Drivers urged to 'complete your training' by September or risk huge £1,000 fine amid spike in demand

The Driver CPC was made compulsory 15 years ago for all professional lorry drivers and is now regarded as one of the most important road safety training schemes in the world.

Drivers are required to complete 35 hours of training every five years, with the DVSA seeing the volume of training required being three times higher in August and September 2019.

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This would suggest a similar, if not larger, spike in demand over the next two months as drivers and companies look to adhere to the safety rules.

In a blog post, Bob Hannigan, head of national standards and accreditation at the DVSA, urged motorists to get their training completed by a specific date.

He wrote: "Your commitment to the highest standards of training and continuous development helps to ensure that we have some of the safest roads in the world. Thanks for all you do – and remember to complete your training by 9 September."

Hannigan added that drivers should pick a course that's relevant to them and the type of driving they do, given the wide range of training courses on offer.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) also reminded drivers of the upcoming changes, ensuring they are prepared for the surge in demand.

It also encouraged operators to talk with their drivers to ensure all of their qualifications are up to date and they are safe to stay on the road.

The planned reforms for a periodic test to replace the required 35 hours of training have not yet been introduced, meaning drivers must do the training.

This will ensure that they have the correct level of training before their cards expire, with the DVLA and BVRLA urging motorists to check on the Government GOV.UK website.

It comes as the DVLA took to social media to call on professional drivers to use online services to check their motoring details in a quick and easy manner.

The agency posted: "Take a break, get yourself a cuppa and set up your Driver and vehicles account to see your CPC and tachograph details in one place. Finished before your coffee is cold!"

The Driver and vehicles account can help motorists renew their driving licences, check the status of their car tax and set up vehicle tax reminders.

Anyone can use the service as long as they have a driving licence issued in England, Scotland or Wales, and a vehicle V5C log book in their name.

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Motorists can be slapped with a £1,000 fine or driving professionally without Driver CPC, with GOV.UK highlighting how there is a different process if they live in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland's Government Services website outlines how changes to Driver CPC will be made in 2024 and 2025, although the dates have not yet been confirmed.

The new International Driver CPC will still require people to take 35 hours of training every five years to be allowed to drive in the UK and European Union.