Category: News

New National Driver CPC: What You Need to Know

On 3rd December 2024, the DVSA introduced the new National Driver CPC aimed at offering more flexibility for UK-based drivers. These changes focus on providing an easier and more accessible way for drivers who only operate within the UK to meet their training requirements.

Key Changes to the National Driver CPC

While the adjustments may not be as drastic as some anticipated, they bring important updates to the periodic training requirements for UK drivers. Here’s an overview of what’s changed:

1. Training Duration: Drivers are still required to complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years, but the new system allows for shorter courses. Instead of the previous 7-hour sessions mandated under the EU CPC rules, drivers can now attend 3.5-hour courses. This shorter format makes it easier for drivers to manage their training time.
2. Increased Flexibility with eLearning: Another significant change is the introduction of e-learning options. Unlike the EU CPC, which required all training to be delivered through live sessions, the National Driver CPC allows some of the 35 hours to be completed online. This shift to digital training offers drivers more flexibility to complete their required hours at their convenience.
3. The guidance on the government website has been updated and you can find out more by clicking here.

Benefits of the Changes

The primary benefit of these changes is the increased flexibility for UK drivers. With shorter training sessions and the option to complete some training remotely, drivers can now balance their training with their busy schedules more easily.

However, while these changes are aimed at simplifying the process, they may also lead to some confusion. Drivers who were used to the EU CPC system or who may not be familiar with online training may initially find it difficult to navigate the new options.

National vs International Driver CPC

All of our current 7 hour Driver CPC modules will cover both the international and national CPC requirements. On completion of our courses, Drivers will still receive an EU Drivers Qualification card and will be able to drive both in the UK and in Europe.

Those who go on to opt for courses that are only approved for National CPC in the future will receive a Drivers Qualification Card that is for UK domestic use only.

What Does This Mean for You?

You still need to make sure to complete your 35 hours of periodic training within the 5-year period, but if you only ever drive in the UK then you can take advantage of the new options going forward to make the process more convenient.

You can check out our range of remote Driver CPC courses that cover both the national and international requirements by clicking here. 

We will be introducing some National CPC options in the new year once the dust has settled.

If you need guidance or have any questions about the National Driver CPC, please give us a call on 01772 915471.

Can you do CPC online? Yes, Driver CPC courses can now be attended remotely. The courses are accredited and the hours registered in exactly the same way as a classroom course.

In response to the COVID restrictions, many types of training that would normally be delivered in the classroom were allowed to be delivered remotely on video sharing platforms like Zoom for the very first time. This included Driver CPC. It was intended to be a temporary measure at the time, but there’s now no indication that remote sessions will be discontinued.

This has helped to greatly reduce the cost of training for Drivers, as well as saving travel time and expenses. In general the response to the online courses has been positive, and many drivers prefer it over the classroom option.

Despite many Drivers being sceptical of attending online, and unsure of their own tech ability, a huge 94% of Drivers that attend our courses leave feedback that they actually preferred the online format!

The courses are still live sessions run at set times and Drivers do still need to be available for the full duration (unfortunately a ridiculous 7 hours, which is out of our control). A device with a camera and a stable internet connection is required and attendees will need to remain visible throughout the course and be expected to interact.

Remote courses aren’t just a cheap box tick either! For Drivers who genuinely want to get something from the course, the distraction free environment works really well. Remote course delivery is actually helping to raise the bar in the quality of course content, as it’s easier to keep attendees on track with the relevant subjects. Check out what previous Drivers have had to say by clicking the icon below;

The majority of Drivers that attend our courses have never attended remote training before and are initially very sceptical. The first thing that they find surprising is how easy it is to join the meeting and get logged on. It’s literally just like making a phone call and since 2021 we have NEVER had a single Driver that couldn’t complete a course due to lack of computer ability! So can YOU do cpc online? Absolutely.

Remote training in all industries is likely here to stay and those that don’t at least give it a try will likely find themselves wasting time and money on services that they perhaps mistakenly believe are better.

You can check out our schedule and book a course on the Homepage.