The UK government has confirmed that new reforms to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) will take effect on 3 December 2024. The changes, approved in Parliament, aim to enhance the flexibility of training for drivers of lorries, buses, and coaches operating within the UK.
These updates are expected to make it easier for drivers to meet CPC requirements, potentially alleviating the nation’s driver shortage by streamlining certification and training.
The UK government has confirmed that reforms to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) will take effect on 3 December 2024, introducing a new National Driver CPC for drivers operating solely within the UK, as well as more flexible training modules and expanded e-learning options. These changes are expected to simplify CPC compliance and support the UK’s domestic driver workforce.
Key changes introduced in driver CPC Reforms
The reforms are aimed at providing drivers with more flexible and targeted training options. Key changes include:
- National vs. International Driver CPC
From December, drivers will have the option to maintain their qualification through either the International Driver CPC or the new National Driver CPC:
International Driver CPC: This will function as the existing CPC has, enabling drivers to operate in both the UK and EU. It will continue to require 35 hours of training every five years, with each course lasting at least 7 hours. Drivers can complete up to 12 hours of this training through e-learning.
Image credits @ UK government
National Driver CPC: Designed for drivers working solely within the UK, the National CPC provides more flexibility. While drivers must still complete 35 hours of training every five years, they can opt for shorter modules of at least 3.5 hours each. These shorter courses do not need to be completed on consecutive days, and for the first time, drivers can complete the required training entirely through e-learning, up to a 12-hour limit.
Image credits @ UK government
- Requalification options for lapsed CPC holders (Effective 1 February 2025)
For drivers whose CPC certification has expired between 60 days and two years, the reforms introduce new pathways to help them return to professional driving:
- Option 1: Complete 35 hours of International Driver CPC training to drive in both the UK and EU.
- Option 2: Complete 35 hours of National Driver CPC training to drive in the UK only.
- Option 3: Take a 7-hour “return to driving” module under the International CPC, followed by 28 additional hours within 12 months for a full five-year CPC, allowing drivers to operate in both the UK and EU.
- Option 4: Complete a similar 7-hour “return to driving” module under the National CPC, followed by an additional 28 hours for the full five-year CPC, but restricted to UK-only operations.
Drivers whose CPC has lapsed for over two years will still need to complete a full 35-hour training course, either National or International, to regain their qualification.
- Driver qualification cards
The reforms will introduce different Driver CPC cards, or driver qualification cards (DQCs), depending on the qualification type. Drivers qualified under the National Driver CPC will receive a card labelled “DOMESTIC UK USE ONLY,” while International Driver CPC cards will remain unchanged. Drivers certified for both lorry and bus or coach driving may hold both cards if they qualify for both types of CPC.
Periodic testing remains under review
Following mixed feedback from the 2023 consultation, the government has decided to keep the possibility of periodic testing under review rather than introducing it immediately.