Is the driver CPC to be scrapped?

If you’ve been an HGV driver for several years and recall your HGV training, you’ll be very aware of driver CPC training and how essential it is in becoming a professional driver.

However, recent developments have sparked conversations about the future of the driver CPC course and its place in driver training as a whole. Specifically, many are wondering whether the driver CPC will be scrapped altogether?

If you’re a current or prospective driver and are wondering whether these rumours are true, HGV Training Network has you covered. So, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the future of the driver CPC and whether it affects you.

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What is the driver CPC?

The driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is a qualification all drivers of lorries, buses, and coaches in the UK must earn if they wish to drive these vehicles for a living. 

Beyond the standard driver training, the CPC driver certificate more closely relates to professional drivers being able to show they have the correct knowledge to drive safely and competently, as well as being aware of all safety standards relevant to their vehicle and the roads.

Do all drivers need to take a driver CPC training course?

While the driver Certificate of Professional Competence is a common qualification, it is not an essential need for all drivers, depending on how they drive and why they drive.

For example, those who are required to drive vehicles as part of their job in which driving does not make up the main aspect of the role don’t need a driver CPC. Nor do drivers who carry passengers in a non-commercial setting (e.g. occasionally driving people from A to B in a non-professional capacity).ur ambulance driver training.

Why are people talking about the driver CPC?

The potential scrapping of the driver CPC has been a hot topic in the haulage world for years now, with some driving professionals being unhappy they legally need to retake the driver CPC periodic training as part of their career maintenance every 5 years. 

However, in recent months, it has gradually been revealed that significant changes will be made to the driver CPC, suggesting it will be scrapped.

However, this is NOT the case.

Is the driver CPC being scrapped?

In short, no. The driver CPC is not being scrapped.

Instead, the government, along with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, is implementing slight changes to the ways drivers can retain their CPC status or return to driving with a CPC after spending some time away from the profession. 

So, the next time you need to renew, you may not be faced with the same CPC course you took last time.

Drivers CPC Legislation

The new driver CPC will be split into two distinct sections, allowing drivers to choose the method of training/renewal that best suits their driving needs:

• National Driver CPC (for those who plan to only drive in the UK)
• International Driver CPC (for those who plan to drive both at home and in the EU)

Each of these will come with its own parameters and steps that differ from how current driver CPC training or renewals work, which will be implemented in late 2024 subject to Parliamentary approval.

To find out more about the proposed steps and what you need to do, you can check out the official page on the Government website here.

Alternatively, if you’d like to speak to someone, you’re more than welcome to reach out to a member of the HGVTN team and we’ll do the best we can to give you the info you need. 

Explore driver CPC courses with HGV Training Network

If you are a professional driver seeking to renew your driver qualification card with periodic driver CPC training in line with the new rules once they’re implemented, HGVTN is here to help.

With vast experience in offering driving qualifications of all kinds and a team of reliable and knowledgeable drivers on hand, we’re always the best choice to help keep you on the road with industry-standard driver CPC training courses.

To find out more about our driver CPC training options, including completing driver CPC training online, speak to a member of the HGVTN team today.Fill out our contact form