Driver CPC National vs International: What Drivers Need to Know About “Opting Out”
Understanding the difference could prevent you from receiving the wrong Driver Qualification Card.
Driver CPC rules have changed, and it is now very important that professional drivers understand the difference between National Driver CPC and International Driver CPC.
This is especially important if you currently drive in the UK but may need to drive professionally in Europe during the next five years.
What is Driver CPC?
Driver CPC stands for Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.
If you drive a lorry, bus or coach professionally, you must normally complete 35 hours of periodic Driver CPC training every 5 years to keep your Driver CPC valid.
Once the required training has been completed and recorded, a Driver Qualification Card, often called a DQC, is issued.
You must carry your DQC when driving professionally.
What has changed?
Drivers now have two different Driver CPC options:
The correct option depends on where you need to drive professionally.
International Driver CPC
International Driver CPC is required if you want to drive professionally in:
- the UK; and
- Europe.
If you want to keep the option to drive professionally in Europe, your 35 hours of periodic training must be completed using International Driver CPC courses only.
This is the safest option for drivers who may work on international operations now or at any point during the next five years.
National Driver CPC
National Driver CPC is for drivers who only want to drive professionally in the UK.
This option gives more flexibility for UK-only drivers. For example, National Driver CPC training may be completed in shorter modules, such as 3.5-hour courses, where approved.
However, a National Driver CPC will restrict you to professional driving in the UK only.
If your DQC is issued as National Driver CPC, it will not allow you to drive professionally in Europe.
Simple comparison
| Area | National Driver CPC | International Driver CPC |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable for | UK professional driving only | UK and European professional driving |
| Training required | 35 hours every 5 years | 35 hours every 5 years |
| Can include National courses? | Yes | No |
| Can include International courses? | Yes | Yes |
| Allows professional driving in Europe? | No | Yes |
| Risk if you choose the wrong option | You may be restricted to UK-only driving | Lower risk if you may need European work |
What does “opting out” mean?
DVSA has confirmed that drivers can use the online Driver CPC periodic training hours service to opt out of National Driver CPC training hours.
This means that a National course can be stopped from counting towards your overall 35 hours.
This is useful where a driver has already completed a National Driver CPC course but now wants to make sure they qualify for an International Driver CPC instead.
Why would a driver need to opt out?
You may need to opt out if:
- you have completed a National Driver CPC course;
- you now need, or may need, to drive professionally in Europe;
- you want your next DQC to be International rather than National;
- you want to prevent National training from being counted towards your 35 hours.
For International Driver CPC, all 35 hours must come from International courses only.
What happens if you do not opt out?
If a National Driver CPC course is included in your 35 hours when your DQC is generated, you may receive a National Driver CPC.
This means:
- you will only be able to drive professionally in the UK;
- you will not be able to drive professionally in Europe using that DQC;
- any International hours already used may not be reusable to generate a new International DQC.
This could create problems for drivers and operators involved in international work.
Practical examples
Example 1: UK-only driver
A driver only works in the UK and has no intention of driving in Europe.
This driver can complete:
- National Driver CPC courses only; or
- a mixture of National and International Driver CPC courses.
This would be suitable for UK-only professional driving.
Example 2: The driver may need European work
A driver currently works in the UK but may be asked to drive to Europe in the next five years.
This driver should complete International Driver CPC courses only.
This helps protect their ability to drive professionally in both the UK and Europe.
Example 3: The driver has already completed a National course
A driver has completed one National Driver CPC course but now wants to drive professionally in Europe.
The driver should check their Driver CPC record and consider using the “opt out” option so the National course does not count towards the 35 hours.
They would then need to make sure they complete 35 hours of International Driver CPC training.
What should drivers do now?
Drivers should take the following steps:
- Decide where you need to drive. Ask yourself: “Will I need to drive professionally in Europe at any point during my next DQC period?”
- Check your Driver CPC record. Use the official Driver CPC periodic training hours service to check what training has been recorded.
- Check whether your completed courses are National or International. Do not assume all Driver CPC courses are the same.
- Opt out of National training if needed. If you need an International DQC and you have National training recorded, use the opt-out option where appropriate.
- Book the correct training going forward. If you may need European work, book International Driver CPC courses only.
Advice for operators and transport managers
Operators should make sure drivers understand the difference before booking training.
A simple question should be asked before every Driver CPC booking:
“Do you need to drive professionally in Europe during the next five years?”
If the answer is yes, or possibly yes, the driver should complete International Driver CPC training only.
This should also be considered as part of driver training planning, compliance monitoring and driver record checks.
Key message for drivers
If you only drive in the UK, the National Driver CPC may be suitable.
If you drive, or may need to drive, professionally in Europe, you should complete International Driver CPC training only.
If you have already completed National training and now need International Driver CPC, check your Driver CPC record and use the opt-out option if required.
Choosing the correct training now can prevent problems later.
Need help with Driver CPC training?
PETM LTD provides a variety of Driver CPC training (online, e-learning & classroom) and can help drivers and operators understand which training route is suitable.
Before booking, always confirm whether the driver needs:
- UK-only Driver CPC training; or
- International Driver CPC training for UK and European professional drivers.
For advice or booking support, contact us.
