Just like you can’t just hop into a car without the necessary qualifications, the same applies to trucks, buses or other commercial vehicles. That’s where a CPC card comes in. But changes are coming to driver CPC in 2025, which will have major implications for drivers hoping to take the course, as well as those who already hold the card.
Looking for pre-owned trucks for sale so that you can take advantage of your CPC immediately after your test? At Smith Bros, we have over 50 years of experience in offering exemplary used trucks from the very best brands in the industry, including the likes of Scania, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, with each one coming with our quality guarantee.
But let’s start with the basics, what is a CPC card and who needs them?
What is a CPC card?
Standing for Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, a CPC card is a licence that indicates that an individual is qualified to drive commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses in the UK. Introduced in 2007 to improve safety standards, CPC regulations have since gone through changes following the UK’s departure from the EU in 2020.
Who needs a driver CPC card?
Lasting for five years, CPC cards are required by law for individuals in the following positions:
- Professional HGV or truck drivers.
- Bus driver.
- Coach driver.
Wondering ‘how to get a CPC card’? The process for securing yourself a licence to drive a HGV, bus or coach is changing in 2025.
What are the changes to driver CPC in 2025?
Consultation on changes to Driver CPC was first proposed back in 2023 and in the years since, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has outlined the forthcoming changes coming in 2025. These changes will have implications for existing licence holders as well as those still waiting to take their CPC tests. Changes include:
- New categories of CPC qualification.
- A more streamlined method to regain a CPC licence when returning to professional driving work.
- Changes to physical CPC licences.
New categories of CPC qualification
There are now two ways to stay qualified with a CPC licence, including International Driver CPC and National Driver CPC.
International Driver CPC operates exactly like how Driver CPC worked, which means that the following conditions still apply:
- A minimum of 35 hours of International Driver CPC training is to be taken every five years to ensure compliance with EU and UK law.
- Each course must be at least seven hours long in duration.
- 12 hours of e-learning can count towards your overall 35-hour requirement.
- For a course that is split into multiple sessions, it must be completed on two consecutive days.
Meanwhile, National Driver CPC is a new version of Driver CPC that includes more flexibility for users. When choosing to become qualified with this option, you can opt to do 35 hours of National Driver CPC training every five years, or you can choose to do a combination of both National Driver CPC and International Driver CPC training every 5 years.
Ideal for professionals who only want to drive in the UK, this option includes completing courses that have the following requirements:
- Must be at least 3.5 hours long.
- Unlike International Driver CPC, split courses do not need to be completed on two consecutive days.
- 12 hours of e-learning can count towards the 35 hours total.
Returning to professional driving
Applicable as of February 1st, 2025, there are now four options you can choose when returning to driving if your licence has expired for between 50 days and two years. These options include:
- Partaking in 35 hours of International Driver CPC training.
- Partaking in 35 hours of National Driver CPC training.
- For International CPC Drivers: Take part in a new ‘return to driving’ training module that takes seven hours to complete. Within 12 months of completing the module, take 28 hours of International Driver CPC training.
- For National CPC Drivers: Returning to professional driving for National CPC Drivers is the same process as for International CPC Drivers. However, when it comes to completing the module, National CPC Drivers can partake in 28 hours of either National or International training.
This process is different if your licence expired over two years ago. In this case, you will have to apply for a new licence, requiring either 35 hours of International Driver CPC training or a combination of this and 35 hours of National CPC training, as outlined in the previous section.
Changes to physical CPC licences
Regulations regarding carrying your CPC cards haven’t changed and you must still carry your card at all times, no matter what kind of truck you’re driving.
However, depending on which method you choose to stay CPC qualified, national or international, you will receive a slightly different licence.
International licences will look the same as current Driver CPC cards. Meanwhile, National CPC licences will include ‘DOMESTIC UK USE ONLY’ printed at the bottom of the card.
What does a CPC test involve?
To obtain Driver CPC, four different tests must be completed. Countless approved training providers both online and in-person can be found across the country, with multiple options in major cities, that will help you fulfil the required 35 hours of either CPC option. The four required tests include:
- Part 1: Theory test – Including multiple choice and hazard perception.
- Part 2: Case studies test – multiple choice questions will be asked about each of the seven case studies.
- Part 3: Professional competence – This test comes in two parts.
- A: A 30-minute off-road demonstration.
- B: A 1-hour practical driving test
- Part 4: Practical demonstration – A comprehensive test of up to five topics from the Driver CPC syllabus.
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CPC card exemptions
Not everyone who drives a HGV, bus or coach is required to carry Driver CPC, with certain exemptions applying in particular circumstances. Just some of these exemptions include:
- The non-commercial transportation of passengers or goods.
- Hauling equipment used for your job – as long as driving takes up less than 30% of your monthly work.
- If your vehicle is limited to a top speed of 28mph.
- Emergency situations or rescue missions.
- If the vehicle is being driven by a worker of the emergency services, or if it is being controlled by someone working in the prison/young offenders service.
Check the full list by visiting the DVSA guidelines on the government website to see if you need Driver CPC.
Got your CPC card? Buy your truck with Smith Bros
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An independent dealership first established back in 1969, we are a family-owned business that has changed with the times, growing exponentially year on year. These days, we offer an exemplary range of premium vehicles at quality prices, and will even offer to source a truck for you if you can’t find the one you’re looking for from our collection.
For tailored advice and expert insight, contact Smith Bros today to buy your next used truck.
FAQs
What is a Driver Qualification Card?
A Driver Qualification Card (DQC) is quite simply another name for a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) card.
What is the difference between Initial and Periodic CPC Training?
Initial CPC training is performed only once by new drivers looking to secure their Driver CPC. Meanwhile, Periodic CPC refers to the ongoing training that is compulsory for professional drivers to perform every five years.
How to get a CPC card?
To get a CPC card you must take part in a rigorous CPC test that includes four stages outlined above in this very article. If you intend to commercially drive a truck, bus or coach, getting a CPC is a legal necessity.