Stay Compliant in 2025: DVSA Updates, Tachograph Rules & Truck Shows

2025 is shaping up to be one of the busiest years for compliance changes in recent memory. Between overhauled Driver CPC rules, tightened tachograph requirements, new brake testing standards, and a packed schedule of industry events, there's a lot for haulage company owners, transport managers, and drivers to keep on top of. Whether you're running a single truck or managing a large fleet, getting across these updates now — before an enforcement visit catches you out — is time well spent.

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Driver CPC: Two Pathways, One Big Change

The biggest regulatory shift to land in early 2025 is the restructuring of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence. As of February 2025, there are now two distinct CPC routes, and making sure your drivers are on the right one matters.

National Driver CPC

For drivers who operate domestically only — no cross-border work — the National Driver CPC brings some genuinely welcome flexibility. Training can now be completed in 3.5-hour modules rather than the traditional full 7-hour blocks. On top of that, split courses no longer need to be completed on consecutive days, which makes it far easier to fit training around busy schedules and seasonal peaks.

This is good news for smaller operators who've always struggled to pull drivers off the road for a full day's training.

International Driver CPC

If your drivers are crossing borders, nothing has changed on the flexibility front. The International Driver CPC remains aligned with EU standards, requiring the full 35 hours of periodic training every five years, completed in 7-hour sessions. This applies to anyone operating into Europe or beyond, so don't assume the new flexible approach applies across the board.

If you're not certain which of your drivers needs which qualification, now is a good time to audit your fleet's routes and make sure your records reflect the correct CPC pathway for each driver.

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Tachograph Rules: More Data, More Responsibility

For international operators, 2025 has brought some of the most significant tachograph changes in years. There are three key updates to be aware of.

56-Day Roadside Records Requirement

From 21 April 2025, drivers must be able to produce 56 days of tachograph records at the roadside when requested by enforcement officers. That's double the previous 28-day requirement. This applies to international journeys, and it's a significant shift — both for what drivers carry and for how operators store and manage records.

Make sure your drivers understand this requirement and that your back-office systems can generate and store the right volume of data quickly.

AETR Regulations for Non-EU Journeys

Also effective from 21 April 2025, operators running vehicles to non-EU countries must now work under AETR regulations. If your business involves journeys to countries like Turkey, Belarus, or other non-EU destinations, check whether your current operating procedures are aligned.

Smart Tachograph 2 Retrofit Deadline

Any vehicle still fitted with a Smart Tachograph 1 unit must be retrofitted with Smart Tachograph 2 by 18 August 2025 to continue international operations. That deadline will come around quickly — if you haven't already arranged this, book it in now. Retrofitting across a fleet takes time, and workshops are likely to get busy as the deadline approaches.

Tools like TruckCheck can help you track which vehicles in your fleet still need the upgrade and flag upcoming deadlines before they become a problem.

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Brake Testing: New Minimum Standards from April

From 1 April 2025, DVSA requires HGVs to undergo at least four laden roller brake tests per year. Crucially, these tests must be carried out with the vehicle loaded to at least 65% of its design axle weight. Testing an empty or lightly loaded vehicle no longer cuts it — the requirement is specifically designed to test braking efficiency under realistic operating conditions.

This aligns with the kind of rigour expected under the DVSA Earned Recognition audit standards, which set out clear expectations for how operators should maintain and document vehicle safety checks. If you're working towards Earned Recognition — or simply want to demonstrate a strong safety culture to DVSA — having a documented schedule of laden brake tests throughout the year is exactly the sort of evidence that builds your case.

For fleet managers, the practical implication is simple: four tests per vehicle per year, properly scheduled, properly documented, and carried out at the right load. Build it into your maintenance calendar now.

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The Workforce Picture and Keeping Skills Fresh

The acute driver shortage that dominated headlines in 2021 has eased, but the industry is sitting on a slow-burning challenge. Around 55% of UK HGV drivers are currently aged between 50 and 65, with an average age of 51. That's a significant portion of the workforce heading towards retirement within the next decade.

The government has extended its HGV Skills Bootcamps until February 2026, which continues to offer a funded route into the industry for new entrants. If you're hiring, or looking to grow your pool of qualified drivers, it's worth pointing potential recruits towards this scheme. For fleet managers, it's also a timely reminder to think about succession — who in your organisation has the experience to step up, and what training investment might make that possible?

TruckCheck users often use the platform to keep a clear view of driver qualification expiry dates, which makes conversations about upcoming renewals and training needs much easier to manage proactively.

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2025 Truck Shows: Get the Dates In Your Diary

It's not all compliance deadlines. The trucking community has a strong calendar of events this year, and they're well worth attending — whether you're looking for new kit, industry insight, or just a good day out with fellow operators.

• Commercial Vehicle Show, NEC Birmingham — 29 April to 1 May 2025. The UK's flagship industry event. This year's theme is "Destination Net Zero," with an expanded EV Zone and seminars on the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate and decarbonisation. Essential viewing if you're thinking about your fleet's future.

• Truckfest Lincoln — 4–5 May 2025, and Truckfest Scotland — 1–2 August 2025. Part of the UK's largest truck show series, with nine events nationwide, over 3,000 truck entries, and a brilliant atmosphere. Great for drivers and operators alike.

• Convoy Cymru, Pembrey — 20–21 June 2025. Combines British Truck Racing Championship action with show trucks and family events. One of the more unique weekends on the calendar.

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Keeping pace with 2025's regulatory changes isn't optional — DVSA enforcement is active, and the consequences of falling behind on tachograph records, brake testing, or CPC compliance can be serious. The good news is that with the right systems in place, staying on top of it all is entirely manageable.

Try TruckCheck free or get in touch to see how it works.