Consultation on Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) Changes

The Department for Transport and conducting a consultation process on proposed alterations to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC). They are seeking views on the proposed reforms as to how drivers renew and evidence their DCPC and how exceptional circumstances could be dealt with. The proposed changes aim to help make it more affordable and more efficient for drivers to renew their qualifications or return to the industry and include offering more flexibility with e-learning and a shorter ‘new periodic test’ delivered by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

If these changes are implemented, they will create 2 parallel qualifications:

• a national DCPC (N-DCPC) – the subject of this consultation
• an international DCPC (I-DCPC) – the existing TCA-compliant regime

The N-DCPC will only apply to drivers completing journeys within Great Britain, and Northern Ireland (if authorities there agree, as DCPC is a devolved matter). Drivers wishing to drive to, from or within the EU will still need to comply with the existing requirements due to arrangements within the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), as well as other relevant UK international obligations.

The consultation can be accessed at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/83TVES/

Comments can also be made via: DCPC.Review@dft.gov.uk

This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 27 April 2023