Is it worth doing the international CPC?

Quick Takeaway

The periodic CPC qualification for professional HGV drivers in the UK is now split into National and International CPC. Both require 35 hours of learning over each 5 year period, but under the National CPC there are now shorter, more flexible course options available. If there is any chance that you will need, or want, to work as a professional HGV driver within the EU, you should make sure that your periodic CPC fulfils International requirements. 

Table of Contents

Introduction
What is the International CPC?
Which jobs need the International CPC?
National vs International CPC explainer table
Keeping track of your International CPC
What to do if your International CPC expires
FAQs

Introduction

If you’re driving HGVs professionally in the UK, you’ve probably noticed that the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) regulations have changed. The periodic CPC has split into two distinct qualifications: National and International. It’s left many drivers wondering whether they should bother with the International version or if the National CPC will do the job. 

We’d suggest that, unless you are certain that you only want to drive in the UK, sticking to International CPC courses is the safest bet. In practice, the change is relatively minor, but it could have a huge impact on your job options so it’s important to get it right. 

What is the International CPC?

The International CPC is the version of the periodic Driver CPC that meets both UK and EU requirements. It allows you to work as a professional HGV driver in the UK and across EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Previously, all UK drivers held what was effectively an International CPC by default; it was recognised both here and throughout Europe. The recent addition of the National CPC option, which is valid only for driving professionally within the UK was designed to simplify the process for domestic drivers to keep up to date with their periodic CPC.

Both qualifications require 35 hours of periodic training every five years to maintain. The key difference lies in how you can complete those hours. All CPC courses must be DVSA approved, with International CPC courses being a minimum of 7 hours, and National courses as short as 3.5 hours. In both cases, a maximum of 12 hours can be completed online. 

Which jobs need the International CPC?

Most UK-based HGV driving roles won’t require you to cross into the EU. Supermarket distribution, local haulage, construction site deliveries, waste collection; these jobs keep you firmly on British soil, so a National CPC would suffice.

However, if you’re considering roles that involve international logistics, import / export operations, or European haulage, you’ll need the International CPC. This includes:

• International haulage companies running regular routes to and from EU countries
• Port and freight operations where you might occasionally need to drive on the continent
• Specialist transport roles moving exhibition equipment, motorsport gear, or livestock across Europe
• Agency work where assignments might include European destinations

Even if your current role doesn’t involve EU driving, career circumstances change. You might fancy a change of scenery, receive an attractive job offer, or find that your company expands its European operations. Having an International CPC means you won’t need to start your training from scratch if these opportunities arise.

At HGV Training Centre, we’ve seen plenty of drivers who initially thought they’d never drive abroad, only to find themselves kicking themselves later when a European opportunity came up. It’s easier to maintain International status from the start than to upgrade later.

National vs International CPC 

Keeping track of your International CPC

Your CPC qualification is recorded on your Driver CPC Card (also known as a Driver Qualification Card or DQC), which shows your expiry date. This is a separate card from your driving licence, and you’ll need to carry it whenever you’re driving professionally.

The DVSA maintains records of all your completed training hours. You can check your CPC status online through the government’s CPC checking page. You’ll need your driving licence number to access this. You can also use this resource to check that the hours you’ve completed are approved as International CPC. Training providers like HGV Training Centre will confirm this when you book, so you can enter your training sessions with confidence.

Set yourself a reminder to check well before your expiry date, ideally at least six months in advance. You should have an annual reminder to check in on your CPC status too, as ideally you’ll complete 7 hours of training each year to spread out the time commitment. You may also take advantage of a training provider service which will send you reminders throughout the 5 year period.

What to do if your International CPC expires

If your CPC expires, you cannot work as a professional HGV driver until you’ve renewed it. There’s no grace period, and your employer cannot legally roster you for professional driving duties.

The good news is that renewing an expired CPC isn’t complicated, you simply need to complete the required 35 hours of periodic training. This is one area where the National CPC has simplified the process for domestic drivers. In the case of expiry, you can complete the 7 hour “Return to Driving” module and immediately be able to drive professionally under the proviso that you complete the remaining hours to total 35 within 12 months.

This is not the case for the International CPC, so it’s even more important not to let your CPC expire! In the event that it does expire, you’ll need to complete 35 full hours of training before you can apply for your new Driver CPC Card. Any hours that you may have completed before expiry do not count towards this, so you’ll be facing a minimum of one working week off the road. 

If you’re approaching your CPC expiry date and haven’t completed your hours, prioritise getting them done. HGV Training Centre offers a wide range of courses, advice, and support so give us a call today! 

FAQs

Can I switch from National to International CPC?

Yes, but you’ll need to complete 35 hours of  DVSA approved International CPC training. Any National only training hours won’t count toward International status, so bear this in mind.

Is International CPC training more expensive?

The cost is generally similar. You’re doing the same number of hours either way; the main difference is the format and approval standards rather than the price.

What happens if I move to the EU permanently?

Your UK International CPC allows you to drive professionally in the EU. However, residency and employment regulations vary by country, so you’d need to check specific requirements for where you’re moving.