Driver CPC: what happens if you exchange your driving licence :Cross Stitch – Motoring

If you exchange your non-UK driving licence for a UK one, it might affect your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). Find out what rules apply if you exchange your driving licence while you have Driver CPC or you want to get it.

If you exchange your licence, your Driver CPC lasts until the original date it is due to run out

If you exchange your non-UK country or EU member state driving licence for a UK licence you can also exchange your Driver CPC qualification.

The replacement UK Driver CPC driver qualification card (DQC) will last until the date your original is due to run out.

If your original Driver CPC qualification is shown by a code 95 on your driving licence, you won’t have a separate DQC to exchange. When you exchange your licence:

  • the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will tell the Driving Standards Agency (DSA)
  • DSA will then send you a DQC

After you have exchanged your driving licence, if you have a foreign DQC you should send it to DSA to be exchanged

If you exchange your foreign licence for a UK licence and already have a DQC, you need to send your DQC to DSA so that:

  • it can be recorded on the DSA database
  • DSA can issue a DQC with the same number as your UK driving licence

DSA recommends that you send your DQC to DSA using special delivery postage.

Where to send your DQC

You need to write your UK driving licence number in a short letter and send it with your DQC to:

Driving Standards AgencyDriver CPC TeamPO Box 280Newcastle-Upon-TyneNE99 1FP

UK rules for renewing your Driver CPC

From then on, after doing 35 hours of periodic training in the UK, you’ll get your Driver CPC qualification for five years. This is the same as other UK licence holders.

If you got your vocational licence before Driver CPC was introduced, you can do periodic training in Great Britain.

Trainers should accept:

  • your valid passport as proof of your identity with your paper licence to prove your right to take periodic training
  • your photocard licence as proof of your identity and to prove your right to take periodic training

When you have done 35 hours periodic training within five years, you can apply for a DQC using a DQC1 application form.

You can apply for a DQC by completing the DQC1 application form. To get a copy of the application form, email [email protected]

Where to send your application form

Send your completed DQC1 form to:

Driving Standards AgencyDriver CPC TeamPO Box 280Newcastle

NE99 1FP

How long it takes to get your DQC back

DSA aims to issue a DQC within 15 working days. However, it might take longer if DSA has to check:

  • training taken in another EU member state
  • the time and place of residency or employment