Importing vehicles into the UK

How to import a vehicle

You must complete certain steps as soon as you bring a vehicle into the UK permanently.

You can pay an importer or shipping company to do them for you.

Tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) within 14 days that the vehicle has arrived in the UK.

Pay VAT and duty if HMRC tells you to.

Get vehicle approval to show your vehicle meets safety and environmental standards.

Register and tax the vehicle with DVLA - they’ll give you a registration number so you can get number plates made up.

You must also insure your vehicle before you drive it on UK roads.

You can be prosecuted if you use your vehicle on a public road before you complete these steps, unless you’re driving it to a pre-booked MOT or vehicle approval test.

Commercial importers of new vehicles that use a secure registration scheme do not have to follow these steps.

Importing a damaged or modified vehicle

If your vehicle has been damaged or modified in another country, DVLA may:

give your vehicle a Q registration number

put a marker on your vehicle log book (V5C) - to show that your vehicle has been altered or assembled using different parts

Bringing your vehicle in or out of Northern Ireland

If you are a UK resident you can move your vehicle freely between Great Britain and Northern Ireland if all of the following apply:

it’s registered in either country

you’re not moving it to sell it, or for any other commercial purpose (for example, using the car as a taxi or hiring it to someone)

the car is for your own or your household’s personal use

Find out what to do if someone else is bringing your vehicle to Northern Ireland.

Tell DVLA about the change of address.

Visiting the UK with a vehicle

Follow the rules for temporary imports instead if both of the following apply:

you do not usually live in the UK

you’re bringing a vehicle to the UK for less than 6 months

Telling HMRC

You have 14 days to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) after you bring a vehicle into the UK permanently. You cannot register the vehicle until you’ve done this.

How you tell HMRC will depend on:

if you’re importing it to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) or to Northern Ireland

where you’re importing it from

You may be fined if you’re late telling HMRC.

If your vehicle has an engine of 48cc or less (7.2kw or less if it’s electric), you can register it without telling HMRC first.

If you import a vehicle to England, Scotland or Wales

How you tell HMRC depends on whether you’re VAT-registered.

If you’re a VAT-registered company

You need to make an import declaration. You can use either the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) system or the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) system. You can also get an agent such as a freight forwarder to do this for you.

You may be able to delay making an import declaration for 6 months  if you import a vehicle from the EU. This is called a delayed declaration.

You must tell HMRC about the imported vehicle by using the NOVA service within 14 days. You can use a spreadsheet if you need to use NOVA for lots of vehicles.

If you’re unable to use the NOVA online service, ask the Imports and exports helpline for a VAT NOVA1 form.

If you’re a non-VAT registered company or private individual

You need to make an import declaration using form C384. Send the completed form to HMRC by email.

Currently you cannot send an import declaration to HMRC by post because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

You can also get an agent such as a freight forwarder to make the declaration for you.

You might qualify for relief from VAT and duty if you’re:

moving to Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales) (sometimes known as ‘transfer of residence’ or TOR) - if you qualify, apply for transfer of residence relief

returning an exported vehicle to the UK - if you qualify, declare the vehicle to claim relief

Contact the VAT helpline for a form if you’re unable to use online services.

If you import a vehicle to Northern Ireland from the EU

Tell HMRC by using the Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA) service.

You can use a spreadsheet if you’re a VAT-registered business and you need to use NOVA for lots of vehicles.

If you import a vehicle to Northern Ireland from outside the EU

How you tell HMRC depends on whether you’re VAT-registered.

If you’re a VAT-registered company

You must then tell HMRC about the imported vehicle by using the NOVA service within 14 days. You can use a spreadsheet if you need to use NOVA for lots of vehicles.

moving to Northern Ireland (sometimes known as ‘transfer of residence’ or TOR) - if you qualify, apply for transfer of residence relief

After you tell HMRC

HMRC will tell you:

if you have to pay VAT and duty

when your NOVA application has been processed - you cannot register your vehicle with DVLA until it is

If you’re a non-VAT registered company or private individual, HMRC will make a NOVA application for you.

Paying VAT and duty

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will tell you if you have to pay VAT or duty after you tell them you imported a vehicle.

VAT is charged on the total cost of the vehicle, plus any:

accessories you bought with it

delivery and extra charges

duty

Duty is charged on vehicles imported to:

England, Wales and Scotland from outside the UK

Northern Ireland from outside the UK or EU

HMRC will tell you how much you have to pay.

The rates you’re charged depend on the type of vehicle and where you imported it from. You can call the helpline to check rates.

How you pay depends on where you’re importing the vehicle from.

If you imported the vehicle to England, Scotland or Wales from outside the UK

Why you imported it | What and how you pay

You’re moving to the UK with your vehicle | No VAT or duty if you qualify for relief

You’re returning an exported vehicle to the UK | No VAT or duty if you qualify for relief

You’re visiting the UK or the EU with your vehicle | No VAT or duty if it qualifies as a temporary import

Any other reason - if you’re not VAT-registered | VAT and duty - pay HMRC at the UK border (your shipping company may do this for you)

Any other reason - if you’re VAT-registered | VAT and duty - pay HMRC at the UK border (your shipping company may do this for you) and claim the VAT on your next VAT Return

You must pay any VAT and duty before you can release the vehicle from customs or register it.

If you imported the vehicle to Northern Ireland from the EU

VAT is usually only charged on vehicles that are new. A vehicle is new if either:

it’s been driven less than 6,000km (about 3,728 miles)

it’s been in use for no more than 6 months

If you’re VAT registered, you need to account for any VAT you’ve paid on your next VAT return.

If you’re not registered for VAT or you’re a private individual, you need to pay HMRC directly before you can register your vehicle.

Paying HMRC directly

Use online or telephone banking to pay HMRC by Faster Payments, CHAPS or Bacs.

Sort code | Account number | Account name

08 32 00 | 12000903 | HMRC Indirect Miscellaneous

Use these details to pay from an overseas account.

Account number (IBAN) | Bank identifier code (BIC) | Account name

GB20 BARC 2005 1730 3364 91 | BARCGB22 | HMRC Indirect Miscellaneous

Use your 13-character NOVA notification reference number when you pay. You can find it on the:

email HMRC sent you if you used the NOVA service

payment notice HMRC sent you

Do not put any spaces between the characters in your reference number.

Read more about paying VAT on a car you’ve imported.

Reclaiming VAT

If you have to declare VAT to HMRC, you can reclaim any VAT you paid in the EU. Send the Certificate of VAT you get from HMRC to the person who sold you the vehicle.

If you imported the vehicle to Northern Ireland from outside the UK and EU

Why you imported it | What and how you pay

You’re moving to the UK with your vehicle | No VAT or duty if you qualify for relief

You’re returning an exported vehicle to the UK | No VAT or duty if you qualify for relief

Getting vehicle approval

Get vehicle approval to show that your imported vehicle meets environmental and safety regulations. You’ll need proof of approval to register the vehicle.

You might not need approval for a vehicle that was first registered or manufactured more than 10 years ago - check the exemptions.

If the vehicle’s not registered in the EU

To get approval for a vehicle that’s not registered in the EU, apply for either:

Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)

Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) if it’s a 2, 3 or smaller 4-wheeled vehicle

If the vehicle’s registered in the EU

Get a European Certificate of Conformity from the manufacturer to show you have approval for an EU-registered vehicle.

You also have to get a certificate of Mutual Recognition if it’s a left hand drive vehicle.

Getting a certificate of Mutual Recognition

Use the application form for your:

motorcycle

car

van or light goods vehicle

motorhome

Apply for IVA instead for a lorry or goods vehicle over 3,500kg.

There’s a £100 fee. Send your application to the address on the form. Attach receipts to prove you’ve made any required alterations, for example fitting a speedometer to display miles per hour.

Get help with Mutual Recognition

Contact the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) if you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies for Mutual Recognition.

Registering an imported vehicle

You must register any vehicle you bring into the UK permanently. You cannot register before you do all of the following:

tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) you imported the vehicle and get confirmation that your NOVA application is processed

pay VAT and duty if HMRC tells you to

get proof of vehicle approval

You also tax the vehicle when you register it with DVLA - there’s a £55 fee.

How to register

Follow the instructions for registering a vehicle to fill in your forms and send supporting documents.

You must also send extra supporting documents for an imported vehicle.

DVLA might ask to inspect the vehicle.

Extra supporting documents for imported vehicles

You must send the following original documents:

proof of vehicle approval

form V267 (sometimes called the ‘declaration of newness’) if you’re registering a new vehicle

evidence showing the date the vehicle was collected, for example the invoice from the supplier

the original foreign registration certificate to show when the vehicle was manufactured (you will not get this back)

If you do not have the original foreign registration certificate, DVLA might accept other proof of the manufacture date, for example a letter from the manufacturer or a vehicle enthusiast club.

Do not send photocopies or faxed copies.

How long it takes

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) it will take longer than usual for your registration certificate (V5C) to arrive.

You need the V5C to get number plates made up.

Temporary imports

You can usually use a vehicle with foreign number plates without registering or taxing it in the UK if all of the following apply:

you’re visiting and do not plan to live here

the vehicle is registered and taxed in its home country

you only use the vehicle for up to 6 months in total - this can be a single visit, or several shorter visits over 12 months

You will need to register your vehicle if you want to move it between Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland.

If you become a resident or stay for longer than 6 months you must register and tax your vehicle in the UK – follow the steps for importing a vehicle.

If you bring a vehicle to England, Scotland or Wales

You do not pay VAT or duty on a vehicle if you temporarily import it and all of the following apply:

it’s for your own private use

you’re not a UK resident

you do not sell, lend or hire it within the UK

you re-export it from the UK within 6 months - or longer if you’re eligible to use foreign number plates for longer

Claim relief by filling in form C110 and taking your vehicle through the ‘nothing to declare’ channel when you arrive in the UK.

Using foreign number plates for longer than 6 months

You might be able to use a vehicle with foreign number plates for longer than 6 months if all of the following apply:

you normally live outside the UK

you’re in the UK for a set period as a student or worker

you claim relief from VAT and duty

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will give you a customs relief form when you claim relief – show it to police if you’re stopped when driving the vehicle.

If you stay after your customs relief expires you must register and tax your vehicle in the UK – follow the steps for importing a vehicle.

If you do not qualify for relief

If HMRC says your vehicle must be registered and taxed in the UK, contact the imports and exports helpline.

If you bring a vehicle to Northern Ireland from the EU

You will not have to pay VAT or duty if you bring your own vehicle from the EU.

Call the imports and exports helpline if you have questions about bringing a vehicle from the EU for less than 6 months.

If you bring a vehicle to Northern Ireland from outside the EU

it’s for your own private use

you’re not a UK resident

you normally live outside the UK

you claim relief from VAT and duty

If you do not qualify for relief

If you’re stopped by the police

You must show police that you can use the vehicle in the UK without taxing and registering it here, for example proof:

of the time you’ve been in the UK (such as a ferry ticket)

that your vehicle’s eligible for relief from VAT and duty (such as a customs relief form)

When you need Q number plates

You must get temporary Q number plates from DVLA if you visit the UK for up to 6 months and either:

your number plates display numbers or letters that are not identifiable in the UK, for example Arabic script

your vehicle is not registered in its home country

Contact DVLA if you have to get temporary Q number plates.

Before you get Q number plates

You must claim relief from VAT and duty before you can get temporary Q number plates.

To claim relief, fill in form C110 after the car arrives in the UK and send it to the NTAS team to have it stamped.


Vehicle approval

Overview

You must apply for vehicle approval if you’ve:

built a vehicle

rebuilt a vehicle

radically altered a vehicle

reconstructed a classic vehicle

imported a vehicle

Get a vehicle approved

You can get a single vehicle or small number of vehicles approved through:

Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)

Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA)  if you’re making or importing a single 2, 3 or smaller 4-wheeled vehicle

Mutual Recognition scheme if you’re importing a vehicle that’s been approved and registered in the EU

You can no longer apply for a Pre-Registration Inspection (PRI). You must get your vehicle approved instead.

Vehicle type approval

It’s also possible to get approval for a type of vehicle, rather than each individual vehicle.

Only the vehicle manufacturer or their authorised representative can apply for this.

From 1 January 2021, manufacturers or their representatives will need to apply for provisional GB type approval to sell or register vehicles in England, Scotland and Wales.

Get help

Contact the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you need help with IVA or MSVA.

Contact the VCA if you need help or information about:

provisional approval

European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA)

European Community Small Series Type Approval (ECSSTA)

Mutual Recognition scheme

Exemptions from vehicle approval

You do not need vehicle approval for:

heavy goods vehicles (more than 3,500kg maximum weight) over 25 years old

light goods vehicles (3,500kg maximum weight or less) over 10 years old

cars and minibuses with 8 passenger seats or less (not including the driver) over 10 years old

buses, coaches and minibuses with more than 8 passenger seats (not including the driver) built by a single manufacturer before 29 July 2010

buses, coaches and minibuses with more than 8 passenger seats (not including the driver) with different body and chassis manufacturers, made before 29 July 2011

tracked vehicles, for example a vehicle that runs on tracks rather than wheels

vehicles designed and constructed for use on construction sites, quarries, ports and airports

vehicles designed and constructed for and used by the armed services, fire and rescue forces, or used in maintaining public order

If your vehicle needs approval, you must send proof of this in when you apply to register it. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will not register your vehicle if you do not.

Individual Vehicle Approval

You can use the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) scheme if you’re making or importing a single vehicle or a very small number of vehicles in the following categories:

passenger cars

goods vehicles

buses and coaches

trailers

special purpose vehicles, such as vehicles specially designed to hold a wheelchair

You cannot use the Statutory IVA scheme if your vehicle has been registered before in the UK - you’ll need to use Voluntary IVA instead.

Vehicle identification number

Your vehicle needs a vehicle identification number (VIN) before having an IVA inspection. Apply to DVLA if it does not have one.

Basic and normal IVA

There are 2 levels of IVA inspection: basic and normal.

Basic IVA

Basic IVA involves a visual inspection and other tests to make sure the vehicle meets the necessary standards. You will not normally need to provide any documentary evidence.

You can apply if you have a passenger car or light goods vehicle in one of these categories:

left-hand drive vehicles

personal imports

amateur built vehicles (kit cars)

rebuilt vehicles

very low volume production vehicles

ambulances

motor caravans

hearses

armoured passenger vehicles

a vehicle manufactured using parts of a registered vehicle

Read the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA ) guide on the IVA scheme for more on these categories.

Normal IVA

You’ll have to apply for normal IVA if you do not meet the criteria for basic IVA.

This involves a more detailed inspection. Vehicles have to meet extra standards and you’ll have to provide documentary evidence.

Modified goods vehicles

You can use the IVA scheme to get approval for goods vehicles that have been modified.

Read the DVSA guide on IVA for modified goods vehicles to find out how changes are approved.

How to show your vehicle meets IVA standards

There are several ways to prove your vehicle meets IVA standards. Read part 5 of the DVSA guide on the IVA scheme for more details.

Model reports

One way of proving your vehicle is compliant is by showing it’s the same specification as another vehicle (a ‘master vehicle’) that’s been proved compliant. You do this using a model report.

If a model report has already been produced for your exact model of vehicle, you may be able to use it for a fee. Look for it on the DVSA list of model reports and their owners.

Otherwise, you’ll need to pay for your own tests to be carried out. These must be done by an authorised provider of ‘designated technical services’.

For more information on model reports, see part 11 of the DVSA guide on the IVA scheme.

How to apply

Download and fill in the IVA application form for your type of vehicle.

Follow the instructions on the form to submit it to DVSA.

DVSA should offer you an inspection within 20 working days of receiving your completed application.

Choosing a test station

Your vehicle will be inspected at either one of DVSA’s approved test stations or a privately owned test facility. You should say which one you want to use on your application form.

Cost of the scheme

You have to pay a fee for DVSA to inspect your vehicle.

What happens next

Wherever possible, DVSA will inspect your vehicle at the test location you’ve chosen and issue an Individual Approval Certificate (IAC) if it passes. You’ll need this certificate when you register your vehicle.

Appeal against a refusal

You can appeal and have a re-examination carried out by an independent inspector if your vehicle does not pass its inspection and you’re not satisfied with the decision.

You must make your appeal within 14 days of the decision and you’ll have to pay a fee. This will be refunded, either partially or fully, if your appeal is successful.

You must not modify the vehicle before the appeal inspection.

You can appeal by downloading and filling in the IVA notice of appeal.

Read part 8 of the DVSA guide on the IVA scheme for more information about appeals.

Individual Vehicle Approval manuals

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) published a series of manuals listing all the technical requirements for Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA).

There are different manuals for different types of vehicle:

M1 vehicles - passenger cars

M2 and M3 vehicles - buses and coaches

N1 vehicles - light goods vehicles (up to 3,500kgs)

N2 and N3 vehicles - heavy goods vehicles (over 3,500kgs)

O1, O2, O3 and O4 vehicles - light and heavy trailers

Individual Vehicle Approval application forms

You need an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) application form to apply for an inspection.

Find out how to:

apply for IVA: cars

apply for IVA: vans and light goods vehicles

apply for IVA: buses or coaches

apply for IVA: lorries and goods vehicles

apply for IVA: trailers

prove that a bus or coach does not need a new tilt test

apply for a vehicle approval test at a non-DVSA site

All passenger vehicles

Download the form for seat belt anchorage compliance.

Amateur built vehicles

If your vehicle is amateur built (for example a kit car), you must send an amateur built declaration along with your IVA application.

Voluntary approval

Voluntary Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) is similar to Statutory IVA but:

you can use it if your vehicle has already been registered in the UK

you will not have the same rights as with Statutory IVA

You’ll need to choose whether to use the basic or normal level of Voluntary IVA.

If you drive a taxi, your licensing authority will tell you what level you need to apply for.

Use Statutory IVA instead if your vehicle:

has not been registered in the UK before

has been registered in the UK, but has been modified significantly since then

Cost of the schemes

You have to pay a fee for Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to inspect your vehicle.

How to apply

Download and fill in the IVA application form for your type of vehicle.

Follow the instructions on the form to submit it to DVSA.

What happens next

DVSA will carry out an inspection of the vehicle. If it passes, you’ll get a ‘Confirmation of Compliance’ notification (not an approval certificate).

Find out more

Read the DVSA guide on the IVA scheme.

Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval

Your motorcycle, 3-wheeled or light 4-wheeled vehicle must have a provisional GB type approval in England, Scotland and Wales.

If your vehicle does not have a provisional GB type approval you must use the Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) scheme to approve your vehicle.

You must also use the MSVA scheme if your vehicle has been radically altered or built using a mixture of parts from previously registered vehicles. For example:

amateur built vehicles

rebuilt vehicles

vehicles converted to a different wheelplan

Eligibility for MSVA

You can use the MSVA scheme for vehicles that:

are under 10 years old

have not been registered before in the UK

do not have ECWVTA or provisional UK vehicle type approval

The following types of vehicle are eligible:

2-wheeled mopeds

3-wheeled mopeds

light quadricycles

solo motorcycles

motorcycle combinations

motor tricycles

heavy quadricycles

These vehicle types are defined in the foreword of the MSVA inspection manual.

Partial MSVA

If you have a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), it will say which side of the road and which speedometer units your vehicle is equipped for.

You must modify your vehicle if it is not equipped for use in Great Britain. It will then need a Partial MSVA to check the following items:

headlamp dipped beam pattern - this checks the headlamp is suitable for driving on the left

speedometer - the speed must be shown in miles per hour (mph) or dual mph and kilometres per hour

mirror location - on mopeds fitted with a single mirror, the mirror must be fitted to offside (right) of the vehicle

Read more in Partial MSVA frequently asked questions.

Vehicle identification number

Your vehicle needs a vehicle identification number before having an MSVA inspection. Write to the following address if it does not have one.

Cost of the scheme

You have to pay a fee for DVSA to inspect your vehicle.

Choose a test station

Your vehicle will be inspected by DVSA at one of its approved test stations. You can choose which one as long as it inspects the category of vehicle you want to be tested.

Category | Description

B | 2-wheeled vehicles

T | 3-wheeled vehicles

Q | 4-wheeled vehicles

Station | Address | Categories

Aberdeen | Cloverhill Road, Bridge of Don Industrial Estate, Aberdeen, AB23 8FE | B, T, Q

Beverley | Oldbeck Road, Off Grovehill Road, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 0JW | B, T, Q

Bristol | Merebank Road, Avonmouth, Bristol, BS11 8AQ | B, T, Q

Cardiff (Llantrisant) | School Road, Miskin, Pontyclun, Mid Glamorgan, CF72 8YR | B, T, Q

Chelmsford | Widford Industrial Estate, Chelmsford, CM1 3DR | B, Q

Derby | Belmore Way, Alvaston, Derby, DE21 7AY | B, T, Q

Edinburgh (Livingston) | Grange Road, Houston Industrial Estate, Livingston, Edinburgh, West Lothian, EH54 5DE | B, T, Q

Exeter | Grace Road West, Marsh Barton Trading Estate, Exeter, Devon, EX2 8PU | B, T, Q

Gillingham | Ambley Road, Gillingham, ME8 0SJ | B, T, Q

Kidderminster | Worcester Road, Kidderminster, DY11 7RD | B, T, Q

Leighton Buzzard | Stanbridge Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 4QG | B, T, Q

London West (Yeading) | Cygnet Way, Willow Tree Lane, Yeading, Hayes, Middlesex, UB4 9BS | T, Q

Manchester (Chadderton) | Broadway Business Park, Broadgate, Manchester (Chadderton), Oldham, OL9 9XA | B, T, Q

Newcastle-upon-Tyne | Sandy Lane, Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE3 5HB | B, T, Q

Norwich | Jupiter Road, Hellesden, Norwich, NR6 6SS | B, T, Q

Southampton (Northam) | Unit R Centurion Industrial Estate, Bitterne Road West, Southampton, SO18 1UB | B, T, Q

How to apply

Download and fill in the:

MSVA application form

Partial MSVA application form

Follow the instructions on the form to submit it to DVSA.

What happens next

DVSA will inspect your vehicle at the test station you’ve chosen and issue a Minister’s Approval Certificate (MAC) if it passes. You’ll need this certificate when you register your vehicle.

Appeals

You can appeal for a re-test if your vehicle fails MSVA. You must appeal within 14 days of the original decision by completing form MSVA17 and returning it to the station used for the original test.

You’ll have to pay the test fee again, which will be refunded if the appeal is successful. Contact DVSA to find out how to do this.

More information

Read the MSVA inspection manual.

Certificate of Initial Fitness

Who can use the scheme

If you use a vehicle with more than 8 passenger seats to transport people for profit, also known as a Public Service Vehicle (PSV), it must have been approved or have a Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF) to register it.

What vehicles need a COIF

You’ll need a COIF for your vehicle if it has more than 8 passenger seats, will be used for profit and either:

is not registered in the UK and was built before the type approval scheme was introduced

is registered in the UK but does not have a type approval as a passenger vehicle with more than 8 passenger seats

The start dates for this scheme vary depending on the type of vehicle. See page 10 of the Individual Vehicle Approval scheme guide for details.

How to apply for a COIF

Download and fill in the COIF application form.

Cost of the scheme

You have to pay a fee for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to inspect your vehicle.

What happens next

Once you’ve submitted your application, DVSA will contact you to arrange for your PSV’s COIF examination to be carried out at a DVSA-approved test station.

Notifiable Alterations

You must send details to DVSA of any alterations or modifications you make to your PSV.

Send your completed application to the address on the form along with any relevant documents.

You do not need to notify DVSA of like-for-like replacement parts.

Accessibility Certificate Test

Some buses and coaches must have accessibility features for wheelchair users, like boarding lifts and ramps, wheelchair spaces and wheelchair restraints.

This affects buses and coaches, which:

are authorised to carry more than 22 passengers

carry passengers at separate fares on local or scheduled services

were first used on or after 31 December 2000

Manufacturers of buses and coaches usually apply for these Accessibility Certificates at the same time as the Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF) when the vehicles are first built.

How to apply for an Accessibility Certificate

If you already have a COIF you can apply for an Accessibility Certificate separately.

You can also apply for an Accessibility Certificate yourself if you convert a vehicle to be used as a bus or coach.

Accessibility Certificates last the lifetime of the vehicle as long as you do not make any further alterations to it. Once you have an Accessibility Certificate, accessibility is then checked as part of the vehicle’s annual test.

Fill in the PSV accessibility certificate application form.

Follow the instructions on the form to submit it to DVSA.

Fees for the Accessibility Certificate test

You’ll need to check both wheelchair accessibility and general accessibility. Each of these sets of regulations is called a schedule.

Test type | Fee

1 schedule | £51

Retest for 1 schedule | £17

2 schedules | £104

Retest for 2 schedules | £36

Duplicate certificate | £13

Type approval

Alternatively, vehicle manufacturers can apply for type approval, which means an Accessibility Certificate is not needed.

Print off and fill in form PSVA6 to apply for type approval.

When an operator gets a vehicle that’s been type approved they’ll get a Declaration of Conformity from the manufacturer.

Operators then need to send this to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get a Certification of Conformity.

Fees for type approval are included on the IVA inspection fees document.

Inspection fees

The cost depends on:

whether you’re using the standard or voluntary version of the scheme

the type of inspection (basic or normal)

the category of vehicle

the class of vehicle

To find out which category and class your vehicle is in, see annexes 1 and 2 of the DVSA guide to the IVA scheme.

Where to find inspection fees

The DVSA list of inspection fees includes the fees for:

Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)

Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA)

Certificate of Initial Fitness (COIF)

Replacement approval certificate

You can apply for a replacement approval certificate. Submit your application using the apply for an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) service.


Vehicle registration

Overview

You have to register a car or any other vehicle as soon as you’ve:

bought it

built it

rebuilt or altered it

imported it

You do this by filling in forms and sending them to DVLA. The forms you have to send depend on your circumstances.

DVLA may need to inspect your vehicle to:

make sure the vehicle exists, has been assembled into a complete vehicle and the log book (V5C) is in your name

update their records because of changes you’ve made to the vehicle

They will send you a letter if they need to do this. You will not have to pay a fee.

Use the different registration schemes for the motor trade if you’re a vehicle manufacturer, importer or VAT-registered trader.

New and used vehicles

New vehicles

The dealer will usually register a brand new vehicle for you. If they do, you’ll get a V5C registration certificate (log book). It will take longer than usual to get this because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

If the dealer will not do it, you can register the vehicle yourself.

If your vehicle is a new heavy goods vehicle (HGV), you also need to record the details of your HGV with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Used vehicles

You need to tax a used vehicle before you can use it on the road.

The way a used vehicle is registered to you depends on whether it has a V5C registration certificate (log book).

Vehicle has a registration certificate (V5C)

The seller can register the vehicle to you online or by post.

The seller must follow a different process if you’re buying a vehicle to take abroad including the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey), Isle of Man or Ireland. They must give you the full log book (V5C) and not send it to DVLA.

Register online

The seller will need to:

register the vehicle to you online

fill in the green ‘new keeper’ slip and give it to you

destroy the V5C

DVLA will update the vehicle record immediately and they will aim to send out a new V5C to you within 3 to 5 days.

Register by post

If you cannot register the vehicle online, you can register it by post. The seller will need to:

complete section 2 if they have a new style log book (with multi-coloured numbered blocks on the front cover) or section 6 if they have the older style log book

sign the declaration in section 8 if they have the older style log book (you must sign the declaration too)

fill in the new keeper slip and give it to you

send the V5C to DVLA

DVLA aims to send out a new V5C to you as soon as possible, usually 4 weeks after getting the old V5C from the seller.  This may take longer because of coronavirus.

If you do not get it within 4 weeks:

complete form V62 - ‘Application for a vehicle registration certificate’

send it to DVLA with the new keeper slip given to you by the seller - if you do not send in the new keeper slip, you’ll have to pay a fee

Download form V62 or get it from any Post Office branch.

Contact DVLA if you do not receive anything 6 weeks after sending in form V62.

Vehicle does not have a registration certificate

DVLA advises that you should not buy a vehicle that does not have a registration certificate (V5C).

Register the vehicle in your name by using form V62 ‘Application for a vehicle registration certificate’. You’ll have to pay a fee. See the section above for how to get form V62.

Checking your new registration certificate

When you receive your registration certificate, it’s your responsibility to check all the details are correct. If anything is incorrect, make the changes on the certificate and send it back to DVLA.

You’ll get the replacement certificate within 4 weeks.

New registrations

Your vehicle may not have been registered before with DVLA if it’s:

brand new

a kit car

imported

been rebuilt or radically altered

an old or classic vehicle

If you buy a brand new vehicle, the dealer will usually arrange for it to be registered. Otherwise, you need to follow the process below.

Making an application

Fill in form V55/4 or V55/5

For any type of newly registered vehicle, you must fill in either a:

V55/4 form to register a new vehicle, including new imported vehicles and newly-built (kit) cars

V55/5 form to register a used vehicle, including rebuilt vehicles, used imported vehicles and older vehicles that have never been registered

Provide copies of identity documents

Send in a photocopy of your photocard driving licence with your application form to prove your identity.

If you cannot do this, you must send in photocopies of one document that proves your name and another document that proves your address.

Documents you can use to confirm your name include:

passport

marriage certificate

decree nisi or absolute

birth certificate

current UK paper driving licence (not a paper counterpart)

Documents you can use to confirm your address include:

recent utility bill (within the last 3 months) - for example gas, electricity, water, landline

recent bank or building society statement (within the last 3 months)

medical card

council tax bill for current year

You can fill in form V959 - ‘Notification of name and address check’ instead of these documents to prove your identity if you’re a current DVLA trade plate holder.

Supporting documents needed for all vehicles

As well as documents to prove your identity, you must also send:

payment for the vehicle tax

the new registration fee of £55, if you have to pay it

a current MOT certificate, if the vehicle is over 3 years old (over 4 years old in Northern Ireland)

a certificate of newness (or declaration of newness for imported vehicles), if the vehicle is new

proof of vehicle approval if the vehicle is under 10 years old (unless it’s exempt from vehicle approval)

any documents you have relating to the vehicle, for example build plans if it’s a kit car

an insurance certificate or cover note (if you’re registering the vehicle to an address in Northern Ireland)

Supporting documents needed for some vehicles

You may have to send extra forms and documents if your vehicle is:

imported

kit-built, rebuilt, kit-converted or radically altered

an old vehicle

a reconstructed classic vehicle

After you’ve applied

DVLA might need to inspect your vehicle. If your application is approved, DVLA will send you a V5C registration certificate (sometimes called a log book).

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) it’s taking longer than usual to get a new registration certificate.

Your V5C shows:

the vehicle’s registration number

the vehicle keeper’s name and address

other information about the vehicle (the make, vehicle identification number (VIN) and number of previous keepers)

DVLA will also return your identity documents.

You’ll need to provide a prepaid self-addressed, special delivery envelope if you want the documents returned by special delivery.

DVLA cannot guarantee the return of the documents by a specific date.

New registrations fee

You’ll have to pay a fee of £55 if you’re registering and taxing a vehicle for the first time with DVLA.

You can pay by cheque or postal order. You cannot send cash. Damaged or altered cheques will not be accepted.

You do not have to pay for some vehicles, including:

those first registered and licensed in the disabled exempt taxation class

historic vehicles previously registered with the old local authorities (late conversions)

vehicles previously registered in the United Kingdom

imported vehicles previously registered under the personal export scheme and new means of transport scheme

visiting forces vehicles

vehicles registered under the direct export scheme

vehicles registered for off-road use only

crown exempt vehicles

Rebuilt vehicles

Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

You must include the following with your application:

form V627/1 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’

evidence of type approval, if necessary

the vehicle registration certificate for the original vehicle

official receipts for any parts used

photographs of the vehicle

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure about what you need to provide.

Send your application to:

Vehicle type approval

You’ll have to get type approval if your vehicle does not qualify to keep its original registration number.

Keep a vehicle’s original registration number

A rebuilt vehicle can keep its original registration number if you can prove you’ve used:

the original unmodified chassis or bodyshell (car or light van)

a new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original (car or light van)

the original unmodified frame (motorbike)

a new frame of the same specification as the original (motorbike)

You must also have 2 other major components from the original vehicle from the following lists.

For cars or light vans:

suspension (front and back)

steering assembly

axles (both)

transmission

engine

For motorbikes:

forks

wheels

engine

gear box

Get a Q registration number

DVLA will give your vehicle a ‘Q’ prefix registration number if you do not meet the conditions for keeping the original registration number.

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a Q registration number.

Vehicles with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) must never reappear as complete vehicles or be presented for registration, though some components may be recycled. You cannot keep the original registration or vehicle identification number.

Kit-built vehicles

Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

A kit-built vehicle is one where all the parts are supplied new by the manufacturer.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

You must include the following with your application:

form V627/1 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’

evidence of type approval – see ‘Vehicle type approval’ below

official receipts for the vehicle and any parts used

build plans

evidence that any ‘reconditioned’ part is to an ‘as new’ standard

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure about what you need to provide.

Send your application to:

Vehicle type approval

All kit-built vehicles have to get type approval.

Get a current registration number

You can register a kit-built car, motorcycle or tricycle with a current registration number if you can prove it’s all made from new parts supplied by the manufacturer.

You can also get a current registration number for a kit-built car, motorbike or tricycle built with one reconditioned part if:

you can show that the part has been reconditioned to an ‘as new’ standard, in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines

the part is not the chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame

Get a Q registration number

DVLA will give your vehicle a ‘Q’ prefix registration number if you do not meet the conditions for getting a current registration number.

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a Q registration number.

Kit-converted vehicles

A kit-converted vehicle has had:

a kit of new parts added to an existing vehicle, or

old parts added to a new kit

The general appearance of the vehicle will change because of the kit.

How to register

You’ll need to include the following with your application:

the vehicle registration certificate for the original vehicle

evidence of type approval, if necessary – see ‘Vehicle type approval’ below

official receipts for any parts used

build plans

photographs of the vehicle

Send your application to:

Keep a vehicle’s original registration number

You can apply to keep a kit converted vehicle’s original registration number if you can prove you’ve used 2 original major parts along with the original unmodified:

chassis (car or light van)

monocoque bodyshell (car or light van)

frame (motorbike)

Get an age-related registration number

You can apply for an age-related number if you can prove you’ve used 2 original major parts along with:

a new monocoque bodyshell, chassis or frame from a specialist kit manufacturer

an altered chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame from the original vehicle

The registration number will be based on the age of the original vehicle.

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get an age-related registration number.

Get a Q registration number

DVLA will give your vehicle a ‘Q’ prefix registration number if you do not meet the conditions for getting an original or age-related registration number.

Radically altered vehicles

Your vehicle must comply with the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

Radically altered vehicles are vehicles that have been altered from their original specification, but are not kit conversions.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

form V627/1 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’

evidence of type approval, if necessary

the vehicle registration certificate

official receipts for any parts used

photographs of the vehicle

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure about what you need to provide.

Send your application to:

Get a vehicle registration number

DVLA uses a points system to decide what registration number to give a radically altered vehicle.

Keep the original registration number

Your vehicle must have 8 or more points from the table below if you want to keep the original registration number. 5 of these points must come from having the original or new and unmodified chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame.

Part | Points

Chassis, monocoque bodyshell (body and chassis as one unit) or frame - original or new and unmodified (direct from manufacturer) | 5

Suspension (front and back) - original | 2

Axles (both) - original | 2

Transmission - original | 2

Steering assembly - original | 2

Engine - original | 1

Get a ‘Q’ registration number

You will not be able to keep your vehicle’s original registration number if one of the following applies:

it has fewer than 8 points

it has a second-hand or altered chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame

there’s evidence that 2 vehicles have been welded together to form one (ie ‘cut and shut’)

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a ‘Q’ prefix registration number.

Old vehicles

Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

If you have a classic vehicle that has not been taxed since 1983, it might not be registered with DVLA.

If this is the case and you want to register it, follow all the instructions for registering a vehicle for the first time.

Get your vehicle’s original registration number

You may be able to register an old vehicle under its original registration number if either:

it’s never been registered at DVLA

it has an age-related registration number

To do this, you’ll have to:

follow the instructions for new registrations

fill in form V765 - ‘Application to register a vehicle under its original registration number’

get form V765 endorsed by a vehicle owners’ club

provide a recent photo of the vehicle and documentary evidence that links it to the original number, for example the original log book

Send the forms to ‘K and R’ at DVLA.

K and R
DVLA
SA99 1ZZ

After you’ve applied

DVLA will issue a V5C registration certificate and give you either:

the original registration number - if this happens, you will not be allowed to transfer it or put it onto retention at a later date

another number appropriate to the age of the vehicle - if this is a non-suffix or prefix number, it will also be non-transferable

Northern Ireland

Send a completed V62 form and the RF60 form if you want to register a historic vehicle in Northern Ireland.

DVLA will register the vehicle and issue a new V5C to the registered keeper. You should receive this within 4 weeks.

Reconstructed classic vehicles

Your vehicle must comply with the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

You must include the following with your application:

written report from the appropriate vehicle owners’ club

form V627/1 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’

evidence of type approval, if necessary

official receipts for any parts used

Get an age-related registration number

DVLA can only recognise your vehicle as a reconstructed classic vehicle if it meets certain criteria. It must be:

built from genuine period components from more than one vehicle, all over 25 years old and of the same specification as the original vehicle

a true reflection of the marque

The appropriate vehicle owners’ club for the vehicle type (‘marque’) must inspect the vehicle and confirm in writing that it:

has been inspected

is a true reflection of the marque

is comprised of genuine period components all over 25 years old

They must also give manufacture dates for the major components.

DVLA will assign an age-related registration number to the vehicle based on the youngest component used.

New or replica parts

Your vehicle will not get an age-related registration number if it includes new or replica parts. DVLA will give your vehicle a ‘Q’ prefix registration number. Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a ‘Q’ prefix registration number.

Vehicle identification number

All vehicles registered in the UK must have a unique, stamped-in vehicle identification number (VIN) and registration number.

Find your VIN

The VIN is usually stamped into the chassis of the vehicle. It may be lost if you rebuild or modify your vehicle.

When you may need a new VIN or registration

If you have a kit car, rebuild, or radically altered vehicle, DVLA will usually have to assess it.

You may be able to keep its original registration number if you can prove the vehicle’s original VIN. If you cannot, you’ll have to apply for a replacement identity number.

DVLA will give you an authorisation letter to get the vehicle stamped with the new VIN if your vehicle passes its assessment.

You then need to register the vehicle - you can only do this when DVLA receives confirmation it’s been stamped with the correct VIN.

'Q' registration numbers

DVLA issues ‘Q’ registration numbers to vehicles whose age or identity is in doubt.

If this happens, any original vehicle registration number will become invalid and you must not display it again.

To get a ‘Q’ registration number, your vehicle has to pass a type approval process.


Drivers' hours

Overview

If you drive a goods vehicle or a passenger-carrying vehicle you must follow the rules on how many hours you can drive and the breaks that you need to take.

There are 3 sets of rules that could apply to your journey:

EU rules

AETR rules

GB domestic rules

The rules that apply depend on:

the type of vehicle you’re driving

which country you’re driving in

If you drive under the EU or GB domestic drivers’ hours rules, you also need to follow the working time rules.

If you’re an employer of drivers or mobile workers there are more rules you must follow.

There are different drivers’ hours rules in Northern Ireland.

If you do not follow the rules

If you break the drivers’ hours rules, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can give you:

a verbal warning, for minor offences made by accident or because of inexperience

an offence rectification notice, for offences which are not a risk to road safety - you’ll have 21 days to fix the issue

a prohibition notice, for serious or dangerous offences - you must stop a dangerous activity or start following the regulations

a fine or points on your licence (a ‘fixed penalty’) – the amount depends on how serious the offence is

You can be prosecuted for very serious or multiple offences.

DVSA can give you further penalties (such as an improvement or prohibition notice) if you also break the working time rules.

You can ask for an emergency exemption from the rules. Read the guidance on emergency exemption and temporary relaxation of drivers’ hours and working time rules.

Drivers’ hours checklists

You can also print out the ‘Staying legal’ checklists, which cover the basic rules:

Staying legal - the basics (HGV drivers)

Staying legal - the basics (PSV drivers)

Rules for employers

If you employ drivers or other mobile workers, you must:

keep drivers’ hours records for at least one year

make sure they are properly trained and understand the rules

organise their time so that they can follow the rules

check your drivers’ hours records and data

monitor your workers’ working time

Mobile workers are:

drivers - including employed drivers, own-account drivers and agency drivers

members of the vehicle crew, for example a second driver on a coach

anyone else who is part of the travelling staff, for example a bus conductor, a drayman or a security guard aboard a vehicle carrying high-value goods

Goods vehicles

The rules that apply to goods vehicles depend on the weight of your vehicle, the country you’re driving in and what you’re using the vehicle for.

EU rules

EU rules apply if the maximum permissible weight of your vehicle or vehicle combination is more than 3.5 tonnes and you’re driving in any of the following:

the EU (including the UK)

an European Economic Area (EEA) country

Switzerland

Some vehicles are exempt from EU rules when driven in the UK.

AETR rules

AETR (European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews Engaged in International Road Transport) rules apply if your vehicle will pass through an AETR country.

GB domestic rules

GB domestic rules apply if both the following are true:

the maximum permissible weight of your vehicle or vehicle combination is under 3.5 tonnes

your vehicle is exempt from EU rules when driven in the UK

If you’ll be driving through a country outside of the UK, EU, EEA or Switzerland, you should contact the UK embassy of the country to check on local rules.

More information

Read Goods vehicles: rules on drivers’ hours and tachographs for the main rules.

Read the rules for drivers’ hours in the recovery vehicle industry.

You can also print out the ‘Staying legal’ leaflet, which includes checklists covering the basic rules.

There are specific rules for tachographs and horse boxes or trailers.

Passenger-carrying vehicles

If you’re driving a vehicle that carries passengers the rules that apply to you depend on:

the number of passenger seats

how far you’re driving (the distance of your route)

if you’re driving to or from another country

if you’re driving on a regular or a non-regular service

A regular service follows a specified route, with stopping points for passengers to get on or off.

Public service vehicles (PSV)

A public service vehicle is a vehicle that’s used to carry passengers for hire or payment.

Type of operation | 8 or fewer passenger seats | 9 to 12 passenger seats | 13 to 16 passenger seats | 17 or more passenger seats

Regular service on route not exceeding 50km | GB domestic rules | GB domestic rules | GB Domestic rules | GB Domestic rules

National or international regular service on route exceeding 50km | The local rules of the countries you drive in (GB domestic rules in the UK) | EU/AETR rules | EU/AETR rules | EU/AETR rules

National or international non-regular service for example commercial excursions, tours or private hire | The local rules of the countries you drive in (GB domestic rules in the UK) | EU/AETR rules | EU/AETR rules | EU/AETR rules

Other passenger-carrying vehicles

You do not need to follow any drivers’ hours rules if you drive a police, fire service or armed forces vehicle.

If you drive for a different public authority or for a business, and your vehicle is a non-PSV with:

up to 8 passenger seats - you do not need to follow any drivers’ hours rules

9 or more passenger seats - you must follow the EU rules (unless your vehicle is exempt from EU law)

If you drive a ‘non-commercial’ vehicle

You drive a non-commercial vehicle if:

passengers are not charged to use the vehicle

you and any other workers are not paid to operate or work in the vehicle

the vehicle is not used professionally or commercially

If your vehicle has up to 8 passenger seats, you do not need to follow any drivers’ hours rules.

If your vehicle has 9 or more passenger seats, you usually need to follow the EU rules. You need to follow GB rules instead if your vehicle has between 10 and 17 passenger seats and is only used for non-commercial journeys.

If you use your vehicle outside the UK

If you drive between the UK and another country and your vehicle has:

up to 8 passenger seats - you must follow the local rules for the country you’re driving in

9 or more passenger seats - you must follow the EU or the European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport (AETR) rules

More information

Read Passenger vehicles: rules on drivers’ hours and tachographs for the main rules.

Exemptions from EU law

Some types of vehicle are exempt from EU rules.  This means they come under GB domestic rules in the UK.

The main types of exempt vehicle are:

vehicles that cannot go faster than 40 kilometres per hour, including vehicles that are restricted by a set speed limiter

emergency aid vehicles - vehicles used in the non-commercial transport of humanitarian aid for use in emergencies or rescue operations

breakdown vehicles - specialised breakdown vehicles working within a 100km of their base

vehicles undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance purposes, and new or rebuilt vehicles which have not yet been put into service

vehicles manufactured more than 25 years ago

vehicles used by agricultural, horticultural, forestry, farming or fishery businesses for carrying goods within 100km of where the business is based

vehicles that are used to carry live animals between a farm and a market, or from a market to a slaughterhouse where the distance is less than 100km

vehicles that are used to carry animal waste or carcasses that are not intended for human consumption

educational vehicles, for example play buses and mobile libraries

vehicles or combinations of vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of 7.5 tonnes or less that are used for carrying work equipment for the driver where the distance is less than 100km

vehicles driven only on islands whose area does not exceed 2,300 square kilometres

vehicles with a maximum weight of 7.5 tonnes which use natural or liquefied gas or electricity as fuel and carry goods within 50km from their base

driving instruction or exams - vehicles used for driving instruction and examination. Includes instruction for renewal of Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

circus vehicles - specialised vehicles transporting circus and funfair equipment

milk collection - vehicles used for collecting milk from farms or returning milk containers or milk products for animal feed to farms

any vehicle that is propelled by steam

Read the full list of exempt vehicles.

EU rules

Driving hours

The main EU rules on driving hours are that you must not drive more than:

9 hours in a day - this can be extended to 10 hours twice a week

56 hours in a week

90 hours in any 2 consecutive weeks

All driving you do under EU rules must be recorded on a tachograph.

Breaks and rest

The main points of EU rules on breaks and rest are that you must take:

at least 11 hours rest every day - you can reduce this to 9 hours rest 3 times between any 2 weekly rest periods

an unbroken rest period of 45 hours every week - you can reduce this to 24 hours every other week

a break or breaks totalling at least 45 minutes after no more than 4 hours 30 minutes driving

your weekly rest after 6 consecutive 24-hour periods of working, starting from the end of the last weekly rest period taken

Coach drivers on an international trip can take their weekly rest after 12 consecutive 24-hour periods, starting from the end of the last weekly rest period taken.

For more details on rests and breaks read:

Goods vehicles: rules on drivers’ hours and tachographs

Passenger vehicles: rules on drivers’ hours and tachographs

AETR rules

The European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport (AETR) rules are now the same as the EU rules on drivers’ hours.

The AETR rules cover all EU countries and:

Albania

Andorra

Armenia

Azerbaijan

Belarus

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Georgia

Kazakhstan

Liechtenstein

Monaco

Montenegro

Moldova

North Macedonia

Norway

Russia

San Marino

Serbia

Turkey

Turkmenistan

Ukraine

United Kingdom

Uzbekistan

GB domestic rules

The GB domestic drivers’ hours rules apply to most passenger-carrying vehicles and goods vehicles that do not have to follow the EU rules.

GB domestic rules apply in Great Britain - there are separate rules in Northern Ireland.

Goods vehicles

Duty time

If you work as a driver for a company, duty time is any working time. If you’re self-employed, duty time is only time you spend driving the vehicle or doing other work related to the vehicle or its load.

Daily driving limit

You must not drive for more than 10 hours in a day:

on a public road

off-road if not during duty time

Off-road driving counts as duty time if it’s for:

agriculture

quarrying

forestry

building work

civil engineering

Daily duty limit

You must not be on duty for more than 11 hours in any working day. This limit does not apply on any working day when you do not drive.

You must record your hours on a weekly record sheet or on a tachograph.

Exemptions

You do not need to follow the GB domestic rules if you:

are dealing with an emergency - for example, a major disruption to public services or danger to life

are using the vehicle for private driving and not for work

drive off-road or on private roads during duty time

drive a vehicle used by the armed forces, police or fire brigade

Passenger-carrying vehicles

Duty time

Daily driving limit

You must not drive for more than 10 hours in any working day.

Breaks and continuous driving

After 5 hours 30 minutes of driving you must take a break of at least 30 minutes for rest and refreshment.

Or, within any period of 8 hours 30 minutes, you must take at least 45 minutes in breaks. You must also have a break of at least 30 minutes at the end of this period, unless it’s the end of the working day.

Length of working day (‘spreadover’)

You must not work more than 16 hours between the times of starting and finishing work - including non-driving work and any times when you’re off.

Daily rest periods

You must take a rest of 10 hours before the first duty and immediately after the last duty in a working week.

You must take a rest of at least 10 hours between 2 working days (or spreadovers) - this can be reduced to 8.5 hours up to 3 times a week.

Fortnightly rest periods

Every 2 weeks you must take at least one period of 24 hours off duty.

A fixed week is from 00:00 hours on Monday to 24:00 hours the next Sunday.

Exemptions

drive for less than 4 hours a day in a week

If you drive for more than 4 hours for up to 2 days a week, you do not need to follow all of the rules. You need to:

follow the rules for daily driving limits and length of working day

start and finish all of your duties within a 24-hour period

take a rest of 10 hours before the first duty and immediately after the last duty

If you work overnight and the rules applied on the day your shift began, you must follow the rules for your entire shift - even if your shift finishes during a week in which you’re exempt from the rules.

Driving under both EU and GB domestic rules

If you work partly under EU/AETR rules and partly under GB domestic rules during a day or a week you need to know the following:

driving under EU rules counts towards the driving and duty limits under GB domestic rules

on any days you drive under EU rules you must take EU daily rest periods, as well as a weekly rest period

you cannot count the time you spend driving under EU rules as an off-duty period under GB domestic rules

driving and other duty under GB domestic rules count as ‘attendance at work’, not as a break or rest period under EU rules

Driving limits

You must follow the GB domestic limit of a maximum of 10 hours driving a day. But at any time when you’re actually driving under the EU rules you must follow all the rules on EU driving limits.

Other duty limits

You must follow the GB domestic limit of a maximum of:

11 hours on duty if you drive a goods vehicle

16 hours on duty if you drive a passenger-carrying vehicle

Rest periods and breaks

You must follow the EU rules on rest periods and breaks on days and weeks when you drive under EU rules.

A fixed week is from 00:00 hours on Monday to 24:00 hours the next Sunday.

Read Goods vehicles: rules on drivers’ hours and tachographs for the main rules.

Read the rules for drivers’ hours in the recovery vehicle industry.


Become a qualified lorry or bus driver

Getting qualified

To become a lorry, bus or coach driver you need to:

have a full car licence

be over 18 - but there are some exceptions

get a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

Who needs the full Driver CPC

You must have the full Driver CPC if you drive a lorry, bus or coach as the main part of your job.

You usually need to pass 4 tests to get it, unless you have ‘acquired rights’ because of your existing driving experience.

Who does not need the full Driver CPC

You do not need the full Driver CPC if you:

do not want to drive for a living, for example you want to drive for a hobby or carry passengers or goods non-commercially for personal use

drive in certain other situations, such as taking your vehicle for a pre-booked annual test (MOT)

You still need to pass the part 1 (theory) and part 3 (driving ability) tests of the qualification.

How to get and keep the full Driver CPC

Apply for a provisional lorry or bus licence.

Pass the 4 tests that make up Driver CPC to qualify.

Take 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to stay qualified.

You need to renew your bus or lorry licence every 5 years, and every year when you reach 65.

If you’re taking an NVT course

If you’re taking an approved National Vocational Training (NVT) course you can drive professionally for up to 12 months without taking the Driver CPC part 2 and part 4 tests.

Applying for a provisional lorry or bus licence

The category of provisional licence you need depends on the type of vehicle you want to drive.

How to apply

To apply, order forms D2 and D4 from DVLA.

The D4 form has to be filled in by a doctor. This could be either:

your GP - but an optician might need to fill in the section about your eyesight

a private firm specialising in drivers’ medical exams

Your doctor, optician or a private firm can charge you.

You can only apply for a provisional trailer (+E) licence when you’ve got the full licence for the vehicle you’ll be driving.

Order the forms online

Order now

Send the forms

Send both forms and your photocard driving licence to DVLA. There’s no application fee.

You only need to include a passport-style colour photo and original identity documents if you have a paper driving licence.

How long it takes

You should get your driving licence within 3 weeks of DVLA getting your application. It can take longer if your health or personal details need to be checked.

You automatically lose your lorry or bus licence if you lose your car licence.

When you do not need the full Driver CPC

You do not need the full Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification if you’re using the vehicle for:

non-commercial carriage of passengers or goods

carrying material or equipment you use for your job, as long as driving is less than 30% of your rolling monthly working time

driving lessons for anyone who wants to get a driving licence or a Driver CPC

driving to or from pre-booked appointments at official vehicle testing centres

driving within 62 miles (100 kilometres) of your base - but the vehicle cannot be carrying passengers or goods, and driving a lorry, bus or coach cannot be your main job

maintaining public order - and the vehicle is being used or controlled by a local authority

rescue missions or in states of emergency

driving for an agriculture, horticulture, forestry, farming or fisheries business, as long as driving is less than 30% of your rolling monthly working time

You also do not need the full Driver CPC if the vehicle is:

limited to a top speed of 28mph

being used or controlled by the armed forces, police, fire and rescue service, emergency ambulance service, prison service or people running a prison or young offender institution

You can read detailed examples of Driver CPC exemptions.

If you are not sure if you need the Driver CPC, you should seek legal advice.

What you need to do

If you want to become a lorry, bus or coach driver in these situations you need to:

Apply for a provisional lorry or bus licence.

Pass the part 1 (theory) and part 3 (driving ability) tests.

You need to renew your bus or lorry licence every 5 years when you reach 45 and every year when you reach 65.

Driver CPC part 1 test: theory

You can book the part 1 theory test of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) as soon as you’ve got your provisional licence.

The test is made up of 2 parts - multiple choice and hazard perception. You have to book both parts separately, but you can take them on the same day.

It does not matter which one you take first but you need to pass both within 2 years of each other to get your theory test certificate.

What to take to your test

You must bring one of the following:

a Great Britain photocard driving licence

a Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart

an EU photocard driving licence (and paper counterpart, if you have one)

If you do not have a photocard driving licence, bring your paper licence and a valid passport.

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee if you do not bring the right documents.

Wearing a face covering at your test

You must wear a face covering at your test. If you do not wear one, you must have a good reason, for example:

you have a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability

wearing it would cause you severe distress

Wearing glasses does not count as a good reason.

You need to say why you cannot wear a face covering when you book your test. If you do not, and you come to your test without a face covering, your test will be cancelled.

If you’ve already booked your test and did not say that you cannot wear a face covering, contact DVSA.

When you must not go to your test

You must stay at home (self-isolate) if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms

you’ve been told by the NHS Test and Trace service that you’ve been in contact with a person who has COVID-19

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

Change your theory test appointment for free if you need to self-isolate on the day of your test.

How the test works

Multiple-choice questions part

You can take a practice test to find out how the test works.

The multiple-choice questions part lasts for 1 hour and 55 minutes, and the pass mark is 85 out of 100 questions.

Hazard perception part

Watch a video about how the hazard perception part works.

You’ll watch 19 videos, and there are 20 developing hazards to spot.

The pass mark is 67 out of 100. You cannot review your answers.

Your test result

You’ll be given a letter at the test centre with the results for the part of the theory test you’ve just taken.

When you’ve passed both parts, your theory test certificate will be posted to you. You need this when you book your Driver CPC part 3 driving test.

Your theory test certificate is valid for 2 years from when you passed the first part of the test.

You need to pass the Driver CPC part 3 driving test within 2 years, otherwise you’ll have to pass the part 1 theory test again.

If you fail the theory tests

You’ll get a results letter with feedback telling you why you’ve failed.

You can book another theory test straight away, but you cannot take it for another 3 clear working days.

Cancelled tests

You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if the DVSA cancels your test at short notice.

Driver CPC part 2 test: case studies

You can book the part 2 case studies test of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) as soon as you’ve got your provisional licence. You do not need to have passed the Driver CPC part 1 theory test.

What to take to your test

You must bring one of the following:

a Great Britain photocard driving licence

a Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart

an EU photocard driving licence (and paper counterpart, if you have one)

If you do not have a photocard driving licence, bring your paper licence and a valid passport.

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee if you do not bring the right documents.

Wearing a face covering at your test

you have a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability

wearing it would cause you severe distress

Wearing glasses does not count as a good reason.

When you must not go to your test

You must stay at home (self-isolate) if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

How the test works

The test is made up of 7 case studies you work through on a computer. The case studies are short stories based on situations that you’re likely to come across in your working life.

You’ll be asked between 6 and 8 multiple-choice questions on each case study.

The test lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the pass mark is 40 out of 50.

Your test result

You’ll get a letter with the results at the test centre.

You need the test pass reference number when you book your Driver CPC part 4 practical demonstration test.

The pass letter is valid for 2 years.

You need to pass the Driver CPC part 4 practical demonstration test within 2 years, otherwise you’ll have to pass the part 2 case studies test again.

If you fail the test

You’ll get a result letter with feedback telling you why you’ve failed.

You can book another case studies test straight away, but you cannot take it for another 3 clear working days.

Cancelled tests

You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if DVSA cancels your test at short notice.

Driver CPC part 3 test: driving ability

You must have passed the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 1 theory test before you can book the Driver CPC part 3 test.

What to take to your test

You must bring a lorry or a bus or coach that meets the rules.

You must bring a face covering, unless you have a good reason not to wear one.

You must also bring one of the following:

a Great Britain photocard driving licence

a Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart

an EU photocard driving licence (and paper counterpart, if you have one)

If you do not have a photocard driving licence, bring your paper licence and a valid passport.

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee if you do not bring these.

Wearing a face covering

You must wear a face covering for your test, unless you have a good reason not to. Good reasons are things like:

having a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability

wearing it would cause you severe distress

You need to say if you have a good reason not to wear a face covering when you book your test.

You can take it off during your test if you need to avoid harm or injury.

Your test will be cancelled if you come for your test without a face covering and you did not say that you could not wear one when you booked it.

When you must not go to your test

You must not come for your driving test if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

How the test works

Your practical test will last about 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes:

vehicle safety questions

practical road driving

off-road exercises

Vehicle safety questions

During your test you’ll be asked vehicle safety questions on either:

lorries, buses and coaches

lorries, buses and coaches towing trailers

Practical road driving

During your practical road driving, the examiner will see how you:

use the vehicle controls

move away at an angle, uphill and downhill

do a controlled stop

use the mirrors

give appropriate signals

show awareness and anticipation of other road users’ intentions

manage your progress and control your vehicle speed

deal with hazards

select a safe place to stop

There will also be 10 minutes of independent driving, designed to test your ability to drive safely while making independent decisions.

Off-road exercises

The off-road exercises will include:

an ‘S’ shaped reverse into a bay

showing the uncoupling and recoupling procedure if you’re taking a test with a trailer

During the test

You can carry on if you make a mistake during your driving test.

If you make a mistake which means you’ve failed, your driving examiner will direct you back to the driving test centre. The test will end early.

Test result

After you’ve taken the practical test your examiner will tell you if you’ve passed and explain how you did.

You’ll pass your test if you make:

15 or fewer driving faults

no serious or dangerous faults

If you fail, you can book another driving test straight away, but you cannot take it for another 3 clear working days.

Cancelled tests

You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if DVSA cancels your test at short notice.

Driver CPC part 4 test: practical demonstration

You must have passed the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 2 test before you can book the Driver CPC part 4 test.

Book your test

You can either:

arrange a test with your trainer

book a test yourself

What to take to your test

You must bring a lorry or a bus or coach that meets the rules.

You must bring a face covering, unless you have a good reason not to wear one.

You must also bring one of the following:

a Great Britain photocard driving licence

a Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart

an EU photocard driving licence (and paper counterpart, if you have one)

If you do not have a photocard driving licence, bring your paper licence and a valid passport.

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee if you do not bring these.

When you must not go to your test

You must not go to your driving test if:

you or someone you live with has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms

you’re self-isolating because you recently entered the UK

Wearing a face covering

having a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability

wearing it would cause you severe distress

You need to say if you have a good reason not to wear a face covering when you book your test.

You can take it off during your test if you need to avoid harm or injury.

Your test will be cancelled if you go to your test without a face covering and you did not say that you could not wear one when you booked it.

How the test works

You’re tested on being able to:

load the vehicle following safety rules and to keep it secure

stop trafficking in illegal immigrants

assess emergency situations

reduce physical risks to yourself or others

do a walkaround vehicle safety check

The test is made up of 5 topics from the Driver CPC syllabus. You can score up to 20 points for each topic.

To pass you have to score at least 15 out of 20 in each topic area and have an overall score of at least 80 out of 100.

Test result

At the end of your test the examiner will tell you if you’ve passed.

Cancelled tests

You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if DVSA cancels your test at short notice.

After you’ve qualified

After you’ve passed all 4 of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) tests, you’ll be sent a Driver CPC card. This is sometimes called a ‘driver qualification card’ or ‘DQC’.

You must carry your Driver CPC card while driving a lorry, bus or coach professionally. If you drive a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) outside the UK, check what documents you need to carry.

You can get a £50 fixed penalty for driving professionally without your Driver CPC card.

Getting your Driver CPC card

The card will be sent to the address on your driving licence. You need to change this address first if it’s wrong.

The photograph and signature on your photocard licence will be used on your Driver CPC card.

Waiting for your card

You can drive professionally if you’ve passed all the tests and you’re waiting for your Driver CPC card to arrive.

If your card does not arrive

You should get your Driver CPC card within 20 days of passing the final test. Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you do not receive it.

You have to pay £25 if:

you take longer than 3 months to tell DVSA it has not arrived

it’s sent to an old address because you have not updated your licence

Replace your card

You must replace your Driver CPC card if it’s lost or stolen.

The Driver CPC card does not have your address on it, so you do not have to get a new one if your address changes.

Staying qualified

Every 5 years you must:

take 35 hours of Driver CPC training to keep driving professionally

renew your lorry or bus driving licence

If you’re 65 or over you must renew your lorry or bus driving licence every year.

Fees

Provisional licence

| Cost

Application for a provisional lorry or bus licence | No charge

Test costs

| Weekday | Evening, weekend and bank holiday

Driver CPC part 1 - theory - (multiple-choice) | £26 | £26

Driver CPC part 1 - theory - (hazard perception) | £11 | £11

Driver CPC part 2 - case studies | £23 | £23

Driver CPC part 3 - driving ability | £115 | £141

Driver CPC part 4 - practical demonstration | £55 | £63

These are the prices to book your tests using the official service. Unofficial websites may charge more.

Driver CPC card costs

| Cost

Driver CPC card (non-UK driving licences only) | £25

Replacement for lost, stolen or damaged card | £25

NVT concession fees

| Cost

National Vocational Training (NVT) concession card | £25


Driver CPC training for qualified drivers

How much training you need to do

You must do 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) to drive a lorry, bus or coach.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without Driver CPC.

You can check how many hours of training you’ve done in the current 5-year period.

You only need to complete one set of training every 5 years if you drive both lorries and buses professionally.

There’s a different process if you live in Northern Ireland.

You have to do the training in the country where you work or normally live.

When to take training

Your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification lasts for 5 years. To keep your Driver CPC you need to do 35 hours of training before your 5-year deadline.

The deadline to do your training is shown on your card.

It’s up to you when you take the training courses, as long as you do them within the 5-year period.

If you miss your training deadline

It’s illegal to drive professionally if you have not done your training by your deadline.

Drivers with ‘acquired rights’

Having ‘acquired rights’ means that you did not have to take the Driver CPC initial qualification because of your existing driving experience.

You have acquired rights if you got your vocational licence before the dates shown in the table.

| Vehicle categories included | When you got your vocational licence

Lorry | C, C1, C+E and C1+E | Before 10 September 2009

Bus or coach | D, D1, D+E, D1+E | Before 10 September 2008

Bus or coach (not for hire or reward) | D(101) | After 1991

Minibus (not for hire or reward) | D1(101) | Before 1997

Training deadlines for drivers with acquired rights

You still need to take periodic training, but there are set deadlines.

| Lorry driver | Bus or coach driver | Dual-category driver (lorry, bus and coach)

First block of training | 9 September 2014 | 9 September 2013 | 9 September 2013

Second block of training | 9 September 2019 | 9 September 2018 | 9 September 2019

Third block of training | 9 September 2024 | 9 September 2023 | 9 September 2024

If you did not do your first block of training

You can finish your training or take extra tests if you have acquired rights and did not finish your first block of training by the deadline.

Finding training courses

All approved Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) courses count towards periodic training. Different courses cover different parts of the Driver CPC syllabus.

Find CPC courses to attend.

The minimum length of a training course is 7 hours. It can be taken over 2 consecutive days and can include up to 2 hours of online training before you start.

Taking a non-Driver CPC course

Some non-Driver CPC courses count towards your 35 hours. For example, you can take up to 14 hours of training for transport-related EU Directives, such as ADR (transporting dangerous goods).

Contact DVSA if you want to check whether a course counts towards your training.

Taking the same course more than once

You can only take the same course more than once in each 5-year period if you have a good reason to repeat it - for example, maintaining a dangerous goods qualification.

If you do not have a good reason, DVSA can cancel the hours you got from the course. You might lose your Driver CPC card if cancelling the hours takes your total back under 35 hours.

Repeating a non-Driver CPC course

You cannot repeat non-Driver CPC courses during your training period.

The only exception is training in ADR. You can take 2 7-hour ADR courses during the 5-year training period. If you do this, you cannot count any other non-Driver CPC courses towards your training.

Driver CPC course costs

Training providers set their own prices for courses - there’s no maximum price.

Taking a training course

You must take one of these to your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training course:

a photocard driving licence

a valid passport

a digital tachograph card

a Driver CPC card

You’re required to attend courses, but there are no tests or exams to pass at the end of them. Instead, you’ll get a certificate of attendance. It belongs to you - your employer is not allowed to keep it.

Your Driver CPC training record

The training centre will put your training on your Driver CPC training record.

Contact the centre where you did your training if it is not showing on your record 5 days after the course.

If you took a non-Driver CPC course

If you took a non-Driver CPC course, the provider will not upload your records. Email DVSA with the details. Include:

your name

your driving licence number

your date of birth

your address

the date you completed the training

proof you completed the training - for example, a copy of a training certificate

Problems with a training course

You can email the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you think the training provided was not to the right standard, for example the course did not last as long as it should have.

Getting your Driver CPC card

You’ll get your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) card when you’ve done 35 hours of periodic training. The card is sometimes called a ‘driver qualification card’ or ‘DQC’.

You must carry this card while driving a lorry, bus or coach professionally.

You can get a £50 fixed penalty for driving professionally without your card.

You must replace your card if it’s lost or stolen.

When you’ll be sent your card

You’ll get your new Driver CPC card straight away if you complete your training in the 12 months before your deadline.

If you complete your training more than a year early

You will not get your new Driver CPC card until nearer the time your current card expires.

You can check when you’ll get your new card.

How the card is sent to you

Your Driver CPC card will be sent automatically to the address on your driving licence. You need to change this address first if it’s wrong.

You only need to apply for your card if you did some of your periodic training in an EU country.

The Driver CPC card does not have your address on it, so you do not have to get a new one if your address changes.

The photo and signature on your photocard driving licence will be used on your Driver CPC card.

Waiting for your card

You can still drive professionally while waiting for your card if both of the following apply:

you’ve done your periodic training

your training provider has recorded the training (they must do this within 5 working days of the training ending)

If your card does not arrive

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you do not receive your new card within 20 days of the date you’re due to get it.

You’ll have to pay £25 if:

you take longer than 3 months to tell DVSA it has not arrived

it’s sent to an old address because you have not updated your licence

If you miss your training deadline

If you miss your deadline, you cannot drive professionally until you’ve finished your training.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without Driver CPC.

Your next deadline will be set for 5 years after the date you finish your training.

How long training counts for

Any training you’ve already done counts for 5 years from the date you took the course. You do not lose it because you’ve passed your deadline.

The training will not count towards the 35 hours total if you took it more than 5 years ago.

If you have acquired rights

If you have acquired rights you can either:

complete 35 hours of Driver CPC periodic training by finding and taking training courses

take and pass the Driver CPC part 2 (case studies) and part 4 (practical demonstration) tests

You can only choose the test option once. After that, you must take periodic training to keep your qualification in the future.

Booking the tests

You have to book the tests by phone - you cannot book online.

Training in EU countries and Switzerland

You need to apply for your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) card in writing if you:

have a UK or Great Britain (GB) driving licence

took some of your periodic training in an EU country or Switzerland

did the final 7 hours of your periodic training in England, Scotland or Wales

What you need to send

You need to include:

your driving licence number

your name and address

your phone number

your training certificates from an EU country or Switzerland

a £25 fee to add training taken abroad to your Driver CPC card

You must include the original documents - photocopies are not accepted.

Where to send the documents

Send all the documents to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you live in England, Scotland or Wales.

There’s a different process if you live in Northern Ireland.

Documents that are not in English

You need to send documents with an English translation on headed paper from an educational organisation or embassy.

How to pay your fee

You can either:

pay over the phone using a credit or debit card - DVSA will phone you to take the payment

pay by cheque or postal order - send your payment to DVSA with your documents

If you have a licence from another country

If you have a licence from another country, there are 2 ways to get a Great Britain (GB) Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) card. You should either:

complete your periodic training in England, Scotland or Wales

exchange your driver’s licence for a GB licence - you must have a code 95 entitlement on your non-GB licence to do this

Complete your training in England, Scotland or Wales

You can get a GB Driver CPC card if you’ve done the final 7 hours of your periodic training in England, Scotland or Wales.

You must also live or work in England, Scotland or Wales and have a driving licence from any of these countries:

an EU country

Gibraltar

Guernsey

Iceland

Isle of Man

Jersey

Liechtenstein

Norway

Switzerland

To apply for a GB Driver CPC card, send an email to the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) asking for form DQC1.

If you live in Northern Ireland, contact the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).

Exchange your driving licence for a GB licence

If you have a code 95 entitlement on your licence, you can get a GB Driver CPC card by exchanging your licence for a GB licence.

Your Driver CPC qualification will still last until the date it was due to run out when you first got it.

When you exchange your licence, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will tell DVSA for you.

If you already have an EU Driver CPC card

You’ll need to send your EU Driver CPC card to DVSA if you want to exchange it for a GB Driver CPC card. Send it with a short letter which includes your:

driving licence number

name and address

phone number

DVSA will send you a new Driver CPC card with the same number as your driving licence.

From then on, after doing 35 hours of periodic training in England, Scotland or Wales, you’ll get your Driver CPC qualification for 5 years.

If you live in Northern Ireland, contact DVA.