What Is CPC Periodic Training?
CPC periodic training is the ongoing professional development requirement for all drivers who hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). If you drive a lorry, bus, or coach professionally, you must complete 35 hours of approved training every 5 years to keep your Driver Qualification Card (DQC) valid.
The training is designed to keep your skills and knowledge up to date, covering areas such as road safety, drivers' hours legislation, vehicle maintenance, fuel efficiency, and professional conduct. It is a legal requirement — driving professionally without a valid DQC can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
At GS Driver Training, we deliver CPC periodic training in 7-hour blocks, so you can complete your 35 hours over 5 separate days. You can spread these across the full 5-year period, making it easy to fit around your work schedule. Our courses are practical and engaging — we focus on real-world scenarios, not just sitting watching videos.
How CPC Periodic Training Works
35 hours of approved training every 5-year period to renew your DQC
Each course is delivered in a single 7-hour day for maximum convenience
Competitive pricing with multi-day discounts and group rates available
Do not leave it too late
Your DQC has a fixed expiry date. If you have not completed all 35 hours by that date, your card will expire and you will not be able to drive professionally until you catch up. We recommend planning your training days well in advance — contact us to check availability and book your dates.
What Does CPC Periodic Training Cover?
Our periodic CPC courses cover a range of professional driving topics. Each 7-hour day focuses on specific areas to keep your knowledge current and practical.
Road Safety & Defensive Driving
Advanced hazard perception, safe following distances, vulnerable road users, and techniques to reduce accident risk in professional driving.
Fuel-Efficient Driving
Eco-driving techniques, route planning, vehicle maintenance for fuel economy, and reducing your environmental impact as a professional driver.
Drivers' Hours & Compliance
EU and domestic drivers' hours rules, tachograph regulations, working time directive, and staying compliant with current legislation.
Vehicle Safety & Walk-Round Checks
Daily vehicle inspection procedures, identifying defects, legal responsibilities, and ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy before every journey.
Health & Safety at Work
Manual handling, personal safety, fatigue management, diet and health for drivers, and reducing workplace injuries.
Professional Standards & Customer Service
Representing your employer, communicating with customers, handling complaints, and maintaining professional conduct on the road.
Who Needs CPC Periodic Training?
CPC periodic training is required for anyone who drives a lorry (Category C, C+E, C1, C1+E) or bus/coach (Category D, D+E, D1, D1+E) professionally. This means driving these vehicles is the main part of your job, not just an occasional task.
You need periodic CPC if you are a:
Exemptions
Some drivers are exempt from the CPC requirement — for example, those driving vehicles for non-commercial purposes, military personnel, or drivers of vehicles with a maximum speed of 45 km/h. If you are unsure whether you need periodic CPC, contact us and we can advise you.
Why Choose GS Driver Training for Periodic CPC?
DVSA Approved
Officially approved by the DVSA to deliver periodic CPC training. Your hours are recorded directly on the DVSA system.
7× Award Winner
Named Best HGV Training Company for seven consecutive years. Independent recognition of our training quality.
Small Group Sizes
We keep class sizes small so every driver gets individual attention and the chance to ask questions.
Experienced Instructors
Our trainers are experienced professional drivers who deliver practical, relevant content — not just reading from slides.
Flexible Scheduling
Choose dates that suit your work schedule. We run regular courses throughout the year with weekday availability.
Employer Packages
Group rates and on-site training available for companies with multiple drivers. Contact us for bespoke corporate packages.
CPC Periodic Training Across Surrey
We deliver periodic CPC training from our base in Guildford, Surrey. Drivers from across the region attend our courses for the quality of training and the convenient location.
GS Driver Training, Guildford, Surrey
Conveniently located with direct access from the A3 and M25. Free parking available for all trainees.
What Our CPC Students Say
Real reviews from drivers who completed their CPC periodic training with GS Driver Training.
"Did my CPC periodic training with GS over two days. The courses were engaging and practical — not just sitting watching videos like some places. Gary covers real-world scenarios and the drivers' hours refresher was really useful. Will definitely be back for my remaining days."
"Needed to get my CPC hours done before my DQC expired. GS fitted me in quickly and the training was excellent. The fuel-efficient driving module was genuinely interesting and I have already noticed a difference in my fuel consumption. Highly recommend."
"Been doing my periodic CPC with GS for years now. Always well organised, good content, and the instructors know their stuff. Much better than the big training factories where you are just a number. Worth the drive to Guildford for the quality of training."
CPC Periodic Training Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the 35-hour CPC renewal requirement and how our training works.