At the end of 2024, the process of professional driver qualification experienced a change. Where, historically, all professional drivers were required to pass their CPC as part of the driving examination process, this has now been separated into international and national CPC qualifications, and you can choose which is right for your role. The idea behind this change is to make maintaining your CPC qualification much more straightforward for drivers based in the UK.
We’ll explain the differences between the two (aside from the obvious!) and look at which qualification is most suited to key driving roles. As industry advisors, we’re well placed to give you the clear guidance you need to stay on the right track.
Your driver CPC: A quick refresher
Before we look at the new system, it’s worth remembering what the CPC is and why we have it. The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a qualification for professional bus, coach, and lorry drivers. It was introduced across Europe to set and maintain high standards of safety and professionalism and has remained in place in the UK after Brexit.
To stay qualified, you must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years. It’s a legal requirement, and driving professionally without a valid CPC can mean you get fined. Think of it as your commitment to being a safe and skilled driver.
National vs. International CPC: What’s the difference?
Changes made in December 2024 mean you now have two paths to choose from to maintain your qualification: National Driver CPC and International Driver CPC. Your choice depends entirely on where you plan to do your driving, now and in the future.
National Driver CPC: For the UK based driver
The National Driver CPC is a new, more flexible option designed specifically for professional drivers who work exclusively within the UK. If you know your routes will keep you on home soil, this qualification is for you.
The main benefit here is flexibility, since the rules for periodic training have been relaxed:
- Shorter training blocks: You can now take courses in blocks as short as 3.5 hours. This makes it much easier to fit training around your work schedule without having to commit to a full day.
- Flexible scheduling: If a course is split, the parts no longer need to be on consecutive days. This gives you and your employer more freedom to plan.
- E-learning: While both versions of CPC allow for some online learning, the structure of the National CPC makes it more adaptable to remote training.
Basically, if you’re a supermarket delivery driver, a local courier in a larger vehicle, or doing national haulage runs between depots in the UK, the National CPC offers the most convenient way to stay qualified. Your Driver Qualification Card (DQC) will state “DOMESTIC UK USE ONLY”.
International Driver CPC: For the European traveller
The International Driver CPC is simply the new name for the qualification as it existed before the changes. It is for drivers whose work takes them into the European Union or beyond. If your shift patterns include long-haul trips to France or Germany, for example, you will need to choose International CPC when scheduling your periodic training.
The training requirements remain the same as they’ve always been to ensure they align with EU regulations:
- Minimum 7-Hour courses: Training must be completed in blocks of at least seven hours.
- Consecutive days for split courses: If a 7-hour course is split, you must complete it over two consecutive days.
Choosing this route keeps all your options open. Even if you don’t currently drive internationally, having the International CPC means you’re ready if an opportunity for European work comes up.
Go by driving role
Making the right choice about your ongoing CPC is about matching the qualification to your current job and future aspirations.
When to choose National CPC
Any of these types of roles typically will only require a National CPC. You can keep your learning flexible and break it into manageable chunks.
- Supermarket Deliveries: Transporting goods from distribution centres to stores across the UK, like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and the like.
- UK Based Supply Chain Haulage: Moving goods between warehouses and factories within England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Local Parcel and Goods Delivery: Working for companies like DPD or Royal Mail on routes that don’t cross any international borders.
When to choose International CPC
You should stick with the International CPC if your career involves or might involve travel within the EU. Even if your current role is domestic, maintaining the international CPC will help you to keep your options open for future opportunities.
- International haulage: Driving goods to and from countries within the EU. This is the most obvious reason to need this qualification.
- Driving in Ireland: Don’t forget that driving from Great Britain to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland can involve different rules, and cross-border work into the EU (via Ireland) will require an International CPC.
- Future proofing your career: If you’re not sure where your career will take you, choosing the International CPC is the safest bet. It gives you the maximum flexibility to take on any driving job, anywhere in the UK or EU, without needing to retrain.
Choosing options with HGV Training
Whether you’re just starting and wondering which CPC to aim for, or you’re an experienced driver planning your next block of periodic training, getting it right is simple when you have the right advice.
At HGV Training, our mission is to provide clear industry based guidance for drivers at every stage. We cut through the jargon to give you the facts, helping you make the best decision for your circumstances. Use our resources to read up on industry insights, or gather comparative quotes and information from our partner HGV training providers. Get started today!
