Certain motorists face new tests from February 2025 (Image: Getty)
Thousands of motorists face new checks under a new rule which has been introduced by the from the start of February.
, HGV, bus and coach drivers called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
The certificate is in place to and ensures road users are up-to-date with the latest practices and requirements.
The Government consulted on changes to the CPC back in 2023 with changes coming into effect in 2024 and 2025.
From February, updates are being made on how road users can return to professional driving after some time away.
New HGV rules will widen testing options for motorists (Image: Getty)
Last year, there were approximately 300,000 heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers registered in the UK meaning many could be impacted.
: “At the moment, if your Driver CPC has expired and you want to return to driving, you always need to take 35 hours of training before you’re allowed to start driving again.
“This will change from 1 February 2025.
“From 1 February 2025, if your International or National Driver CPC has been expired between 60 days and 2 years, you will have 4 options.”
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The first option open to motorists is the current process that’s previously been available to individuals wishing to come back.
This requires 35 hours of International Driver CPC training to be allied back on the roads in both Europe and the UK.
However, motorists who only wish to drive in the UK will only be required to undergo 35 hours of National Driver CPC training.
Alternatively, individuals can split up their learning and take a new 7-hour ‘return to driving’ training module.
They can get back on UK roads and top this up later with a 28-hour International Driver CPC and 12 months ‘return to driving’ module to complete the training.
However, the DVSA adds: “The changes in 2025 will not affect what you need to do if your International or National Driver CPC expired more than 2 years ago.”
This means individuals will have to take 35 hours of International Driver CPC training before you can drive in the UK and EU.
Those only looking to drive in the UK will still have to undertake 35 hours of National Driver CPC (or a combination of 35 hours of National and International CPC training) before getting back on the roads.