Become a qualified heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or bus driver
After you’ve qualified
Once you’ve qualified, there are things you need to do when working as a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or bus driver.
Apply for a digital tachograph card
Apply for a digital driver tachograph card to store information about your daily work.
Prepare for international journeys
If you’re going to drive an HGV or bus in Europe, you’ll need to:
- check your passport is valid for travel, and renew your passport if you need to
- get a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) on the NHS website
Check what else you’ll need to:
Getting your Driver CPC card
Once you’ve qualified, you’ll be sent a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) card. This is sometimes called a ‘driver qualification card’ or ‘DQC’.
The card will be sent to the address on your driving licence. You need to change this address first if it’s wrong.
The photograph and signature on your photocard licence will be used on your Driver CPC card.
Driving without your card
You must carry your Driver CPC card while driving an HGV, bus or coach professionally.
You can drive without it if you’ve passed the tests and you’re waiting for it to arrive.
If you requalified by taking the 35 hours training, make sure your training provider has recorded your training within 5 working days of you completing it. If they do not, you cannot drive while you’re waiting for your card to arrive.
Once your Driver CPC card has arrived, you can get a £50 fixed penalty for driving professionally without your card.
If your card does not arrive
You should get your Driver CPC card within 20 days of passing the final test. Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you do not receive it.
Driver CPC card replacements
cpcre@dvsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 123 7721
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
Find out about call charges
You have to pay £25 if:
- you take longer than 3 months to tell DVSA it has not arrived
- it’s sent to an old address because you have not updated your licence
Replace your card
You must replace your Driver CPC card if it’s lost or stolen.
The Driver CPC card does not have your address on it, so you do not have to get a new one if your address changes.
Stay qualified
To stay qualified, every 5 years you must:
- take 35 hours of Driver CPC training to keep driving professionally
- renew your HGV or bus driving licence
If you’re 65 or over you must renew your HGV or bus driving licence every year.
Qualify to tow heavier trailers
Once you’ve qualified, you’ll need to take additional steps if you want to tow heavier trailers.
This includes if you want to drive an articulated lorry rather than a rigid lorry, for example.