Yes — you can split Driver CPC training across the full 5-year cycle. Under National Driver CPC, sessions can be 3.5 or 7 hours long, mixed freely, and don't need to run on consecutive days. International Driver CPC still requires 7-hour blocks, with split days needing to be consecutive.
One of the biggest wins from the 2024 reform is that you can now split Driver CPC training in ways that actually fit around real working life. Gone are the days of needing to take a full week off — modern drivers can spread their 35 hours across years, months, or even single evenings.
This guide explains exactly how to split your Driver CPC training, what the legal rules are, and gives you sample 5-year plans you can copy directly.
The Rules for Splitting Driver CPC Training
The rules differ depending on which type of CPC you hold:
| Rule | National Driver CPC | International Driver CPC |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum session length | 3.5 hours OR 7 hours | 7 hours only |
| Max e-learning hours | 12 hours (of the 35) | 12 hours (of the 35) |
| Consecutive day rule | No — sessions can be on any days | Yes — split days must be consecutive |
| Total hours | 35 hours every 5 years | 35 hours every 5 years |
| Mix and match? | Yes — any combination of 3.5 and 7-hour sessions | Limited — 7-hour sessions only |
National's flexibility is the headline benefit of the 2024 reform. For a full breakdown of the differences, read our guide on the 2024 CPC reform.
Sample Plan: Split Driver CPC Training (National)
Here's a balanced 5-year plan showing how to split Driver CPC training without ever taking a full day off:
Total: 35 hours, spread evenly across 5 years. No shifts cancelled, no full days off.
Sample Plan: Split Driver CPC Training (International)
If you need International CPC, sessions must be 7 hours. Here's a working plan:
Same 35 hours, but using full-day blocks because that's what International requires.
Why You Should Split Driver CPC Training (Not Cram It)
Many drivers leave their CPC until the final year. That approach causes problems:
- Limited course availability — busy providers fill up quickly close to common DQC expiry dates
- Higher risk of expiry — one course cancellation can push you past the deadline
- 5 days off in a row — most employers can't release you for a full week of training
- Concentrated cost — paying £150+ in one go vs spreading it over 5 years
- Tired learning — back-to-back days of training are harder to absorb than spaced sessions
Splitting your training avoids all of these. The drivers who never have CPC problems are the ones who treat it like an annual habit, not a 5-year deadline.
💡 The "no more than 14 hours in the final year" rule. A good benchmark: never let yourself end up with more than 14 hours to do in the final year of your cycle. That keeps options open if a course gets cancelled or your schedule changes.
What If You Need to Catch Up Quickly?
If you've left it late, you can still complete the full 35 hours fast:
- Five 7-hour days in a row — one full working week
- Two weekends of 7-hour Saturday + Sunday — 28 hours, plus one weekday session
- Mix of evenings and weekends — completing 35 hours in a month is achievable for National CPC
Online training (covered in our online CPC guide) is the fastest route. CPC Express runs courses every week — same-day upload to DVSA means you can return to work without delay.
How to Track Your Split Training Hours
Whatever plan you choose, track your progress annually:
- Log in to GOV.UK Driver CPC training records at least once a year
- Check your DQC expiry date — printed on the card and on the GOV.UK record
- Keep your booking confirmations — proof of attendance if uploads are delayed
- Set a reminder for 6 months before DQC expiry to book any remaining hours
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on how to check your CPC training records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I split Driver CPC training however I want?
Under National Driver CPC, yes — you can mix 3.5-hour and 7-hour sessions in any combination across the 5-year cycle, on any days. Under International, sessions must be 7 hours and split days must be consecutive.
Do I have to take training every year?
No. The legal requirement is 35 hours within each 5-year cycle. You could do all 35 in year 5 — but that's risky if courses fill up or get cancelled. Most drivers spread training across the cycle.
Can I mix National and International courses?
You can — but be careful. International (7-hour) courses count toward both qualifications. National-only courses don't count toward International. If you might need International later, stick with 7-hour courses to keep options open.
What's the maximum I can do in one go?
You can do all 35 hours in one block if you want. Some drivers complete the full 35 hours over 5 consecutive 7-hour days — usually when fixing an expiry quickly.
Can I split a 7-hour session into two 3.5-hour sessions?
For National Driver CPC, yes — just book two separate 3.5-hour modules. For International, no — 7-hour sessions are required (and split days must be consecutive).
Does e-learning count toward my split training?
Yes — up to 12 hours of approved e-learning counts within your 35-hour total. The remaining 23 hours must be live, instructor-led training.
Build your 5-year split training plan
3.5-hour evenings, 7-hour Saturdays — fit Driver CPC around real life. From £16.99 per session.
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