Reforming to CPC for Bus, Coach and Lorry Drivers

In 2007, Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training was introduced in the EU for professional drivers of lorries, buses, and coaches. Under the system, professional drivers are required to complete a minimum amount of initial training and regular refresher training. This includes 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep their Driver CPC. Following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, the government consulted on reforms to the requirements for UK drivers.

While there are no changes to the CPC requirements for drivers visiting the EU, changes came into force on 3^rd December 2024, introducing a new, more flexible National Driver CPC option for those drivers who only want to drive in the UK. The changes include:

• Allowing training courses to be done in blocks of 3 and a half hours rather than the current 7-hour blocks required for International Driver CPC.
• Separating e-learning from trainer-led courses allows more flexibility for different individuals to complete their learning. A total of 12 hours of e-learning can be completed as part of each block of 35 hours.
• Removing the requirement for split courses to be completed over two consecutive days, course providers will be free to set their own time limits.

It is important to note that drivers will still need to complete 35 hours of training every 5 years.

Additionally, a new “Return to Driving” Driver CPC option is due to come into force on 1^st February 2025. This will allow drivers whose CPC entitlement has expired within the previous two years to start driving again without having to complete the full 35 hours of training immediately. Instead they will be able to start driving professionally in the UK after completing a 7-hour “return to driving” module. Drivers will still need to complete 28 further hours within 12 months of the completion of this module. Drivers wishing to drive internationally will still need to take the full 35 hours of international driver CPC training first.

Full details can be found on the Gov.Uk website.

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