Return to Driving

The Return to Driving course is a specialized 7-hour refresher module designed for professional HGV and PCV drivers whose Driver Qualification Card (DQC) has expired. Instead of waiting to finish the full 35 hours of periodic training, this course allows eligible drivers to get back on the road and start earning almost immediately.

Key Benefits

• Fast-Track Requalification: Get back to professional driving the day after completing the course.
• Immediate Results: Upon completion, drivers are issued a one-year National Driver CPC card.
• No Retests: No need to retake theory or practical driving exams.

Eligibility Criteria

To take this course, a driver’s DQC must have expired:

• More than 60 days ago
• Less than 2 years ago

[!IMPORTANT] If a DQC has been expired for more than 2 years, the driver must complete the full 35 hours of periodic training before they can drive professionally again.

What’s Covered?

The 7-hour syllabus is a "greatest hits" of essential safety and compliance topics, ensuring drivers are up-to-date with current UK laws. Key modules typically include:

• Drivers’ Hours & Tachographs: A refresher on EU and UK rules, manual entries, and digital tachograph use.
• Vehicle Safety: Daily walk-around checks and maintaining roadworthiness.
• Safe Loading: (For HGV) Responsibilities for securing goods and preventing load shifts.
• Vulnerable Road Users: Best practices for sharing the road with cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists.
• Road Traffic Law: Updates on the Highway Code and recent legislative changes.

Important Limitations

• UK Only: The initial one-year card is a National CPC, meaning it is only valid for driving within the UK (not the EU).
• The "28-Hour" Rule: After completing this 7-hour course, drivers have 12 months to complete the remaining 28 hours of training to secure their full 5-year qualification.