CERTIFICATE OF PROFFESIONAL COMPETENCE

Apply for Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) – Complete Guidance

The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a legal requirement for professional lorry (HGV) and bus (PCV) drivers in the United Kingdom. It ensures drivers meet professional standards for safety, compliance, and road awareness.

At UK Driving Licence Advisory, we provide clear, independent guidance to help drivers understand CPC requirements, eligibility, and the correct process to obtain or maintain CPC compliance.

What Is the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)?

The CPC is a qualification required for drivers who operate:

• Large Goods Vehicles (HGV / LGV)

• Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV / Bus / Coach)

It applies to drivers who drive professionally as part of their job and is regulated by UK and EU transport laws.

Who Needs a CPC?

You may need a CPC if you:

• Drive a lorry over 3.5 tonnes professionally

• Drive a bus or coach with 9 or more passenger seats

• Are employed as a professional driver

• Drive commercially within the UK or EU

Some drivers may be exempt, depending on vehicle use and driving purpose.

Types of CPC

• Initial CPC

  Required for new professional drivers. Includes:

  • Theory tests

  • Case study test

  • Practical driving test

  • Practical demonstration test

Overseas & International Drivers

• If you hold a foreign driving licence, rules may vary depending on your country. We provide guidance on:

  • Licence exchange eligibility

  • Temporary driving permissions

  • Required documents

  • When a UK test is required

Important Legal Disclaimer (REQUIRED)

• Periodic CPC

  Required to maintain qualification. Drivers must:

  • Complete 35 hours of approved training every 5 years

How to Get a CPC Qualification

• Step 1: Check Eligibility

  Confirm whether CPC is required for your driving role.

  Step 2: Complete Required Training or Tests

  Depending on whether you need Initial or Periodic CPC.

  Step 3: DVSA & DVLA Processing

  Results and training records are submitted through official channels.

  Step 4: Receive Your Driver CPC Card

  Issued by the DVLA once requirements are met.

OUR SERVICES

FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE

CERTIFICATE OF PROFFESIONAL COMPETENCE

UK PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST

UK THEORY TEST CERTIFICATE

UK A1 MOTORCYCLE LICENCE

UK REGISTERED ID CARD

UK REGISTERED PASSPORT

UK RESIDENT PERMIT

REGISTERED CSCS CARD

PROVISIONAL UK DRIVING LICENCE

RENEW UK DRIVING LICENCE

UNREGISTERED UK LICENCE & DOCUMENTS

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• CPC for Overseas Drivers

  If you obtained your licence outside the UK:

  • CPC requirements may differ

  • You may need UK-approved training

  • Some qualifications may be transferable

  We help explain how CPC applies to international drivers working in the UK.

How to Get a CPC Qualification

• Common CPC Mistakes to Avoid

  • Missing training deadlines

  • Using non-approved training providers

  • Assuming exemptions apply when they do not

  • Not keeping CPC hours up to date

  Proper guidance helps prevent delays, penalties, or loss of driving eligibility.

• Why Use UK Driving Licence Advisory for CPC Guidance

  • ✔ Independent and lawful guidance

  • ✔ Clear explanation of CPC rules

  • ✔ UK-specific information

  • ✔ Support for new and experienced drivers

  • ✔ Transparent, compliance-focused advice

  We help you understand the process — we assist with issue of CPC certificates.

• Important Disclaimer

  UK Driving Licence Advisory is an independent guidance service.
  We provide CPC training, issue CPC certificates.

  All CPC qualifications and cards are issued through official government-approved processes only.

• Need Help Understanding CPC Requirements?

  If you’re unsure whether you need CPC, what type applies to you, or how to stay compliant, we can help explain the process clearly.

  👉 Contact UK Driving Licence Advisory for CPC guidance