultant will get back to you.
Pop your details in and attach your CV. It goes straight to our registrations team and we will be in touch.
Driver CPC renewal: quick answers
How many hours of Driver CPC do I need?
You need 35 hours of periodic training every five years to keep driving lorries, buses or coaches professionally.
What is the difference between National and International Driver CPC?
National Driver CPC is for drivers who only drive in the UK. Courses can be as short as 3.5 hours and can be done fully by e-learning. International Driver CPC lets you drive in the UK and the EU, with courses of at least 7 hours.
Can I do Driver CPC training online?
Yes. Up to 12 hours of the 35 can be e-learning on either route, and National Driver CPC courses can be done entirely by e-learning.
What happens if my Driver CPC has expired?
If it expired between 60 days and 2 years ago, you can take a 7-hour return to driving module and drive in the UK again, then complete the other 28 hours within 12 months. If it expired more than 2 years ago, you need the full 35 hours before you drive professionally.
Do I need to carry my Driver CPC card?
Yes. You must carry your card while driving professionally. You can be given a £50 fixed penalty if you do not have it with you.
- GOV.UK, Driver CPC changes in 2024 and 2025
- GOV.UK, Become a qualified lorry or bus driver: after you have qualified
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules and pay rates change, so check the current official guidance before you act on it.