But what’s it actually like? Beyond the official pages and polite brochures?
Here’s what no one really tells you about the CPC (until you’re halfway through it, clutching a lukewarm coffee in a training room that smells faintly of hi-vis and regret).
1. It’s Not Just a Box to Tick (Even If It Feels Like One)
Yes, it’s mandatory. Yes, everyone grumbles about it. But the truth is: some of it’s genuinely useful. Done right, CPC training can actually sharpen your instincts, update your legal knowledge, and remind you why good habits matter.
That said…
2. Quality Varies Wildly
Some CPC courses are brilliant, full of real-world advice, great discussions, and trainers who’ve clearly been behind the wheel. Others? Not so much. Think: boring slides, half-asleep classmates, and a trainer who hasn’t driven since the ‘90s.
Pro tip: Read reviews. Ask mates. Book with someone who treats it like education, not admin.
3. You Might Learn More from Other Drivers Than the Trainer
Some of the best bits come from the people in the room. Swapping stories. Asking questions. Sharing workarounds. The right course makes space for that. The wrong one doesn’t.
4. It’s Not One-And-Done
You don’t do your CPC once and forget about it. You need 35 hours every five years, broken into 7-hour modules. Miss the deadline? You’re off the road until it’s sorted.
Keep track of your hours. Seriously. Stick a reminder on your phone, fridge, forehead whatever works.
5. It Can Affect More Than Just Your Licence
Done right, CPC training can:
Help with job applications
Improve how you handle stress and customers
Refresh legal knowledge that does change over time
Show managers that you’re serious about the role
In other words, it’s not just for the DVSA. It’s for you too.
Final Thought: Make the Hours Count
Look, the CPC isn’t glamorous or exciting - but it doesn’t have to be pointless, either.
If you’re stuck in a room with us for 7 hours, you might as well come away sharper than you came in. So - Ask questions. Get stuck in. To book CPC courses local to Leighton Buzzard, fill out our online enquiry form here, or call us on 01525370862 and we will get you booked in.