The DVSA has announced the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) has undergone changes introducing new flexibility for professional drivers across the UK.

Key changes include the introduction of a National Driver CPC, which will cover driving lorries, buses, and coaches within the UK.

The most notable modification allows training courses to be completed in more manageable 3.5-hour blocks, replacing the previous mandatory 7-hour sessions.

Drivers will now have greater flexibility in their professional development, with the reforms also decoupling e-learning from trainer-led courses.

Over 200 national training courses have been approved and added to the available Driver CPC training list, enabling drivers to search for both national and international courses more easily.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has updated guidance on these reforms, which can be found on GOV.UK.

A further measure to expedite the process for drivers returning to professional driving after their CPC has expired will come into effect on 1 February 2025.

Following a consultation in 2023, the potential introduction of a periodic test remains under review. The consultation results showed mixed opinions, and the DfT will continue to assess the feasibility of implementing such a test in the future.

Professional drivers are advised to review the updated guidance and explore the newly available training options to maintain their Driver CPC certification.

Full details of the Driver CPC reforms can be found on the dedicated GOV.UK page.