Quick Takeaway

2025 saw the introduction of National and International CPC qualifications for professional HGV drivers. While international CPC remains mainly unchanged, National CPC gives more flexibility of learning, shorter courses, and targeted learning content. The new module ‘Return to Driving’ allows a driver to return to work after 7 hours of training if their CPC is lapsed for under 2 years.

Table of Contents

At the start of 2025, some apparently minor but crucial changes took place to CPC regulations in the UK. The intent behind these changes was to make it easier for drivers to manage their ongoing CPC learning requirements, to focus their learning on what’s relevant to their work, and to ease the process to regain a CPC qualification should it lapse. 

As we come to the end of 2025, we’re going to take a look at these changes, breaking them down to understand how they affect active and future drivers. We want you all to be ready in 2026 to make your ongoing CPC training work for you. 

What is the CPC qualification?

For those just getting started in the world of HGV driving, let’s cover the basics. CPC stands for Certificate of Professional Competence, and it’s a legal requirement for anyone driving HGVs professionally in the UK and across Europe. 

Getting your initial CPC is part of passing your HGV test, but it’s important to know that it is an ongoing process. To keep your qualification valid, you need to complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years. This is known as periodic CPC, and it’s about keeping your skills sharp, staying current with regulations, and ultimately keeping you and everyone else on the road safe.

Until recently, there was essentially one type of CPC that covered you for driving both in the UK and internationally. The 2025 changes have split this into two distinct qualifications, giving drivers more choice about what suits their career path.

2025 Regulation Changes

Why the change? The government recognized that not all HGV drivers do the same job. A driver hauling goods from Manchester to Birmingham has different needs to one regularly crossing the Channel to the continent. The old system treated everyone the same, which meant drivers often sat through training on international regulations they’d never use, or vice versa.

The National CPC was designed specifically for drivers who stay within the UK. It’s more flexible, with shorter course options and content that’s directly relevant to UK roads and regulations. The International CPC maintains the broader scope needed for those crossing borders, covering EU regulations and international best practices.

Perhaps most significantly, we saw the introduction of the ‘Return to Driving’ module. This is a practical and helpful way to get back into the profession without facing an uphill battle.

National CPC Factfile

The National CPC has been designed with flexibility in mind. Here’s what you need to know:

Who it’s for: Drivers operating exclusively within the UK (so Great Britain and Northern Ireland).

Training requirements: You still need 35 hours of training every five years, but you can now take courses as short as 3.5 hours, compared to the traditional 7 hour sessions. This makes it much easier to fit training around your work schedule without losing entire days.

Content focus: The training syllabus is specifically tailored to UK regulations, road conditions, and industry requirements. 

Flexibility: The shorter course options mean you can pick and choose topics more relevant to your work routine. For example, urban driving or load security. 

Validity: Your National CPC is valid for driving in the UK only. If your work pattern changes and you start international routes, you’ll need to switch to International CPC.

International CPC Factfile

The International CPC is the evolution of the traditional CPC qualification, maintaining its broad scope for drivers who cross borders.

Who it’s for: Drivers who operate internationally, including those making regular trips to Europe or who want to keep their options open for international work.

Training requirements: The standard 35 hours over five years remains, with courses typically running at 7 hours per session (Some 3.5 hour options may be available but must run on consecutive days to total 7 hours)

Content focus: Courses cover both UK and EU regulations, international transport conventions, cross-border procedures, and the challenges of driving across different countries and road systems. For example international documentation and EU driver hours.

Recognition: Valid for driving professionally throughout the UK and EU member states, giving you maximum flexibility in your career.

Consistency: If you’re used to the periodic CPC process, you likely won’t experience much difference. 

National / International CPC Comparison

Feature National CPC International CPC
Geographic Validity UK only UK and EU
Minimum Course Length 3.5 hours 7 hours
Training Hours Required 35 hours per 5 years (12 can be online) 35 hours per 5 years (12 can be online)
Content Focus UK specific regulations UK and EU regulations
Learning Flexibility High, with shorter, targeted courses More limited in course options
Working Flexibility Limited to UK jobs Maximum choice of job roles
Best For Domestic drivers International drivers

There’s still flexibility in this system, so you can switch between the two if your career takes you in a different direction. For example, if you want to upgrade your National periodic CPC to be International, you’ll need to complete all 35 hours of internationally qualified course content. Any national only content that you have completed will cease to be relevant.

Return to Driving Module

This is a really exciting driver friendly change to come out of 2025. The Return to Driving module offers practical support to domestic drivers experiencing a range of life circumstances. 

If your CPC has lapsed for less than two years, you can complete a condensed 7 hour ‘Return to Driving’ course instead of starting the full 35-hour cycle from scratch. Complete this module, and you’ll be back behind the wheel legally while you work through your remaining training hours over the following year. This applies only to the National CPC. International CPC requires full completion of 35 hours of relevant training.

The Return to Driving module is incredibly helpful for drivers who’ve taken time out for family reasons, health issues, or career breaks. Previously, if your CPC lapsed you were effectively locked out of work until you’d completed a full 35 hours of training, which meant no income while you retrained. 

Remember that beyond the 2 year period, you’ll need to complete the full 35 hours of CPC training to receive your CPC card. So if you’re on a break and considering a return, don’t leave it too long!

CPC training checklist

We’ve condensed our training processes into one easy checklist to help you manage your CPC training.

  • Work out which CPC you need: If you’re purely domestic and have no plans to change, National CPC is your best bet. If there’s any chance of international work, or you just want to keep your options open, International CPC is safer.
  • Plan your training schedule: With National CPC’s shorter courses, you can spread your training more gradually. Call us at Easy as HGV to never miss a course!
  • Track your hours carefully: You can check your CPC status online through the DVSA, but your training provider can manage this too. 
  • Choose relevant courses: Focus on areas that actually matter to your work, like fuel-efficient driving, load security, or dealing with vulnerable road users.
  • Consider ‘Return to Driving’ if applicable: If you’re planning to take or have taken an extended break, keep that two year deadline in mind for a speedy return.

At Easy as HGV, we’re here to make all of this,  as our name suggests, easy! We offer the range of options that will keep things accessible and practical for you. Call us now to get started.

FAQs

How much will CPC training cost in 2026?

CPC training costs vary depending on the training provider, location, and course length. The will range between £50 – £150 depending on course length and location. At Easy as HGV, we offer competitive rates designed for individual circumstances. Give us a call to discuss your specific training needs.  

Do I still need CPC if I only drive occasionally?

Yes, if you’re driving an HGV professionally, however often, you need a valid CPC. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving once a week or every day; the law treats all professional HGV driving the same way. 

Where can I check when my CPC runs out?

You can check your CPC expiry date online through the DVSA’s driver CPC service. We can also manage your training load for you at Easy as HGV.