Driver CPC periodic training: what is the 35-hour requirement?
Driver CPC periodic training means 35 hours of approved courses every five years under Directive (EU) 2022/2561 to keep an EU driver's DQC valid.
Logifie Team
Logistics Technology Experts
Every professional truck or coach driver in the EU must complete 35 hours of approved periodic training every five years to keep their Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) valid. The training is delivered in blocks of at least 7 hours each by an approved centre, and drivers prove completion with a Driver Qualification Card (DQC).
Directive (EU) 2022/2561 on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers has applied across all EU member states since 12 January 2023, replacing the earlier Directive 2003/59/EC. It is the governing framework for any driver pursuing or maintaining a career as a professional truck driver in Europe today.
Who needs Driver CPC periodic training - and who is exempt?
The requirement applies to any driver operating an HGV (heavy goods vehicle) or passenger-carrying vehicle for hire or reward on public roads. Fleet managers and operators are responsible for ensuring their drivers hold a valid DQC before they drive commercially.
Several categories are exempt under Article 2 of the directive:
| Professional HGV driver, driving for hire or reward | Yes |
|---|---|
| Driver carrying own goods, non-commercial | No |
| Agricultural or forestry driver (driving under 30% of monthly work, within limited radius) | No |
| Emergency services, armed forces, civil defence | No |
Drivers who have not driven commercially since before the original directive dates may need to complete initial qualification first. Check with your national licensing authority if your situation is non-standard.
What counts toward the 35 hours?
Any approved combination of modules totalling 35 hours must be completed at an accredited training centre. Topics cover road safety, health and fitness, cargo and passenger management, and regulatory compliance. The EUR-Lex summary of the directive gives a plain-language breakdown of what qualifies.
E-learning is permitted in many member states up to a nationally-set limit. The cap varies by country - drivers should confirm it with their national authority before planning an online-only schedule. Informal workplace training, company inductions, and sessions from non-accredited providers do not count.
Post-Brexit, a UK Driver CPC and an EU Driver CPC are now separate qualifications. A driver working in both markets may need to maintain both. The IRU Academy covers cross-border recognition for international hauliers.
The Logifie Driver Assistant app lets drivers and fleet operators track DQC expiry dates and training schedules in one place, reducing the risk of an overlooked lapse.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of CPC training does a truck driver need every year?
There is no annual requirement. The rule is 35 hours across every 5-year cycle, which works out to one 7-hour block per year if spread evenly. Drivers can complete all 35 hours in a single year if they prefer, as long as each session is at least 7 hours.
Can online courses count toward the 35 hours of Driver CPC training?
Yes, in many EU member states e-learning modules from accredited providers are accepted up to a nationally-set limit. The exact cap varies by country - check with your national transport authority or the accredited centre delivering the course before booking.
Do agricultural or emergency-services drivers need Driver CPC?
No. Drivers of agricultural and forestry vehicles are exempt when driving does not exceed 30% of their monthly working hours and stays within a limited radius. Emergency services, armed forces, and civil defence drivers are also fully exempt under Article 2 of Directive (EU) 2022/2561.
What is a Driver Qualification Card (DQC) and do I need to carry it?
The DQC is the physical or digital card that proves a driver has met the CPC periodic training requirement. It is issued by the national authority and must be carried on the vehicle whenever the driver is working commercially. Inspecting authorities at roadside checks will ask for it alongside the standard driving licence.
For more driver compliance answers, visit the Logifie FAQ or browse the driver compliance blog .
