Driver CPC 'Opting Out': What Qualified Drivers Need to Know
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Driver CPC 'Opting Out': What Qualified Drivers Need to Know
DVSA has updated its guidance on the Driver CPC opt-out process. If you need an International Driver CPC but have already completed National Driver CPC training, it's important to understand how the opt-out works before your next Driver Qualification Card (DQC) is issued.
If you drive professionally in both the UK and Europe, taking the right action before your next renewal could save you from having to complete additional training later.
What's changed?
Since the Driver CPC reforms, there are two separate qualifications:
National Driver CPC – for professional driving within Great Britain.
International Driver CPC – required if you drive professionally in Europe.
Both require 35 hours of periodic training every five years, but they're not interchangeable, and your Driver Qualification Card (DQC) can only be issued as either National or International.
If you've completed National Driver CPC training but later realise you need an International Driver CPC, those National training hours could result in your next DQC being issued as a National Driver CPC. DVSA's opt-out process allows you to prevent National training from counting towards your qualification, helping ensure your next DQC can be issued as an International Driver CPC instead.
Who does this affect?
This applies to drivers who need an International Driver CPC and have already completed National Driver CPC training.
If you only drive professionally within Great Britain, National Driver CPC remains appropriate and nothing changes for you.
However, if your work includes driving professionally in Europe, it's worth checking your training record before your next DQC is due to make sure you're working towards the correct qualification.
What do you need to do?
If you've already completed National Driver CPC training but now need an International Driver CPC, use the DVSA's Check your Driver CPC periodic training hours service to opt out before your next DQC is generated.
Your 35 hours must come from eligible International Driver CPC courses if you want an International Driver Qualification Card.
The timing is important. Once a DQC has been issued using National Driver CPC training, it can't be changed retrospectively. Any International Driver CPC training you've already completed also can't be reused towards a future International DQC, meaning you'll need to complete a further 35 hours of eligible International Driver CPC training.
Why it's worth checking now
Before the Driver CPC reforms, there was no distinction between National and International periodic training, so many drivers won't have needed to think about which courses they were completing.
If you drive professionally in Europe, even occasionally, it's worth checking your Driver CPC training record before your next renewal rather than waiting until your new DQC has been issued.
For operators, it's also worth making drivers aware of these changes. Someone who assumes their Driver CPC is still valid for international work because it always has been could unknowingly end up with the wrong qualification.
Need some advice?
If you're unsure which Driver CPC applies to you, the first step is to check your Driver CPC training record using the DVSA's online service.
If you still have questions about Driver CPC requirements or would like advice on staying compliant, our team is always happy to help.