Recent industry discussions have raised an important question for thousands of professional drivers across the UK: Is the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) being scrapped? This question has generated significant buzz throughout the logistics industry, with implications for HGV drivers, coach drivers, and other commercial driving professionals. Let’s examine what’s actually happening with this crucial qualification.
Introduction to Driver CPC
The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) is a professional driving qualification required for commercial drivers in the UK. Introduced in 2007, the Driver CPC ensures that drivers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to guarantee road safety and efficiency. This qualification is designed to ensure that drivers are competent and up-to-date with the latest regulations and safety practices. Recent updates to the Driver CPC have been announced, sparking discussions within the industry. These changes aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of professional drivers, making the regulatory regime more flexible for commercial drivers who only drive within the UK.
The Current Status of Driver CPC
Despite rumors suggesting the complete elimination of Driver CPC, the reality appears more nuanced. Rather than being scrapped altogether, the evidence points toward a substantial reform of the current system. The Driver CPC still remains a legal requirement for professional drivers of heavy goods vehicles, buses, and coaches.
Under existing regulations, drivers must:
- Complete an initial qualification when first entering professional driving
- Undergo 35 hours of periodic training every five years to maintain their qualification
- Carry their driver qualification card as proof of their professional competence
Driver Certificate and Qualification
The Driver CPC is a qualification that demonstrates a driver’s professional competence. It consists of two parts: the initial qualification and periodic training. The initial qualification is obtained by passing a series of tests, while periodic training is required every five years to ensure drivers stay informed about the latest regulations and safety practices. The Driver CPC is a requirement for drivers who want to drive professionally in the UK and EU. Commercial drivers will be able to choose to stay qualified using either an International Driver CPC or a National Driver CPC. To qualify for an International Driver CPC, drivers will be required to undertake 35 hours of International Driver CPC training every five years.
Driver CPC Training and Requirements
Driver CPC training is essential for becoming a professional driver. The training consists of 35 hours of periodic training required before commercial driving is permitted. The minimum length of a training course will drop from seven hours to three and a half hours, making scheduling training less burdensome for drivers and operators. E-learning modules will be decoupled from trainer-led courses, allowing drivers to complete up to 12 hours of training online. The revised DCPC still requires 35 hours of training, but the changes will ensure training material is focused and relevant. Fleet managers and drivers will have more control over how and when they do their training, making it easier for current drivers to renew training.
What Changes Are Actually Being Proposed?
Proposed changes to the Driver CPC regime are under consideration:
Two-Tier System Possibility
Perhaps the most substantial proposed change is splitting the qualification into:
- National Driver CPC – A potentially more flexible version for drivers who only operate within UK borders
- International Driver CPC – Maintaining the current standards for those who drive professionally across international boundaries
This approach would recognize the different requirements and challenges faced by drivers in different contexts.
Flexibility in Training Requirements
The rigid structure of the current 35-hour training obligation is being reconsidered, with proposals including:
- More options for e-learning and online courses
- The ability to split courses into shorter segments rather than full-day modules, with the minimum course length reduced from seven hours to three and a half hours
- Greater recognition of previous experience and driving competence
- More driver choice in selecting relevant training modules
Administrative Streamlining
Government consultation is also exploring ways to reduce paperwork and administrative burdens while maintaining professional standards through:
- Simplified record-keeping requirements
- More efficient certification processes
- Better integration with other professional qualification systems
Why Consider Changes to Driver CPC?
Driver shortages have driven the reconsideration of the current system:
Several factors have driven the reconsideration of the current system:
Addressing the Driver Shortage
The UK faces a significant driver shortage, and some industry leaders argue that the current CPC requirements create unnecessary barriers for driver hire services, including:
- Experienced drivers considering a return to driving
- New entrants to the profession
- Part-time drivers who find the full 35-hour requirement disproportionate
Industry Feedback
Many commercial drivers and fleet managers have expressed frustration with aspects of the current system:
- Training that doesn’t always feel relevant to daily driving realities
- The time burden of completing courses, often on drivers’ own time, though upcoming changes will allow course providers to set their own time limits for training sessions
- Inconsistent quality among training providers and CPC courses
- Questions about the practical impact on road safety outcomes
Post-Brexit Regulatory Changes
The UK’s departure from the EU provides an opportunity to reconsider adopted road freight regulation and potentially tailor them more specifically to UK driving conditions and industry needs.
CPC Course and Training Options
The CPC course and training options have been updated to provide more flexibility for drivers. Drivers can choose to stay qualified using either International Driver CPC or National Driver CPC. International Driver CPC is the new name for how Driver CPC previously worked, requiring 35 hours of periodic training every five years. National Driver CPC is a more flexible version of the previous Driver CPC, allowing drivers to complete training in smaller chunks. The changes will also introduce a new option for drivers who have let their CPC lapse, allowing them to return to driving with a CPC through an accelerated pathway. This will be instead of the previous requirement of completing 35 hours of training. The new training options will be available from Day One, and drivers can speak to a member of a training provider’s team to find out more about CPC training options.
What This Means for Professional Drivers
If you’re currently driving professionally or considering entering the profession, here’s what you need to know about the professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC):
For Existing Drivers
- Continue your training: The Driver CPC has not been scrapped, and you still need to complete your 35 hours of training every five years under current rules
- Stay informed: Watch for announcements about changes to requirements, particularly if you only drive within the UK. Notably, the requirement for training courses to be completed over two consecutive days has been eliminated, providing greater flexibility for trainers and trainees.
- Prepare for transition: Be ready to adapt to new requirements as they’re implemented
For New Entrants
- The qualification pathway may become more flexible, but some form of professional competence certification will almost certainly remain
- Initial qualification requirements may be adjusted to make entering the profession more accessible, including the introduction of a ‘return to driving’ module. This driving module aims to facilitate the requalification process for drivers whose qualifications have expired, allowing for a more flexible approach to returning to the industry while ensuring that training remains thorough and relevant to current regulations
For Those Considering a Return to Driving
- The potential changes might make it easier to re-enter the profession, but further changes are being discussed in ongoing consultations, particularly with the new Labour government’s stance on the qualification process for drivers.
- Previous experience may receive greater recognition under reformed systems
Industry Perspectives
Opinions on changing the Driver CPC vary widely across the logistics industry:
Supportive Views
Logistics UK and other industry bodies have generally welcomed the review, with many fleet managers and commercial drivers advocating for a more flexible approach that:
- Maintains professional standards and ensures the continuous movement of goods through the supply chain
- Reduces unnecessary bureaucracy
- Recognizes the varied needs of different driving roles
Cautionary Perspectives
Some stakeholders express concern about potential changes:
- Road safety organizations worry about maintaining driving standards and the role of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency in implementing these changes
- Training providers question how quality will be ensured in a more flexible system
- International operators highlight the need for continued alignment with EU standards
When Might Changes Take Effect?
The reform process involves several steps:
- Completion of the consultation process
- Analysis of industry feedback
- Development of specific regulatory proposals
- Parliamentary approval for any legal changes
- Implementation period for the industry to adapt to the new rules
This suggests that while change is coming, immediate scrapping of the requirements is not imminent. Professional drivers should continue to meet their current CPC obligations while monitoring official announcements.
Conclusion: Evolution Rather Than Elimination
To directly answer the question posed in the title: No, the Driver CPC is not being scrapped entirely. Instead, it appears to be evolving into a more flexible, fit-for-purpose system that better serves the needs of both the logistics industry and individual drivers, including the proposed introduction of an international CPC qualification class specifically designed for cross-border driving.
The focus seems to be on making the qualification more relevant and accessible while maintaining professional standards that contribute to road safety. For professional drivers, this could mean a more practical approach to demonstrating and maintaining competence, with training that better reflects their actual driving needs.
As the consultation process continues, one thing remains clear: while the specific requirements may change, professional driving will continue to require demonstration of competence and commitment to safety standards. The future appears to hold not the elimination of Driver CPC, but rather its transformation into a more effective tool for ensuring professional standards in commercial driving.
