DCPC reforms come into effect 3 December 2024

03 December 2024

Reforms to Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) come into effect on 3 December 2024.  The changes include introducing a National Driver CPC that will cover driving a lorry, bus or coach in the UK, allowing more flexibility for end-of-module assessments, introducing a faster route for drivers returning to the industry and separating e-learning from trainer-led courses. The length of the entire course remains unchanged at 35 hours.

Drivers must do 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep their CPC to drive a lorry, bus or coach.  A driver can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without Driver CPC. The training required need depends on where the driver is going to drive.

Those driving in the UK and Europe must complete 35 hours of only International Driver CPC training courses. If any National training courses are included, the driver will get a National Driver CPC and will not be able to drive professionally in Europe.

Those driving in the UK only must complete 35 hours of training. This can be National Driver CPC training courses only or a mix of National and International Driver CPC training.

The guidance on how the reforms affect drivers has been updated on GOV.UK

More information on stating qualified, the position if you want to become qualified or are returning to driving can be found here.  The guidance also addresses some useful points arising in connection with DCPC cards.

The measure to speed up the process for drivers to return to driving a lorry of bus coach in the UK if their Driver CPC has expired will come into effect on 1 February 2025.

Contact our regulatory team here if you require advice. If you would like to see out DCPC accredited training provide through BACK Academy, you can find these here and here.