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).

Receiving 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 (DVA).

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 Northern Ireland photocard licence.

Carrying proof of your Driver CPC status

You must always carry your DQC as evidence of your Driver CPC status while driving professionally. If you don't, 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.

Lost and stolen cards - applying for a replacement DQC

If your DQC has been lost, stolen or damaged, you must report it to DVA immediately.

You can apply for a replacement card by contacting the DVA:

contact Driver & Vehicle Agency - Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) section

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

For GB licence holders information is available from the following links:

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 let your employer know if your card has been lost or stolen.

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Extra comments (optional)

Driver Qualification Card and Driver CPC

Receiving a DQC

Carrying proof of your Driver CPC status

Lost and stolen cards - applying for a replacement DQC

Driving while you wait for a replacement

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What to do next

Carer's Allowance

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Employment and Support Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment