Driver Qualification Card and Driver CPC

Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) training is continual professional development which carries on throughout a professional bus, coach or lorry driver's career. Once you pass your Driver CPC, you'll be issued with a Driver Qualification Card (DQC). Find out more about the DQC, including when you'll receive it, and how to get a replacement.

When you will receive a DQC

A DQC will be issued to new drivers automatically on successfully passing the Driver CPC initial qualification. It will be sent to the address on your driving licence, so make sure that your details are up to date with the Driver and Vehicle Agency.

If you have Driver CPC by ‘acquired rights’

If you have Driver CPC by ‘acquired rights’ you can use your vocational driving licence as proof of your Driver CPC until:

9 September 2013 for bus or coach drivers
9 September 2014 for lorry drivers

By this time you are required to have completed your first 35 hours of periodic training. On completing the 35 hours training, a DQC will be issued to drivers that hold a NI or GB photocard licence.

Carrying proof of your Driver CPC status

You must always carry your DQC while driving professionally.

You must always carry evidence of your Driver CPC status while driving professionally.

If you drive professionally while not in possession of a DQC (or vocational licence, if you hold ‘acquired rights’) you will be liable for penalties.

The Driver CPC is enforced in all European Union (EU) member states. If you are driving in another EU country, you must still hold a valid Driver CPC, and carry your DQC, unless you have an exemption.

Obtaining your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence

Lost and stolen cards - applying for a replacement DQC

If your DQC has been lost, stolen or damaged, you must report it to the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) immediately.

You can apply for a replacement card by:

email: dvlni@doeni.gov.uk (put 'DQC Enquiry' in the 'subject' field)
phone: DVA helpline 0845 402 4000
post: CPC Section, DVA, County Hall, Coleraine, BT51 3TD

There is a £25 fee to replace and issue new cards.

Driving while you wait for a replacement

You can continue to drive professionally while you wait for your new DQC to arrive. If it does not arrive within 15 days of you making the application, contact the DVA to confirm your application has been received and is being processed.

You should keep a copy of correspondence and get certificates of posting (which are free of charge for letters posted at a Post Office), as evidence of when you contacted the DVA.

DVA recommends that you inform your employer if your card has been lost or stolen.