Frequently Asked Questions

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Our Transport Training courses


Transport Manager CPC - FAQs

  • What qualifications do I need as a transport manager?

    To work professionally as a transport manager, you should hold the Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence. You will need to study for and pass exams for either the passenger transport or road haulage sectors. This qualification is generally known as a Transport Manager CPC Road Haulage or a Transport Manager CPC Passenger Transport. If you wish to change from working in a different sector from your current qualification, you will need to gain an additional qualification for the sector in which you now wish to work, as the two are not interchangeable.

  • How long does a Transport Manager CPC course take?

    Transport Manager CPC courses take place over 8 days in our training centre, plus one additional day for your examinations. One of the 8 tuition days is a revision day to help you prepare for your exams. Exams can now be completed either in a paper-based format in our examination centre, or in digital format from home or the office, provided you have the equipment (and a location free from distractions) required by the examination board.

  • Can I also take my Transport Manager CPC examinations with Novadata?

    Novadata is an approved examination centre for the Skills and Education Group Awards (SEGA), so you will be able to sit your examinations in paper-based format at our examination centre in Braintree, Essex, where our courses are also held. You can also choose to sit your exams remotely, online from home or the office, provided you have a space free from distractions and the equipment stipulated by SEGA, which includes a stable internet connection and a suitable laptop or PC with a front-facing camera.

    If you choose to train elsewhere or study on your own, you are still welcome to take your exams with us. Please visit our dedicated Transport Manager CPC exam only page for further details.

  • What is Transport Manager CPC Refresher training and when should I attend it?

    UK Traffic Commissioners recommend that holders of a Transport Manager CPC qualification should attend a refresher course at least every five years. Although you don't need to renew your qualification, you do need to keep your knowledge of transport legislation and industry best practice up to date. If your organisation comes to the attention of the authorities following an incident, it is likely that the Traffic Commissioner will look at when you last attended refresher training. If it was some time ago, they will almost certainly require you to attend a two-day course. We strongly recommend that you attend training before you are ordered to by a Traffic Commissioner.

    Please click here for further information.

  • Can I book a Transport Manager CPC course online?

    Our Transport Manager CPC and Transport Manager CPC Refresher courses are all available to book online. Please click here for further details.

  • Do you provide online e-courses for transport managers?

    One of the options for completing Transport Manager CPC training is to study partly on your own, with some online Transport Manager CPC courses with a trainer. These help you to absorb many of the key knowledge areas in preparation for sitting the Road Haulage Transport Manager CPC.

    We also regularly provide online Transport Manager CPC refresher courses for both the passenger transport and road haulage sectors. Click here for online training courses.


Driver CPC training - FAQs

  • What is Driver CPC training?

    Driver CPC stands for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence. Newly qualified LGV and PCV drivers are usually required to pass Initial Driver CPC tests. Once their Initial Driver CPC has been successfully completed and the tests have been passed, drivers are required to complete 35 hours of periodic Driver CPC, which is attendance only, every five years. In practice, the term 'Driver CPC' most often refers to periodic Driver CPC for LGV drivers or Driver CPC for PCV drivers, which does not assess competence, but is a programme of training which provides continuous professional development for professional drivers.

  • Who needs to attend Driver CPC training?

    Professional drivers of large goods vehicles of more than 3.5 tonnes, or passenger-carrying vehicles with nine or more seats, must complete 35 hours of compulsory periodic training* in order to obtain or renew a Driver Qualification Card (DQC), often referred to as a Driver CPC card.

    *There are a few exemptions to Driver CPC training. You can read these here.

    Read about our Driver CPC LGV courses.

    Read about our Driver CPC PCV courses.

    • Should I choose National or International Driver CPC?

      Since the beginning of 2025, you have had two routes that you can follow to complete your periodic Driver CPC training. For both National and International Driver CPC, you must complete 35 hours of Driver CPC training over each period of five years, ensuring that you attend a total of 35 hours of training before your renewal deadline.

      If you choose to complete International Driver CPC, you will complete five seven-hour courses, in a range of subjects, just as you did before the changes.

      If you follow the National Driver CPC option, you can still attend five seven-hour courses, but you also now have the option to attend shorter courses of three and a half hours each. You would need to attend 10 shorter courses, or a mixture of one-day or half-day courses, to reach your 35 hour total.

      If you complete International Driver CPC, you are fully covered to drive both in the UK and overseas. If you choose National Driver CPC, you may only drive in the UK; you cannot drive professionally outside the UK, not even occasionally.

      Therefore, if you think there is even a slight possibility that you will be required to drive outside the UK, you would be wise to follow the International Driver CPC option.

    • What is a Driver CPC Return to Driving course?

      Return to Driving courses were introduced in 2025. These seven-hours courses allow Drivers whose DQC had expired more than 60 days, but no more than 2 years before the course date, to get back into driving without delay.

      Drivers who complete a Return to Driving course will be issued with a DQC which allows them to drive again professionally straight away – but only in the UK. They must also complete a further 28 hours of Driver CPC training within 12 months of their Return to Driving course.

    • How often must I complete Driver CPC training?

      The 35 hours of periodic Driver CPC training must be completed every five years to keep your DQC up to date. You cannot drive professionally without a current DQC, so you must meet your Driver CPC training deadlines.

    • Are your Driver CPC courses suitable for both PCV and HGV drivers?

      Many Driver CPC courses are equally relevant to both periodic LGV and PCV drivers. A few specialist subjects are provided for LGV or PCV drivers exclusively. Please make sure that the course that you book is relevant to your work – e.g. LGV drivers would not need to attend courses that focus on customer services and passengers with disabilities, while PCV drivers will not find courses about dangerous goods very helpful at work. Authorities take a dim view of simply clocking up training hours if the course topic is not relevant to your work.

    • Can I repeat a Driver CPC course within each five-year period?

      It is important to ensure that you don't repeat Driver CPC courses unnecessarily, or you may not be credited with the hours that you require. An example of an acceptable repetition would be if you attend a Driver CPC First Aid course which gives you a certificate lasting three years. You can attend this type of course twice in the five-year period, in order to renew your first aid certificate. However, you may not choose one course and repeat it five times.

      Driver CPC courses must be DVSA approved. Each single day course will usually count as 7 hours towards Driver CPC, and you can complete all 35 hours on a five-day course.

    • Are there any Driver CPC examinations to take?

      Periodic Driver CPC training is attendance only; there are no exams to sit. However, if you are a new driver, you might need to pass Initial Driver CPC training, which does include tests. We are happy to advise you on which training you will need. Call us on 01376 552999 or email enquiries@novadata.co.uk for advice.

    • Can I drive without a DQC or Driver CPC card?

      No, unless exempt, you must have a current, valid DQC (also known as a Driver CPC card) to drive professionally. If you miss your Driver CPC training deadline, and your DQC expires, you will not be able to drive professionally until you have completed all 35 hours and received a new DQC. You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving without a DQC.

    • Can I book a Driver CPC course online?

      All our driver CPC courses are available to book on our website. You will find our complete list of LGV courses here, and our PCV courses here.

    • Do you provide Online Driver CPC courses?

      We occasionally provide Driver CPC courses online for clients who request them for a group of drivers. If you have a group of drivers, and would like us to provide an online Driver CPC course, please contact us for details of the requirements for this. Please call us on 01376 552999 or email enquiries@novadata.co.uk.

    • Can you provide Driver CPC training at my premises?

      Yes, if you have a group of drivers who require Driver CPC training, we can provide a trainer to come to your site to deliver one or more Driver CPC courses at your premises. Please call us on 01376 552999 or email enquiries@novadata.co.uk to discuss your requirements.

    • I am a taxi driver and use a D1 entitlement to drive a minibus to transport passengers. Do I need to do Driver CPC?

      Yes. Driver CPC applies to all drivers responsible for the carriage of goods or passengers for hire or reward. This includes vehicles in Cat D1 such as those with 9-16 passenger seats, capable of 50mph. If you were an existing licence holder on the Driver CPC implementation date of 10th September 2008, you are not required to undertake the initial qualification for new drivers, but you are required to complete 35 hours of Driver CPC periodic training every five years.


  • OLAT (Operator Licence Awareness Training) - FAQs

    • What is OLAT (Operator Licence Awareness Training) and who should attend?

      OLAT stands for Operator Licence Awareness Training and is highly recommended for all holders of Restricted Operator Licences. An organisation which holds a Restricted O Licence may not need to employ a transport manager – however, the directors of the organisation are jointly responsible for ensuring that they comply with transport legislation and fulfil their O Licence undertakings. Even if they do employ a qualified transport manager, the directors are still legally responsible, so it is important that they attend an OLAT course from time to time.

    • How often should a Restricted O Licence holder attend OLAT Training?

      In order to understand your legal responsibilities and be confident that you can fulfil your O Licence undertakings, it is strongly recommended that you attend an OLAT course every few years to keep current with transport legislation and industry best practice. If you come to the attention of the authorities, you will almost certainly be required by the Traffic Commissioner to attend a two-day OLAT course.

    • Does Operator Licence Awareness Training involve taking exams?

      As a Restricted O Licence holder, you are not required to hold a Transport Manager CPC qualification, and therefore, you will not need to sit any exams. Your OLAT training is designed to increase your knowledge and awareness of your legal responsibilities so you can ensure that you can consistently comply with transport legislation and best practice.

    • Can I book an OLAT course online?

      Our OLAT courses are all available to book online. We have courses to attend in person at our training centre in Braintree, or online from your home or office. Book an OLAT course here.

      You can also choose to attend OLAT training courses online, from your home or office. Click here for details of online courses.


  • ADR training - FAQs


  • DGSA training - FAQs

    • Who needs a DGSA qualification?

      From January 2023, all consignors, including those previously classified as a 'consignor-only', have been required to employ a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA). This means that if you deal with dangerous goods but did not previously have a DGSA, you may now be required by law to appoint one.

      If handling dangerous goods forms a significant part of your business, you may prefer to employ your own DGSA directly. Alternatively, you can employ a DGSA as a consultant. We can help with both options. Call us on 01376 522999 for advice and guidance.

    • Can I book a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) course on your website?

      All our DGSA courses are available to book online. Please click here to see available dates and book a course.

    • How often do I need to renew my DGSA qualification?

      The DGSA qualification must be renewed every five years.

    • Can I also take my DGSA examinations with Novadata?

      You can attend a DGSA training course at our training centre in Braintree, but your DGSA examinations must be booked directly with the examination board, Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), who will issue successful candidates with a Vocational Training Certificate (VTC). You must have a VTC before taking up your duties as a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor.


  • Our Transport Services

    General FAQs


  • Digital Tachograph Analysis - FAQs


  • Using Digital Tachographs - FAQs


  • DVSA Vehicle Walkaround Checks - FAQs

    • How can I create robust records of my DVSA Walkaround Vehicle Checks?

      It is important to create robust records of your daily vehicle walkaround checks. You can record checks using a paper-based format; we have a range of defect check books to create records. You can also opt for a handy walkaround check app which can be used on a smart phone or tablet.

    • Do you have a digital option for DVSA vehicle walkaround checks?

      Our handy driver workaround check app, which can be used on a smart phone or tablet, is ideal for conducting daily vehicle checks and creating robust records. The digital format allows the transport manager to have immediate access to the record of each driver's check via an online portal.


  • Driving Licence Checks - FAQs


  • Transport Audits - FAQs

    • How does a transport audit help the transport manager?

      A thorough transport audit provides a holistic report of the health of your O Licence and your overall level of compliance. It will identify and pinpoint any areas of weakness in your systems so you can address and strengthen them.

    • Can you help me to prepare for Earned Recognition Scheme membership?

      Before you apply for membership of the DVSA Earned Recognition Scheme, it is wise to ensure that you are compliant with its standards. We can carry out a set of specific audits which will gauge your level of compliance as an Operator against the standards set by the DVSA. This will identify any areas of your operation that you need to strengthen in order to meet the criteria. You can then address these, ensuring that you put robust processes in place, so that you are more likely to be successful at your first application, and will be able to maintain your membership in the future.


  • General Questions

    Operator Licences - FAQs

    • What are the different types of Operator Licence or 'O Licence'?

      In the UK, an Operator will be issued with either a Standard Operator Licence or a Restricted Operator Licence. These are also known as a Standard O Licence or a Restricted O Licence.

      Restricted O Licences are generally granted to organisations who, although they may use larger vehicles to transport equipment or resources that they need to carry out their core business, are not primarily delivery or distribution organisations.

    • How should I 'manage' my O Licence?

      Your O Licence comes with legal responsibilities which you must fulfil. Generally, if an operator were to lose their O Licence, it would put their business in jeopardy. You should, therefore, actively manage and protect your O Licence, ensuring that you comply with all its undertakings. The best way to ensure that you are getting this right is to attend an OLAT course or Transport Manager CPC Refresher course. We can advise you on which course to take. Call 01376 552999 for advice.

    • What might make the Traffic Commissioner take my O Licence away?

      A Traffic Commissioner will take away the O Licence of an organisation which fails to fulfil their O Licence undertakings. Sometimes they will insist that you attend a training course so you can put right what you have been doing wrong, and you will get another chance to improve your processes and keep your O Licence. This is entirely at the discretion of the Traffic Commissioner.

      The Traffic Commissioner may also insist that you undertake a systems audit to identify the weaknesses which have led to your lack of compliance. You don't have to wait for this to happen; you can commission your own Transport Systems & O Licence Audit on your own initiative. This is a very good idea as it will show up any areas that you need to strengthen, so that you can avoid coming to the attention of the Traffic Commissioner.

      To avoid putting your O Licence at risk, you should attend an OLAT course or Transport Manager CPC Refresher course every few years and make sure you are complying with transport legislation and following best practice. Company directors who employ a transport manager should still attend OLAT training from time to time, to ensure that they understand their legal responsibilities. The organisation's directors/partners/owners are, ultimately, jointly responsible with a transport manager for the management and compliance of the O Licence. Even if your transport manager shoulders the responsibility for day-to-day management, the directors/partners/owners are still legally liable for any failure to fulfil O Licence undertakings, or breaches of transport legislation. We can advise which course you need. Call 01376 552999 for advice.

    • What is an 'S' Mark and what should I do if I receive one?

      An 'S' mark is a prohibition given by a Police Officer or DVSA examiner when a vehicle is checked at the roadside and found to have a serious defect which is indicative of a significant failure in the maintenance of the vehicle. The DVSA will make a full assessment of the operator's procedures. They will examine how you manage vehicle maintenance, but will also scrutinise your entire organisation. You may be called to a Public Inquiry, and the Traffic Commissioner may decide you should lose your O Licence. In some cases, you could also face prosecution.

      If you are given an S Mark, you would be well-advised to arrange for a Transport Systems & O Licence Audit to highlight any potential problem areas. You might also wish to consider seeking legal representation. You should also attend a two-day Transport Manager CPC Refresher course or OLAT (Operator Licence Awareness Training) course as a matter of urgency.

    • What should I do if I am summoned to a Public Inquiry?

      First, take positive action immediately after any incident which could bring you to the attention of the authorities. It can take some months for the dreaded letter to arrive. If you have already improved your processes and practices, you will make a much better impression than if you do nothing before facing the Traffic Commissioner.

      Secondly, read the papers from the Traffic Commissioner very carefully. Get some legal advice and representation. It will be worth it.

      Thirdly, try to understand where you went wrong. A Transport Systems and O Licence Audit will help to pinpoint errors and weaknesses.

      Fourth, attend either a Transport Manager CPC Refresher course or an Operator Licence Awareness Training (OLAT) course, depending on the type of O Licence that you hold. Booking or attending a course before the inquiry may count in your favour.