How Do I Check My CPC Status?

You can check your CPC or Certificate of Professional Competence status in any of three ways, and the amount of information you can expect to get depends on the method chosen.

1. GOV.UK Website

Using the GOV.UK website is probably the easiest way to check your Driver CPC status. All you have to do is visit the website and enter ‘check my licence’ into the search box. Follow the process, entering your driving licence number. It provides instant access, along with information about the date of your last Driver CPC issue and the expiration of the next one.

2. Set Up An Account

Completing an account registration is probably the most common way to check your Driver CPC hours. In a similar vein to the first method, you visit the GOV.UK website but this time, you register under the DVSA section. You’ll receive a password via post to complete your registration. After which, you can log in with your username and password. This method provides more comprehensive information, including dates of completed courses and dates of course upload.

3. Call The DVSA

The third option is to make a phone call to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) at 0300 200 1122. This is best for anyone who has a problem with the two above methods. Keep in mind that DVSA may also direct you to try the above methods if you haven’t already tried them.

Can I Check My CPC Online?

Yes, you can check your CPC online. In fact, that’s the easiest way to keep track of your training hours. Either of the first two methods above works, but they provide different levels of information. Just head over to the DVSA website on GOV.UK and you’ll get all the answers you need.

What Counts Towards CPC Hours?

Only DVSA-approved courses count towards your Driver CPC hours. To qualify for CPC training hours, you must make sure any course you take is designated as CPC-approved and lasts at least seven hours. Here’s a list of training and courses that count towards your total CPC hours:

DVSA-approved Driver CPC courses for professional drivers.
ADR Training: These are courses regarding the safe transportation of dangerous goods that have been approved for Driver CPC hours.
Some first-aid courses.
HIAB Training: CPC-compliant courses for operating truck-mounted cranes (HIABs).
Operator CPC training relevant to CPC requirements for transport managers and operators.

How Many CPC Hours Do I Need?

You need 35 Driver CPC hours. After securing your initial CPC qualification by passing the CPC theory and practical tests, the requirement is that you maintain it by completing 35 hours of DVSA-approved CPC training every 60 months (five years). Failing to complete this training, before the expiration date of the Driver CPC card, renders your CPC licence invalid and you can no longer drive a lorry, bus or coach commercially.

In case you’re wondering if you can transfer extra hours over to another five-year block, the answer is no. For example, if you complete more than 35 hours of training within a five-year period, you can’t carry over the extra hours to the next five-year block. This is why it is important to monitor your CPC hours regularly to ensure you’re not doing more than you should by completing over 35 hours.

Troubleshooting: What To Do When You Can’t See CPC Hours

If you can’t see CPC hours, you’ll need to contact your training company or the DVSA. The thing is after completing a seven-hour course, your training company is responsible for uploading a record of your attendance onto the government R&E (Recording and Evidence) system and this must be done within five days.

So if you find any discrepancies in your completed Driver CPC hours, the first thing you need to do is get in touch with your training company. They can check their records and rectify any errors on their end. However, if your training company is unable to resolve it, your next best bet is to contact the DVSA for assistance.

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Benefits Of Holding A CPC

The benefits of having a Driver CPC are numerous for professional drivers.

Improved Safety: The Driver CPC training helps you develop your knowledge and skills, ensuring there are fewer road accidents.
Compliance & Legal Adherence: By securing your CPC, you can help both you and your employer avoid legal issues and fines associated with non-compliance.
Fuel Efficiency: The Driver CPC training program also teaches eco-friendly driving techniques, which will help you understand how to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Better Chance of Employment: Possessing a valid Driver CPC also opens you up to more employment opportunities, making you a more attractive candidate to employers.

In addition to having a CPC, check out the other licences and qualifications you need for a minibus.

Implications Of Not Having A Valid CPC

Not having a valid Driver CPC also has various implications for both the driver and the employer.

Legal Penalties: Professionally driving an HGV, minibus or coach without a driver qualification card is illegal, and in the UK, you may be fined up to £1,000.
Insurance Problems: Getting on the road without a valid Driver CPC card may also invalidate your vehicle insurance, leaving you to bear the financial burden when accidents occur.
Professional Repercussions: Not having a valid driver qualification card, doesn’t just slow employment opportunities; it can even ruin your career. In some cases, you may face disciplinary actions from professional bodies if caught without a CPC, which could impact your career advancement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Check My CPC Hours?

You can check your CPC hours via the DVSA website on GOV.UK. The best way to do this is to visit the website and complete registration, after which you’ll receive a password via post. You can log in with your driving licence number and password to view the number of Driver CPC hours you’ve completed, along with courses completed.

How Often Do You Have To Renew Your CPC Status?

You have to renew your CPC status every five years. After completing your initial courses and obtaining your CPC licence, you have to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to keep it. The periodic CPC training must be completed in a DVSA-approved training centre before the expiration date of your current card.

Is The CPC A Driving Licence?

No, the CPC is not a driving licence. It is an additional qualification you need, in addition to your category B licence and vocational licence if you want to drive lorries, trucks and minibuses professionally. The aim of the CPC is to ensure that you have the knowledge and skills required to drive safely.

What Happens If My CPC Status Expires?

If your CPC status expires, it means you can no longer drive HGVs, buses or coaches for pay. This, in turn, means that you have to give up driving professionally and you may be suspended from your job or even lose it. To regain your Driver CPC status, you must complete 35 hours of periodic training and any missed training.

How Much Does A Driver CPC Training Cost?

A Driver CPC training costs between £200 and £500, depending on the training provider and location. The 35 hours periodic training consists of five 7-hour courses and the cost of each course ranges between £40 and £100. Most training providers offer packages that include all the necessary modules and training.

Conclusion

Now you don’t have to keep asking, ‘How do I check my CPC status?’ It’s pretty straightforward. All you have to do is make your way to the website and follow the stated steps. The DVSA helpline is also available if you have any trouble finding how many hours you’ve completed or any other details.

How Do I Check My CPC Status?