At the recent RTITB Safety Summit, representatives from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) shared critical updates that will help shape the future of LGV/HGV driver training, Driver CPC training delivery, and safety on the roads.
In this blog, we’ve compiled 5 top takeaways from the session that companies and Instructors delivering training need to know.
1. Compliance at the roadside matters more than ever
Andrew Donald, Enforcement Policy Manager (Roadworthiness & Technical) revealed DVSA’s latest compliance figures from roadside checks and annual tests. He shared that 86% of fleets are found to be compliant, and 90% achieve compliance at the annual test. However, during random roadside checks, there are still 27% of vehicles that fail to meet compliance requirements.
These numbers tell two stories. On one hand, it is encouraging. Most transport operators are doing the right thing. On the other, nearly a third of roadside spot checks uncover non-compliance. These could often include serious safety risks. For companies training LGV/HGV drivers, this is a stark reminder that driver knowledge and vigilance are the first line of defence.
Correct daily walkaround checks, understanding vehicle technology, checking load security, and spotting defects, are all essential lifesaving habits that can be taught and reinforced during driver training. Yet, the reality for drivers is that they are under pressure to meet deadlines and often cut corners. As training professionals and managers in the road transport industry, the challenge is to make these checks second nature, not an afterthought. And to make sure drivers feel empowered to speak up if they spot something that isn’t right.
2. Risks and safety culture drive the roadmap to change
Andrew also shared some of the key risks faced today, and the importance of an organisation’s safety culture, including empowering people (specifically drivers) from within.
- Emissions testing (PN)
Previously a vehicle’s emissions might be tested at an MOT station using a smoke metre inserted into a tailpipe. Today, this is carried out using software through the vehicle’s management system. This can be convenient, but it is possible to manipulate the results. This is something DVSA is working hard to stay ahead of.
DVSA is planning to introduce Particulate Number (PN) testing for diesel vehicles as part of the MOT to replace the current smoke opacity test. This new test measures the number of particles to more accurately check if a vehicle’s diesel particulate filter (DPF) is working correctly, is damaged, or has been removed. DVSA is currently conducting trials to work through practical considerations before a potential rollout.
- ADAS, alternative fuels and vehicle data
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have their place in supporting driver safety and convenience. They can help to alert the driver to hazards, and even assist with parking and braking, for example. Plus, with on-board diagnostics, DVSA has the capabilities to conduct checks and issue fines remotely where required.
However, the important thing to remember is that these systems are no replacement for training. This is where safety culture comes in. For instance, if a driver is trained to use a particular vehicle and then given a different model to drive day to day, they should be given familiarisation training. And even more importantly, they should be empowered to say “No. I am not comfortable driving this on the road without further training.”
- GTMR – Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness
Last updated in April 2025, the GTMR outlines best practice, but it should also be considered the base level of compliance. Any investigation into an incident would ask the transport manager what has been done on top of what is outlined in the GTMR to help prevent an incident. What additional training was offered? How often is training revisited? Are checks carried out? Is a risk assessment carried out regularly? These are some of the questions asked in an incident investigation.
Download the GTMR to ensure it is embedded in safety culture within your transport operations.
- Automated and Electric Vehicles
Although automated vehicles on the roads will begin with cars, likely taxis in London, autonomous HGVs/LGVs are a very real possibility for the future. This is something for everyone to be prepared for. DVSA is working hard to keep demand high for vocational driver training and testing.
At the same time, as a greater number of electric vehicles join the roads, DVSA will be clarifying requirements for transport operators using electric vans and light goods vehicles. And clamping down on driver and vehicle checks.
Training must prepare drivers for vehicles that think differently, systems that require new skills, and sustainability targets that demand precision. It means that future-ready training with modules that cover ADAS, EV safety, and emissions compliance will be needed to help continue to protect lives and livelihoods.
3. Driver CPC reforms add more flexibility
At the RTITB Safety Summit, Chaz Wright, Stakeholder Correspondence Manager (National Standards & Accreditation) for DVSA delivered a session outlining the exciting changes to Driver CPC Periodic Training that have taken effect within the past year.
These updates are designed to help address driver shortages and keep trained LGV/HGV drivers on the road, without diluting safety.
- International and National Driver CPC – what’s the difference?
There are now two different Driver CPC options. International Driver CPC is valid for driving both within the UK and abroad (such as in the EU). However, National Driver CPC is valid only for driving within the UK.
Additionally, the National CPC offers more flexibility in training, allowing for shorter 3.5-hour modules and up to 12 hours of eLearning, whereas the International CPC requires a minimum of 7-hour modules. Offering this training enables drivers who will only be working within the UK to meet their training requirements faster, and lose less operational time.
Since December 2024, more than 800 National Driver CPC (UK only) courses have been delivered, compared to more than 2,000 International courses.
- What is the Driver CPC “Return to Driving” qualification?
The DVSA “Return to Driving” CPC qualification is a 7-hour training course for professional drivers whose Driver CPC expired between 60 days and two years ago. It allows them to return to professional driving immediately after completing the course, but they must then complete a further 28 hours of periodic training within the next 12 months to fully re-qualify.
The course focuses on updating drivers on essential safety and compliance topics and refreshes knowledge on key topics like road safety, driver’s hours, and safe loading. It is a much faster solution to getting trained drivers into work, meeting high demand. This effective solution recognises the value of existing professional driving skills, helping also to improve perceptions of Driver CPC. Since December 2024, 45 Return to Driving courses have been delivered.
- Driver CPC new eLearning options
Drivers can now complete 12 of every 35 hours via eLearning, offering flexibility for companies and drivers alike. As direct trainer interaction is not required, this frees up Instructor time. It also means less operational disruption, as drivers lose less working time to training across each cycle.
However, flexibility must never compromise quality standards. Online learning should still reinforce safety principles, and engage and develop drivers in meaningful ways.
For employers and training providers delivering courses to drivers, all of these Driver CPC reforms mean there are new opportunities to expand the skilled workforce on the road, while keeping safety at the core.
4. ADR training is raising the bar
Alongside Driver CPC, ADR training (which concerns the carriage of dangerous goods) is also evolving. These changes include:
- Invigilation updates to change some of those previous made in 2024/25 in line with feedback.
- Changes to the way authorised associations (or consortiums) work
- Reasonable adjustments included in training and assessment
- New Gov.UK content offers ways for drivers to access DGSAs that didn’t exist previously
- Amendments to the structure of the ways fees are paid
There is also a new audit provider for both Driver CPC and ADR that will look at centres, training, and examinations. Dangerous goods training is high-stakes. Mistakes can cost lives. So, audits will continue to be tough to maintain high safety standards.
5. Vocational testing and training updates
Ian Gainford, Vocational Policy Manager (Assistant Chief Driving Examiner) shared the scale of the current LGV/HGV vocational testing landscape. It was interesting to learn that 96,664 vocational tests were delivered in 2023/24, with 1,409 vocational trainers, 194 vocational examiners, and 42 vocational test centres. Although, there was only a 61% pass rate in 2023/24. This shows that there is room for improvement when it comes to driver success. And this is something where the right training has a direct impact.
Ian also shared key points from DVSA’s 2025–2030 strategy around training, instruction, testing, and assessment. including:
- Making the roads safer together
As an RTITB Driver CPC Consortium Member or RTITB Instructor, you know that training isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about saving lives, protecting reputations, reinforcing compliance, and ensuring every driver – new or experienced – leaves the training room ready to make the roads safer.
Need support with LGV/HGV driver training? Need help to stay ahead of regulatory changes? With access to high-quality, compliant training materials that inspire confidence for Instructors and candidates, companies can deliver courses that candidates value, and remember. Talk to our Driver CPC team.
Author: Laura Nelson, Managing Director, RTITB
Laura Nelson, has worked with RTITB, the leading workplace transport training accreditation body, for more than 20 years. She has been Managing Director for 8 years.
Laura champions the development of innovative training programs, training quality standards, and software. She aims to empower the transport, warehousing, and logistics industries to achieve safety excellence.
Her approach to leadership reflects her belief in the importance of the RTITB mission to save lives.
Laura is a qualified Transport Manager and ISO9001 Lead Auditor. She has also completed Cranfield University’s Business Growth Program.
Connect with Laura on LinkedIn