Wed, October 18, 2023
A Comprehensive Guide to CPC Card Renewal and Replacement
Driver CPC is a mandatory qualification for all professional HGV drivers of goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, which includes categories C1, C1E, C, and C+E. This qualification must be completed every 5 years. Additionally, it's worth noting that you have the option to renew your CPC card online via the internet, providing a convenient and accessible way to maintain your qualification.
What Happens if My CPC Expires?
Allowing your Driver CPC card to expire means you will not be legally permitted to drive HGVs and receive payment for driving them until you have renewed your Driver CPC card. Driving without a valid CPC qualification is an offense and carries penalties.
The consequences of letting your CPC card expire can be significant. Fines for not having a CPC can amount to as much as £1,000. Moreover, your vocational licence (HGV licence) is at risk and may be withdrawn by the Traffic Commissioner (TC). It's important to note that any operator who allows their drivers to work without a CPC is also committing an offense.
To ensure compliance and stay up to date with your Driver CPC training hours, both operators and drivers must take the necessary steps to maintain their qualifications.
How Do I Renew My CPC Card Online?
To renew your Driver CPC, you must complete 35 hours of "approved" training over a 5-year period. How you complete the training is entirely up to you, as long as you do a minimum of 7 hours at one time. The process has become more convenient as you can now complete your Driver CPC training online via video conferencing. After completing your Driver CPC online, your card will automatically be sent to your home address by the DVSA.
Here's a step-by-step guide to renewing your CPC card:
1. Check how many hours you have already completed to ensure you don't exceed 35 hours within a 5-year period. Any extra hours cannot be carried over to the next 5 years, so it's essential not to lose them. There is a government portal where drivers can check their completed hours, and we advise you to do this first.
2. Once you've determined the number of hours you have completed and how many you have left to complete, it's time to book your courses. EP Training offers online Driver CPC periodic training every other week of the year. They offer five different courses from Monday to Friday, allowing you to complete your 35 hours all at once and not worry about it for another 5 years.
3. You do NOT need to apply for your Driver CPC card. Instead, you simply complete your 35 hours of training, and your Driver CPC card will be sent to your home address within 10 days. The training company you complete your training with will upload a record of your training completion via the .Gov R&E (Recording and Evidence) system.
Replacement CPC Card
If you have lost or had your Driver CPC card stolen, it's important to report this to DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) immediately, as you will need a replacement card. While waiting for your new card to be reissued, you can continue to drive, but you must carry your certificates that confirm you have completed your training. These certificates would have been provided to you by the training company where you completed your tuition. It's also advisable to inform your employer of the situation.
To request a replacement Driver CPC card, we recommend calling the DVSA at 0300 200 1122 and informing them of your need for a replacement. Typically, you should receive a replacement card within 7-10 working days.
CPC Card Renewal Price
The cost of renewing your CPC card can vary depending on several factors. Completing your Driver CPC training online is generally more cost-effective than doing it in a classroom setting. In fact, the prices for Driver CPC training have become more affordable over the years. This is primarily because online training has fewer overhead costs compared to traditional classroom instruction. Additionally, online Driver CPC training typically does not involve an examination, making it a straightforward and convenient option.
The fee for your Driver CPC card is £43.75, and you would have typically paid this fee to your training company when you booked your course. Therefore, you do not need to make a direct payment to the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) for your card. The cost of the card is usually covered as part of your training course fee.
Expired CPC Card: Can You Still Drive?
Driving a goods vehicle professionally with an expired Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) card is illegal, and it is essential to keep the dates on your DQC (Driver Qualification Card) up to date. To determine your card's expiration date, you can check the back of your card. It's strongly recommended not to leave the renewal process to the last minute, as it takes time to complete the required training and receive your new card.
It's important to inform your transport manager well in advance of the need to renew your card before it expires. This proactive approach ensures that you remain compliant and can continue your professional driving activities without disruptions.
Since Driver CPC renewal occurs every five years, the next expected busy period for training will be in 2024, with many cards expiring on September 10, 2024. As the deadline approaches, demand for training is likely to increase, resulting in higher training costs and potentially limited availability of courses. Therefore, it's advisable not to wait until the last moment to renew your card, as doing so may lead to inconveniences and additional expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I continue driving if my CPC card is expired?
If your Driver CPC card has expired, it is an offense to drive commercially until you have received a new one. However, if you have completed your Driver CPC training since your card expired, then you can continue to drive. In this case, you must carry your certificates confirming the completion of training with you.
Is there a grace period for CPC card renewal?
There is no grace period for Driver CPC renewal. Your Driver CPC card will have an expiry date, and you must complete your 35 hours before the card expires.
What documents are required for renewal or replacement?
There is no application made by the driver to apply for their renewed Driver CPC card. Upon completing 35 hours of approved training, attendees will automatically receive their new card from the DVSA.
Can I track the status of my CPC card application?
You can check online to discover the progress of your Driver CPC in terms of the number of hours completed. However, there is no formal way to track the status of your Driver CPC card application unless you call the DVSA on 0300 200 1122 and inquire.
What should I do if my renewal is denied?
As long as your HGV driving entitlement is still valid, there should be no reason you would be denied a Driver CPC card. The criteria for gaining Driver CPC is that you have the appropriate HGV entitlement on your driving license.
Conclusion
Driver CPC renewal costs have become a significant consideration for many HGV drivers, especially with the rising cost of living. In this challenging economic climate, cost savings are paramount, and opting for online Driver CPC training can help you save money. It's important to plan ahead and not wait until the last minute for your training. Spreading the training over the full 5-year period is a wise approach.
With the deadline for renewal in September 2024 approaching for many truck drivers, there is a high likelihood of increased demand for Driver CPC training. History has shown that many training companies take advantage of this demand and raise their costs. However, EP Training remains committed to offering low-cost, high-quality Driver CPC training. You can easily book your courses through their website.
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