Driver CPC – What Happens Next?

Following the outcome of the Consultation that took place during 2023, the DVSA announced changes for DCPC 2024 onwards, with more to follow!

To reiterate, the Driver CPC qualification applies to all drivers of large (heavy) goods vehicles, bus or coaches, whereby they must undertake training to maintain their professional competence.

Many in the industry wanted the qualification to be scrapped however it has been confirmed that Driver CPC is not being scrapped, but there will be changes to make it more flexible for people who only drive in the UK.

The first changes will affect:

• how you can stay qualified for existing drivers
• how you can return to professional driving if you have left

Subject to Parliamentary approval, later in 2024, there will be 2 options to stay qualified:

1. Take 35 hours of International Driver CPC training every 5 years to be able to drive in the UK and EU – This remains unchanged since DCPC was first introduced in 2008/2009
2. Take 35 hours of National Driver CPC (or a combination of 35 hours of National and International CPC training) every 5 years to be able to drive in the UK. The change is in the detail here whereby drivers will not need to attend 7 hours in one sitting but instead can spread their hours into smaller chunks of a minimum 3.5 hours

Click on the link below to read more about the changes Driver CPC: changes in 2024 and 2025 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

As there are additional changes in the future, such as a proposed test it has been decided to only offer a limited portfolio of Driver CPC courses, until there is greater clarity on the future of Driver CPC and its structure.

We will continue to offer all current 7-hour courses, which include Dangerous Goods 1,2,3 and 4 plus Emergency First Aid at Work.  The attendance of all these courses would total 35 hours.

If, however, customers require other courses and continue with the current version of periodic training, then please get in touch as we can adapt our offering to meet your requirements.

If you require any further information or need to top up your Driver CPC hours, then please contact us.