Under a European Union Directive, professional drivers of lorries over 3.5 tonnes or Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV) with 9 or more seats must usually obtain a Driver CPC in addition to a vocational driving licence. 

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New drivers obtain their Driver CPC by passing a series of initial qualification tests with both theory and practical sections. This must be maintained with 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years or the certificate will lapse.

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Lorry (LGV) drivers who obtained their licence (C, C1, C+E and C1+E) before 10 September 2009, do not need to take the initial qualification as they are deemed to hold 'acquired rights'. They must still complete periodic training to maintain their Driver CPC.

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New drivers who pass the initial qualification tests will receive a "Driver Qualification Card" (DQC)

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You can check your driver CPC here:  

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