Major driving law changes 'coming in months' could see drivers slapped with £1,000 fine

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has said that changes are set to be made to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification

Brits are being alerted to upcoming changes in driving laws that could affect drivers and potentially keep them off the road. In May, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) indicated that alterations are likely for obtaining the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), a mandatory qualification for heavy goods vehicle (HGV), bus, or coach drivers.

Following a consultation last year, the Government is considering updates to the Driver CPC. Subject to Parliamentary approval, drivers will have the option to remain qualified through either the International Driver CPC or the National Driver CPC, with expectations for these rules to be enacted "later in 2024".

While the Driver CPC itself isn't being abolished, the aim is to introduce more flexibility for those who drive solely within the UK. The International Driver CPC will essentially retain the current system's name, requiring drivers to complete 35 hours of training every five years to drive both in the EU and the UK.

Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join

No changes are anticipated regarding the structure of the courses, which must be at least seven hours long and completed over two consecutive days; if split over a day, e-learning in a trainer-led course is capped at two hours, with a total of 12 hours of e-learning permitted. On the other hand, the new National Driver CPC will offer a more adaptable approach compared to the existing framework.

If someone only wants to drive in the UK, they will be able to take either 35 hours of National Driver CPC training every five years or a combination of 35 hours of National Driver CPC and International Driver CPC training every five years. The courses must be at least three hours and 30 minutes long, with training providers able to offer longer courses if they want to.

Split courses will not need to be completed on two consecutive days, as course providers will be free to set their own time limits. Motorists will also be able to take e-learning-only courses.

This means they could take an approved e-learning course at their workplace or at home, which will also take three hours and 30 minutes. Britons choosing to do the National Driver CPC will also be able to do a total of 12 hours of e-learning towards their overall 35 hours of training.

The DVSA highlights how this is still subject to Parliamentary approval, which is expected to take place later in 2024, with two options available to stay qualified. They can either take 35 hours of International Driver CPC training every five years to be able to drive in the UK and EU or 35 hours of National Driver CPC (or a combination of 35 hours of National and International CPC training) every five years to be able to drive in the UK.

Motorists are being alerted that they should be aware of their training deadline, as they must maintain their qualification using the specified methods or face a £1,000 fine for driving professionally without a Driver CPC.