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Driving: Training

Asked by Mr Richard HoldenConservativeDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 2 July 2026UIN 13942

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the average cost to an individual of obtaining and maintaining a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence qualification, including (a) initial qualification costs, (b) periodic training costs, (c) test fees and (d) other mandatory associated costs.

Answered by Simon Lightwood

To become a lorry or bus driver commercially, individuals need to take the four Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) tests. The costs for driving tests, including for CPC tests, can be found on GOV.UK. If an individual takes part 3a off-road exercises with an approved test provider instead of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, there may be additional costs.

After this initial qualification, individuals must do 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep their Driver CPC to drive a lorry, bus or coach.

The cost of CPC training after licence acquisition is set commercially and can vary depending on the provider and format. Typically, a 7-hour module costs between £60 and £100. The full 35-hour requirement may cost £300 to £500. Some employers cover the costs of training for their drivers.

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