Driver CPC checks and HGV driver references
Check the licence and Driver CPC through GOV.UK, then ask a recent transport office how they actually drive. Here is the employer's routine.
How do you check a driver CPC?
To check a driver CPC, ask the driver for their Driver CPC card (driver qualification card) and a GOV.UK licence check code, then use the Check driving information service with the last 8 characters of their licence number. The driver can also give you a temporary password to view their periodic training record on the DVSA service. RefAssure does not check licences; it handles the references.
How to check a driver CPC, step by step.
See the card
Look at the Driver CPC card. Check the name and photo match, the expiry date is in the future, and the vehicle categories fit the job.
Check the licence
The driver creates a check code at View your driving licence on GOV.UK. Enter it with the last 8 characters of their licence number at Check driving information. The code lasts 21 days.
Check training hours
On the DVSA Check your Driver CPC periodic training hours service, the driver can create a temporary password so you can see their courses and when the next card is due.
Record and diarise
Save the results with the date, and diarise the licence, Driver CPC card and tachograph card expiry dates.
What is the Driver CPC?
The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence is the qualification professional lorry, bus and coach drivers need on top of their licence. It applies to drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, so categories C1 and C and their trailer categories for lorries. Some exemptions exist, so check GOV.UK if a role is unusual.
Periodic training
Drivers keep their Driver CPC by completing 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years. When it is done, they receive a new Driver CPC card, also called a driver qualification card or DQC. Drivers can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without Driver CPC.
National and International Driver CPC
Drivers who work solely in the UK can complete National courses. A National Driver CPC does not allow professional driving in Europe. If the role includes European work, check the driver holds International Driver CPC.
Licence entitlement and points
The Check driving information service shows the vehicles someone can drive, plus penalty points and disqualifications. Companies can also check by post using form D888/1 with the driver's signed permission. For the licence check in more detail, see driving licence checks for employers.
What to ask an HGV driver's referee.
The GOV.UK checks show what a driver is allowed to drive. A transport office can tell you how they drive.
Vehicles and work
Which vehicles and trailers they drove, and the work: trunking, multi-drop, tipper, tanker, fridge or curtain-sider.
Drivers' hours and tachograph
Whether they managed their hours well, and any infringements the referee is willing to share.
Walkaround checks and defects
Whether they completed daily checks reliably and reported defects properly.
Incidents and damage
Any accidents, damage or near misses during their employment, and how they handled them.
Customer conduct
How they behaved on customer sites and at delivery points, including paperwork and proof of delivery.
Would you re-employ?
Dates, job title, reason for leaving, and whether the referee would have them back.
References chased while you plan the first run.
Send the request in two minutes. RefAssure collects consent, then chases each referee automatically.
- 5 emails and up to 2 texts over 12 days, stopping the moment the referee submits
- Bounced referee emails flagged, mostly within minutes
- Add your own driver questions to a template once and reuse it
- A signed PDF with timestamps for consent, requests, reminders and completion
Driver CPC check questions
More in the full FAQs.
What is a driver qualification card?
It is the card a driver receives once they hold Driver CPC, often called a DQC or Driver CPC card. It shows the expiry date and must be carried when driving professionally.
Can I check a driver CPC without the driver?
Not online. The driver has to create a licence check code or a temporary password for the training record. By post, form D888/1 needs the driver's signed permission.
Do van drivers need Driver CPC?
Not for vans up to 3.5 tonnes driven on a car licence. Driver CPC applies to lorries over 3.5 tonnes and to buses and coaches. See van driver checks.
How long is a licence check code valid?
21 days from when the driver creates it. Ask for a fresh code if yours has expired.
How long is a tachograph driver card valid?
A digital tachograph driver card is issued by DVLA and is valid for 5 years. Diarise the expiry with the licence and Driver CPC card.
Does RefAssure check licences or Driver CPC?
No. You use the GOV.UK and DVSA services. RefAssure collects references and employment history with consent, chasing and a signed PDF. See driver employment history.
Related guides
Licence checked. References chased.
Your first reference is free. Then from 80p, no monthly fee.