In November 2016, JAUPT provided guidance for drivers and trainers about DQC validity dates. DVSA have now updated their guidance to make it clearer for drivers, operators and trainers
DVSA won’t issue DQCs with more than five years validity on the card
Prior to November 2016 when a driver with a valid DQC hit their 35 hour of period training their next DQC would usually have a validity period of greater than five years. DVSA will instead issue drivers with a subsequent DQC, to confirm validity periods of greater than five years, before their current card expires.
Drivers can view the specific date their subsequent card will be issued using the online driver enquiry service (ODE)
We strongly encourage all drivers to sign up for the ODE
The important things to remember are:
- drivers will not lose any validity from their DQCs because of this change
- if a driver reaches 35 hours of periodic training well in advance of their current DQCs expiration date they will automatically receive their subsequent DQC at least 90 days before the current card expires.
- If a driver has less than 12 months validity on their current card their subsequent card will be despatched immediately when they hit their 35 hour of periodic training.
- If the validity period across both cards is greater than five years drivers should note that any periodic training undertaken cannot be validated against a future DQC.
When should drivers expect to receive subsequent cards?
A driver who holds a DQC with more than 12 months validity and completes 35 hours periodic training will receive a subsequent DQC within the last twelve months validity of their current DQC. This would usually be despatched on the same date their first DQC was issued:
- a driver who currently holds a DQC acquired via periodic training with an expiry date of 09/09/2019 who completes another 35 hours of period training on 01/03/2016 will have their subsequent DQC issued on 01/03/2019 – synchronised to the date their second 35 hours was complete (01/01)
However, if a driver who holds a DQC with more than 12 months validity completes 35 hours of periodic training and the date their card was originally issued is close to the expiry of the current DQC, their subsequent DQC will be issued 90 days before the date they completed their second 35 hours. For example:
- a driver who currently holds a DQC acquired via periodic training with an expiry date of 09/09/2019 who completes periodic training on 01/09/2018 (8 days before the anniversary of his cards expiration) for the period 10/09/19 to 09/09/2024. The subsequent DQC will be issued on 27/05/2019 (90 days + 8 days before the anniversary of training)
Drivers who want to know specifically when their card will be despatched can view this using the ODE.
Keeping address details up to date
DVSA suggests that periodic trainers should remind drivers to must make sure that DVLA has their most up-to-date address details to avoid any delays in receiving their DQCs.
Which card should drivers carry?
It is not necessary for drivers who have two DQCs, with overlapping validity periods, in their possession to carry both when driving professionally. Drivers should carry their most recently issued DQC as evidence that they have completed 35 hours of periodic training.