DCPC Update: New ‘return to driving’ courses now available

New reforms to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) came into effect in the UK today (February 1, 2025), following their approval by Parliament in October 2024.
A key change allows professional drivers whose CPC qualification expired between 60 days and two years ago to return to work by completing a seven-hour return-to-driving course. The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said this provides a faster route back into the industry, helping address driver shortages reported by some operators.
Once drivers complete this short course, they will regain National Driver CPC status.
However, they must complete an additional 28 hours of training within the next 12 months to receive a Driver CPC card with the remaining four years of validity.
Updated guidance on Driver CPC is now available on GOV.UK.
The return-to-driving courses can be booked alongside existing Driver CPC training programmes.