CPC Driver Training Updates For 2025
Driver CPC reforms from the 3rd of December 2024.
Introduction.
The Driver CPC from the 3rd of December 2024 will be replaced with two new CPC cards. The International Driver CPC and the National Driver CPC.
- 3rd December 2024.
- International Driver CPC
- National Driver CPC
Drivers will need to be clear when booking courses which qualification they require so that they attend the correct training and receive the correct card for the work they will be carrying out.
- International driver CPC.
-There will be a new name for the “Driver CPC” which was previously used. This will be the International Driver CPC.
-drivers will need 35 hours of international CPC training every five years to drive in the EU and the UK.
-courses must be 7 hours long.
-if the course is split, then two x 3.5-hour courses must be attended on consecutive days.
-the driver is allowed to do a total of 12 hours of e-learning towards the 35 hours.
- National drivers CPC.
If you are undertaking UK journeys/work only, you will be able to take either:
-35 hours of National Driver CPC training every five years, or
– a combination of 35 hours of National Drivers CPC and International Driver CPC every five years.
The new flexibility means that National Divers CPC courses:
-must be at least 3 hours 30 minutes long – courses can be longer.
-they will not need to be completed on two consecutive days if it’s a split course. Training providers are free to set their own time limits.
-can be e-learning only – i.e. Can take an approved 3 hours 30 minutes long e-learning course at work or home.
-allow you to do a total of 12 hours of e-learning towards your overall 35 hours of training.
- Getting qualified.
When you pass the qualifying tests for the first time, you will automatically have the International Driver CPC for the first five years.
-you will be able to drive in the EU and UK.
-the type of periodic training you then take to stay qualified will affect the type of driver CPC card you have from that point forward.
- Returning to professional driving.
At the moment, if your Driver CPC card has expired and you intend to return to driving, you must take 35 hours of training before you can start driving again and get a driver qualification card (DQC).
There will be a change to this from the 1st of February 2025.
–if you’re International or National Driver CPC card expired up to two years ago.
-from the 1st of February 2025, if you’re International Driver CPC or National Driver CPC has expired for between 60 days and two years, you have four options:
Option 1 – International Driver CPC training
The first option is the current process that is available.
- Take 35 hours of international driver CPC training.
- Start driving professionally in the UK and EU.
Option 2 – National Driver CPC training
- Take 35 hours of National Driver CPC training.
- Start driving professionally in the UK only.
Option 3 – International Driver CPC training with a “return to driving” module.
- Take a new “return to driving” module.
- Start driving professionally again in the UK only.
- Take 28 hours of other International Driver CPC training within 12 months of finishing the “return to driving” module.
- Start driving professionally in the EU.
Option 4 – National Driver CPC training with a “return to driving” module.
- Take a new 7-hour “return to driving” module.
- Start driving professionally in the UK.
- Take a further 28 hours of National or International CPC training within 12 months of finishing the “return to driving” module.
- If you’re International or National Driver CPC card expired more than two years ago.
The changes in 2025 will not affect what is needed if your International or National Driver CPC expired more than two years ago.
Either:
-take 35 hours of International Driver CPC training before you can drive again in the UK or EU.
-take 35 hours of National Driver CPC (or a combination of 35 hours of National and International CPC training) before you can drive again in the UK.
- Driver CPC cards.
The rules about carrying a driver CPC card will not change. You must carry this card when driving a lorry, bus, or coach professionally.
From the 3rd of December 2024 depending on which option you choose, you will get a different Driver CPC card (DQC).
When you pass the initial qualifying tests, you will receive the International Driver CPC card.
You can hold both types of driver CPC cards if you’re qualified to drive both HGV and buses or coaches professionally. E.g. You will get 2 cards if you are qualified using an International Driver CPC for HGVs and National Driver CPC for buses.
- Driver CPC card for International Driver CPC.
This card will remain and look the same as the current driver qualification card.
- Driver CPC card for National Driver CPC.
The card will look similar to the current DQC but will include the text “DOMESTIC UK USE ONLY” on the bottom of the card.
REFERENCE AND MORE INFORMATION:
Driver CPC: changes in 2024 and 2025 – GOV.UK
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