Beginning February 1, 2025, the UK will implement new driving laws affecting thousands of motorists, including significant changes to professional driving qualifications and traffic regulations. These updates, mandated by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), aim to maintain high driving standards and adapt to the needs of returning drivers.
One of the most notable changes involves the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), with which heavy goods vehicle (HGV), bus, and coach drivers must comply. Established to uphold driving standards, the CPC has undergone thorough consultations, leading to updates initially proposed back in 2023. Now, as part of the efforts to modernize regulations, changes will be enacted effective February 2025.
Historically, if drivers needed to regain their CPC after it expired, they were required to complete 35 hours of training. According to the DVSA, "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 this date forward, those whose International or National CPC has lapsed between 60 days and two years will have multiple options available to regain their qualifications.
Drivers opting to return to driving will still find the existing training models available. They may choose to complete the familiar 35-hour International Driver CPC training course to return to driving across Europe, or for those interested solely in UK driving, 35 hours of National Driver CPC training will suffice. Alternatively, the DVSA introduces a more flexible approach: individuals can select to undertake a 7-hour 'return to driving' training module first, followed by time to complete their necessary training. This option allows them to gradually return to the roads, topping it up with the requisite 28-hour International Driver CPC training and 12-months of additional 'return to driving' module when ready.
Yet, as DVSA advises, this newfound flexibility will not apply to those whose International or National Driver CPC has been expired for more than two years. Such individuals will still be mandated to undertake the full 35-hour CPC training before they may legally operate vehicles within the UK and EU realms.
Driving law changes extend beyond the CPC adjustments. February is also pivotal for various traffic regulations and licensing discussions. The Department for Transport (DfT) is poised to announce possible extensions, particularly concerning Ukrainian drivers mingled within British streets. Presently, Ukrainian driving licence holders can use their GB photocard, and potential revisions could increase this allowance to 54 weeks. An announcement confirming the new policy is anticipated shortly.
Meanwhile, another pressing consideration is the 'Zero Emissions Vehicle' (ZEV) mandate initiatives, with consultations closing this month. UK blazes forward with aspirations to eliminate the sales of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. Key stakeholders are projected to discuss how best to fulfill this goal, with the current framework requiring manufacturers to produce at least 28% of their vehicles as electric.
On the enforcement side, the UK government extends the Road Traffic Offender Act 1988, bringing on 13 new fixed penalty driving offences. This expansion includes unusual offences like operating vehicles without lights during dark hours and failing to stop for school crossing patrols. The new protocols will be codified under the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme Regulations.
Across the Scottish border, driving law changes are shaking things up too. Following the pavement parking legislation update, Glasgow introduced fees for improper stopping, which began at the end of January. Motorists in the city find themselves at risk for increased penalties as they acclimate to the new rules. It remains to be seen how drivers will navigate these newfound challenges, especially considering many may remain oblivious to the tight regulations launching this month.
Further tightening the existing parking frameworks, the British Parking Association has initiated the Private Parking Scrutiny and Advice Panel. This governance aims to revise the code of practice protecting genuine motorists who might struggle to pay parking tickets on time. The urgency of this reform reflects the growing demand for fairness and flexibility among drivers facing steep fees.
Overall, these transformative changes beginning February 2025 encapsulate the UK government's commitment to road safety and adaptation to ever-evolving driving needs. Motorists should remain informed of these shifts to understand how such alterations may impact their driving habits and requirements moving forward.