The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have now published their new guidance for Driver CPC. The changes came into effect on 24 July 2020 following a consultation on changes to Driver CPC made earlier this year. The changes include:

• Exemptions from Driver CPC
• Periodic training
• Recognition of Swiss CPC

You can see the full list of changes and how you may be affected at GOV.UK. You must have Driver CPC if you driver a HGV, bus or coach as the main part of your job. Drivers must do 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to retain their Driver CPC. With fines of up to £1,000 for driving professionally without Driver CPC and penalties for the operator it is vital that commercial road transport operators of all sizes have a robust system for managing CPC and verifying their drivers’ CPC especially if they are using ah-hoc or agency drivers. Descartes SmartCompliance includes a module that enables operators to record and track their drivers’ CPC training. Whilst SmartLicence verifies drivers’ CPC automatically when driving licences are verified with the DVLA so you can be sure your drivers hold a valid Driver CPC entitlement.