2027 CPC Changes: What Will Be Different In The New Year?
Driver CPC has undergone some significant changes in recent years, giving professional drivers more flexibility over how they complete their training and maintain their qualification, as we head towards 2027, the newer Driver CPC system is becoming an increasingly important part of how HGV, bus and coach drivers plan their periodic training.
From choosing between National and International Driver CPC to shorter training courses and a more flexible route back into professional driving, there are several CPC changes drivers need to understand.
Let’s have a look at how Driver CPC will work going into the new year, what has changed and what it could mean for your training.
What is Driver CPC?
Driver CPC stands for Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, it is a professional qualification that most people need if they drive a lorry, bus or coach as the main part of their job. Once qualified, most professional drivers need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years to maintain their Driver CPC. However, changes introduced to Driver CPC have given drivers more choice over how they complete the training.
What CPC changes do drivers need to know about for 2027?
One of the biggest changes to Driver CPC is the introduction of two different routes for maintaining your qualification; National Driver CPC and International Driver CPC. The have been introduced to provide greater flexibility for drivers who only drive professionally within the UK.
National Driver CPC vs International Driver CPC
Drivers can maintain their qualification through either National or International Driver CPC:
National Driver CPC is designed for drivers who only intend to drive professionally within the UK.
International Driver CPC allows drivers to work professionally in both the UK and Europe.
If you want the option of driving professionally in Europe, you must complete 35 hours of International Driver CPC training, or, if you only plan to drive professionally within the UK, you can complete National Driver CPC training or a combination of National and International training.
Do you still need 35 hours of CPC training?
Yes, the overall requirement to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years remains in place, however, what has changed is the flexibility available to drivers completing National Driver CPC.
National Driver CPC course sessions can be as short as 3.5 hours, rather than requiring drivers to complete a minimum seven-hour session.
Can CPC training be completed in 3.5-hour sessions?
Yes, if you are completing National Driver CPC training, National Driver CPC sessions can be a minimum of 3.5 hours and can be delivered in person, remotely or through e-learning, giving UK-only drivers more flexibility when planning their 35 hours of periodic training.
International Driver CPC follows different requirements, so it is important to check which type of course you require before completing your booking.
What is the Return to Driving CPC route?
Another important change is the introduction of a Return to Driving CPC course for eligible drivers whose qualification has expired. If your Driver CPC expired between 60 days and two years ago, you may be able to complete a seven-hour Return to Driving CPC course.
After completing the course, you must then complete a further 28 hours of Driver CPC training within 12 months to remain qualified - this provides a more flexible route back into the industry for drivers who have taken a break from professional driving.
Can you use the Return to Driving route for European driving?
The seven-hour Return to Driving course allows eligible drivers to return to professional driving in the UK, if you decide you want to drive professionally in Europe, you will need to complete the full 35 hours of International Driver CPC training before you can do so.
What do the CPC changes mean for professional drivers?
The changes provide more choice over how drivers maintain their qualification, for drivers working exclusively within the UK, shorter National Driver CPC courses can make it easier to fit training around working hours.
Drivers who work internationally can continue completing the International Driver CPC, while eligible drivers returning to the industry have another route available to help them get back behind the wheel. However, having more options means it is important to choose the right training for the type of work you plan to do.
What do the changes mean for employers?
The increased flexibility can also help transport operators plan training across their workforce as rather than arranging full seven-hour training sessions for every UK-only driver, National Driver CPC allows shorter courses to be incorporated into training schedules, making it easier to spread periodic training throughout the five-year qualification period.
Employers should still consider whether drivers may need to work internationally, as those drivers will need to meet the International Driver CPC requirements.
Do the CPC changes affect new HGV drivers?
When you first qualify as a professional HGV, bus or coach driver, passing the relevant qualifying tests gives you International Driver CPC for your first five years, following that, the periodic training you choose will determine whether you maintain International Driver CPC or move onto National Driver CPC.
How can you prepare for your CPC in 2027?
If your Driver CPC is due to expire during 2027, it’s worth checking your training record, things to consider are:
- How many periodic training hours you have already completed
- When your current Driver CPC expires
- Whether you plan to drive in the UK only
- Whether you may need to drive professionally in Europe
Planning ahead can help you spread your training across your five-year period and make it easier to fit around your work.
What happens if you drive without a valid Driver CPC?
If you are required to hold Driver CPC, you must keep your qualification up to date to continue driving professionally, as you can be fined up to £1,000 for driving professionally without Driver CPC, always remember to carry your Driver Qualification Card when driving professionally.
What will Driver CPC look like in 2027?
The biggest difference drivers will notice going into 2027 is choice. UK-only drivers now have access to a more flexible National Driver CPC course, while drivers who need to work internationally can continue with International Driver CPC.
Shorter national courses, and the Return to Driving route also give drivers more options when managing their qualifications, and for drivers and employers, understanding these options will be an important part of planning CPC training throughout 2027 and beyond.
Get ready for 2027 with Lifft
At Lifft, we provide Driver CPC training to help professional drivers maintain their qualification and keep their knowledge up to date.
Whether your CPC is due for renewal in 2027, you’re returning to professional driving or you’re unsure which type of training you need, our team can help you understand your options.
With training available across our network, we can help make completing your Driver CPC requirements as straightforward as possible.
Explore our training courses here: https://www.lifftgroup.co.uk/transport-training-courses