DVSA has updated its guidance on ‘opting out’ for Driver CPC training for qualified drivers. 

The change applies to individuals who intend to drive professionally in Europe and have already completed a National Driver CPC training course.

What do I need to do?

To keep your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) to drive a lorry, bus or coach, you must do 35 hours of training every 5 years. 

If you want to drive professionally both in the UK and Europe, this training must come only from International training courses.  

You can now stop any National courses counting towards your overall training hours by using the check your Driver CPC periodic training hours service and selecting ‘opt out’.

What happens if I don’t?

If any National training courses are included in your Driver CPC training when your driver qualification card (DQC) is generated, you will get only a National Driver CPC.

This means you won’t be able to drive professionally in Europe, and you can't reuse any international hours to generate a new International DQC.

Driving in the UK and Europe

You must complete 35 hours of only International Driver CPC training courses.

If you include any National training courses, you will get a National Driver CPC and will not be able to drive professionally in Europe.

Use the check your Driver CPC periodic training hours service to ‘opt out’ and stop any National courses counting towards your training hours.

If you receive a National Driver CPC card, any International hours on your record cannot be reused to get an International Driver CPC card.

Driving in the UK only

You must complete 35 hours of training. You can choose one of the following:

• National Driver CPC training courses only
• a mix of National and International Driver CPC training

Return to driving training

If you previously qualified and your CPC card has expired, you may need to complete Driver CPC training to return to driving.

What you need to do depends on when you originally got your licence.

For more information on the Driver CPC training, visit: https://www.gov.uk/driver-cpc-training