The 2024 CPC reform took effect on 3 December 2024, splitting UK Driver CPC into two separate qualifications: National Driver CPC for drivers working only in the UK, and International Driver CPC for drivers crossing into the EU. Both still require 35 hours every 5 years — but National now allows flexible 3.5-hour sessions, while International keeps the original 7-hour rule.
The 2024 CPC reform was the biggest shake-up of UK professional driver training since Driver CPC was introduced. If you've been driving professionally for years, the rules you trained under no longer apply in the same way after 3 December 2024.
This guide walks through exactly what the 2024 CPC reform changed, why DVSA made the changes, and how to make the most of the new flexibility — whether you drive purely in the UK or cross into Europe.
What Was Driver CPC Before the 2024 CPC Reform?
Before the reform, every UK Driver CPC was effectively an "international" qualification. All professional drivers — whether they drove a refuse lorry in Manchester or a coach to Spain — had to follow the same rules:
- Complete 35 hours of approved training every 5 years
- Sessions had to be at least 7 hours long
- Split sessions had to be on two consecutive days
- Only 12 hours of e-learning allowed in any 5-year cycle
This worked for international hauliers but felt rigid for domestic drivers. A school bus driver in Devon had to follow the same training schedule as a long-distance haulier running into Germany. The full pre-reform rules are still documented on the official GOV.UK Driver CPC training page.
What the 2024 CPC Reform Changed on 3 December 2024
DVSA introduced two distinct qualifications. The 2024 CPC reform recognises that most UK professional drivers never leave the UK, so why force them to follow the same rules as international hauliers?
Timeline of the 2024 CPC Reform
- 2021 — Industry consultation begins The government opens consultation amid an HGV driver shortage. Industry bodies push for more flexibility.
- 2023 — Reform proposals published The Department for Transport announces the National vs International split is going ahead.
- 3 December 2024 — Reform takes effect National Driver CPC and International Driver CPC officially go live as separate qualifications.
- 1 February 2025 — Return to Driving rules updated Streamlined renewal process for drivers with expired CPC who want to return to professional work.
- 2026 — First full year of new rules Most operators and drivers have now adapted to the dual-qualification system.
National vs International After the 2024 CPC Reform
| Rule | Before Reform (pre-Dec 2024) | After Reform (current) |
|---|---|---|
| Total hours | 35 hours every 5 years | 35 hours every 5 years (unchanged) |
| Minimum session length | 7 hours only | National: 3.5 OR 7 hours · International: 7 hours only |
| Split-day rule | Must be consecutive days | National: any spacing · International: still consecutive |
| E-learning | Up to 12 hours allowed | Up to 12 hours allowed (unchanged) |
| Where qualification valid | UK and EU | National: UK only · International: UK and EU |
| DQC (Driver Qualification Card) | One type of card | Different card depending on which qualification you hold |
The headline change is flexibility for UK-only drivers. If you don't need to drive into Europe, you can now book 3.5-hour evening or weekend sessions that fit around your shifts.
Who Benefits Most from the 2024 CPC Reform?
UK-only drivers and operators
If your work stays inside the UK — distribution, refuse, school transport, agency, regional logistics — you can now train on your terms. Three drivers each doing one 3.5-hour evening session per month means a fleet stays compliant without ever taking a driver off the road during the day.
New drivers entering the industry
The reform is part of a broader push to make professional driving more attractive. Shorter training sessions reduce the entry barrier for younger drivers and parents balancing childcare.
Returning drivers
The 1 February 2025 update made it easier for drivers with expired CPC to return to work. If you've been out of the seat, the path back is now clearer.
💡 Operating mixed UK/EU work? Stick with International Driver CPC — it covers everything. National doesn't authorise EU driving even for one trip. Read our decision guide to confirm which type fits your role.
Common Misunderstandings About the 2024 CPC Reform
"Driver CPC has been scrapped"
No. CPC is still legally required for most professional HGV, LGV, bus and coach drivers. The reform changed how you complete training, not whether you have to. Read more in our guide on whether Driver CPC has been scrapped.
"My old DQC is no longer valid"
Your existing DQC remains valid until its expiry date. Nothing changed for cards already issued. The new rules apply to your next 5-year cycle.
"I can mix National and International courses freely"
Be careful. Yes, International courses count toward National (because they're 7 hours and meet the higher standard). But National-only courses do not count toward International — so if you're upgrading, your National hours don't carry over.
"There's no longer a 12-hour e-learning limit"
The 12-hour e-learning cap still applies. Of your 35 hours, no more than 12 can be self-paced online learning. The rest must be live, instructor-led training.
How to Use the New Flexibility from the 2024 CPC Reform
For a UK-only driver, here's a smart way to spread your 35 hours under the new National rules:
- Year 1: One 7-hour session (a Saturday)
- Year 2: Two 3.5-hour evening sessions
- Year 3: One 7-hour session
- Year 4: Two 3.5-hour evening sessions
- Year 5: One 7-hour session — done, comfortably ahead of expiry
That's 35 hours, no last-minute panic, and never more than 7 hours off work in a single block. For a full breakdown of session strategies, read our guide on splitting Driver CPC training across the 5 years.
What If I Booked Before the Reform?
Courses booked before 3 December 2024 follow the rules in place when they ran. Hours uploaded before that date count toward your existing International qualification. Going forward, any new courses are categorised as either National or International.
If you're unsure where you stand, check your CPC training record on GOV.UK — it'll show every uploaded course and date.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the 2024 CPC reform take effect?
The reform came into force on 3 December 2024. From that date, new Driver CPC training is categorised as either National or International depending on the course type.
Why did DVSA split Driver CPC into two qualifications?
To give UK-only drivers more flexibility. Industry bodies argued that drivers who never leave the UK shouldn't have to follow rules designed for international hauliers. The reform also aimed to make professional driving more attractive amid a national driver shortage.
Do my existing CPC hours still count?
Yes. Hours you completed before 3 December 2024 remain valid in your current 5-year cycle. They count as International-grade because they were taken under the original rules.
Can I change from National to International mid-cycle?
Yes. If your work changes and you need International, complete your remaining hours as 7-hour International courses. Once you have 35 International-grade hours in your cycle, you'll qualify for International CPC.
Will there be more reforms in the future?
The Department for Transport reviewed periodic testing during the 2023 consultation but didn't implement it. Further changes remain under review. CPC Express monitors DVSA announcements — we'll update this guide as new information becomes available.
Is the reform UK-wide?
Yes. The reform applies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. National Driver CPC is valid throughout the UK. International Driver CPC additionally covers the EU.
Ready to book under the new rules?
Choose National or International — whichever fits your work. From £16.99 per 3.5-hour session. DVSA-approved with same-day record upload.
View Available Courses →