As you are aware, the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is now a legal requirement for most professional bus, coach and lorry drivers across the European Union who hold an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) driving licence (regardless of their nationality).
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has put in place a system for those drivers with a non UK licence to obtain a driver qualification card (DQC) in GB. Only those drivers holding such licences, and who have completed part (i.e. at least seven hours) or all of their periodic training in the UK, are eligible to apply.
If a non UK licence holder attends a periodic training course, it’s important that you don’t upload their details onto the recording and evidencing system as the licence number will not be recognised.
In order to obtain a DQC, such drivers will need to complete an application form (DQC1) and send this with their driving licence, D9 (some EU drivers will have this, it is a UK licence counterpart), a passport style photograph, relevant form of ID, training certificates and a translation where necessary. A fee of £25 applies and drivers will need to provide a GB address as the DQC can only be posted to GB postcode areas.
The application form (DQC1) is available from DSA by calling 0300 200 1122 or by sending an email to customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk (putting ‘Driver CPC enquiry’ in the subject field).
Further information can be found at businesslink.gov.uk/drivercpc