Best Driver CPC Training Courses: How to Choose

Compare Driver CPC courses: choose the right periodic-training route, course type and delivery format before you book.

Choosing a Driver CPC course starts with the driving you need to do, not with a provider ranking or a course label. This guide helps qualified drivers compare periodic-training options. For a focused explanation of delivery formats, see online CPC training. To check GS’s current course information and booking options, use the Driver CPC Training course page.

First qualification and periodic training are different

If you are qualifying to drive professionally for the first time, the full Driver CPC route includes the relevant tests as part of becoming a qualified HGV, bus or coach driver. Periodic training is for qualified drivers who need to keep their Driver CPC current. GOV.UK says this requires 35 hours of training in each five-year period. Check the official guidance if driving is not the main part of your job or you think an exemption may apply.

Choose National or International training before comparing formats

The type of periodic training depends on where you need to drive. For professional driving in the UK and Europe, all 35 hours must be International Driver CPC training. Including National training results in a National Driver CPC, which does not permit professional driving in Europe. For UK-only professional driving, the 35 hours can be National training only or a mixture of National and International training.

Compare course type and duration before delivery method

All approved Driver CPC courses count towards periodic training, but the minimum length depends on the course type. GOV.UK says an International course must be at least seven hours and can be taken across two consecutive days. A National course must be at least three hours and 30 minutes and may be taken in person or as e-learning. Check the course designation and recorded hours against the work you expect to do.

Online, remote and e-learning are not interchangeable terms

Online can describe more than one delivery method. The current GS Driver CPC course information distinguishes approved live remote video-call courses from self-paced e-learning: it says live remote courses can count towards periodic Driver CPC, while self-paced e-learning is subject to different rules. GOV.UK limits e-learning, defined there as online courses using interactive videos or presentations, to 12 hours of the 35-hour total. That is not a blanket limit on every online-taught session. Confirm the approved format and the hours that will be recorded before booking.

For the delivery-format explanation, including the e-learning limit and National or International choice, read Online CPC Training: What Counts Toward Your 35 Hours?.

Compare providers by the course that will be recorded

Before committing, confirm that the particular course is approved, whether it is National or International, how many hours will be recorded, and how its delivery method is treated. GOV.UK provides a course search for approved Driver CPC courses. Provider prices and availability vary, so use the relevant provider’s course page for current details rather than relying on a general guide.

Use the GS pages for their distinct purposes

The online CPC training guide explains delivery-format considerations. The GS Driver CPC course page is the transactional destination for current course options, prices, dates and booking arrangements. Neither page removes the need to choose the course type that matches where you will drive.

Check the training reaches your record

Take the identification required by the training centre. GOV.UK says the centre records the training and advises drivers to contact the centre if it is not shown on the record five days after the course. You can check your periodic-training hours on GOV.UK.

If your Driver CPC has expired

Do not assume the ordinary periodic-training route is identical for every returning driver. GOV.UK has separate requalification guidance, including a Return to Driving CPC option in some circumstances and different rules for UK and European driving. Read the current requalification guidance before deciding which course is relevant.

For the legal framework, read GOV.UK’s guidance on periodic Driver CPC training and finding training courses. For the first-time qualification route, see becoming a qualified HGV or bus driver.

Compare the current GS periodic Driver CPC options and VAT-inclusive prices, then contact GS Driver Training to confirm the course designation, recorded hours and delivery arrangements before booking.

Read the full article on GS Driver Training Blog.

More guides in the Driver CPC category:

For more information about HGV training courses, call 01252 447808 or visit our courses page.