If you’re a professional driver in the UK or considering a transition between bus and lorry driving, you may be wondering: is bus and lorry CPC the same? The short answer is no — the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is specific to the type of vehicle you drive, whether that’s a bus (PCV) or a lorry (HGV). In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between bus and lorry CPCs, cover what you need to legally drive each, and explain what to do if you want to hold both.
Is Bus and Lorry CPC the Same?
No, the CPC for buses (PCV) and lorries (HGV) are not the same.
Each CPC is tied to a specific licence category:
- PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) – used for buses and coaches.
- HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) – used for lorries and goods vehicles.
Each CPC has its own set of theory and practical tests, as well as periodic training modules. You cannot use a PCV CPC to legally drive HGVs, and vice versa. The content of the CPC training is designed around the type of vehicle, whether you’re transporting people or goods.
Can You Use a Bus CPC for HGV?
A Bus CPC (PCV) cannot be used to drive HGVs. Even though both qualifications are called CPCs and serve a similar purpose, they are entirely separate qualifications. The PCV CPC only qualifies you to drive vehicles in the D categories (e.g., buses and coaches), while the HGV CPC applies to vehicles in the C categories (e.g., lorries and trucks).
Each CPC is specifically tied to the corresponding licence class:
- PCV CPC: For Category D1, D, D1+E, and D+E
- HGV CPC: For Category C1, C, C1+E, and C+E
Even if you already hold a PCV licence with CPC, you’ll need to undergo the HGV training and CPC process separately.
What CPC Do I Need for HGV?
To legally drive an HGV professionally in the UK, you need:
- A valid Category C or C+E licence (depending on vehicle size).
- A completed Driver CPC for HGVs (Modules 1–4, or periodic training if you have acquired rights).
Can You Drive an HGV on a Bus Licence?
No, you cannot drive an HGV with a bus licence. While both vehicles are large and require professional skills, the licensing system is separate for passenger and goods transport:
- A PCV (D-category) licence does not entitle you to drive HGVs.
- To drive an HGV, you must hold a valid C-category licence and a Driver CPC for HGVs.
Likewise, an HGV licence doesn’t allow you to drive a bus or coach. The law requires separate qualifications to ensure drivers are trained for the specific responsibilities associated with each vehicle type.
Is the Theory Test the Same for Bus and Lorry Drivers?
No, the theory tests for PCV and HGV licences are different. Although the hazard perception section may be similar, each category has its own set of multiple-choice questions and case studies that are specifically tailored to the type of vehicle and the nature of the job.
Key differences include:
- PCV Tests: Focus on passenger safety, public service responsibilities, and vehicle handling with large numbers of people.
- HGV Tests: Emphasise goods handling, loading safety, weight distribution, and route planning for large goods vehicles.
To pass either CPC, you’ll need to study materials specific to your vehicle category.
Does My PCV CPC Cover HGV?
If you already hold a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence along with a valid Driver CPC, it’s important to understand that this qualification does not permit you to drive Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). The Driver CPC is specific to the type of vehicle you are licensed to operate, and a PCV CPC only covers the operation of buses and coaches. It does not grant you any automatic right or entitlement to drive lorries or goods vehicles.
In order to legally operate an HGV, you will need to go through the HGV licensing process separately. This means you must first apply for a provisional HGV licence, undergo a medical examination, and then successfully complete the required HGV theory and practical tests. Once you have passed those, you will also need to obtain a Driver CPC that is specifically for goods vehicles. Only then will you be legally allowed to drive an HGV professionally in the UK.
How to Get Both CPCs if Needed
If you plan to drive both buses and lorries, you must complete:
- Separate initial Driver CPC qualifications for each vehicle category (if new to the industry), OR
- 35 hours of periodic training for each category if you already hold acquired rights.
Some periodic CPC courses are applicable to both PCV and HGV, but always confirm the course content to ensure it meets the requirements for both licence categories.
Conclusion
So, is bus and lorry CPC the same? No — each is vehicle-specific and tailored to the responsibilities and safety requirements of carrying passengers vs transporting goods. To switch between the two or hold both qualifications, you’ll need to go through the relevant training, testing, and certification.
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