New edition of the Official DVSA Guide for bus & coach drivers
16 January 2026
A new edition of The Official DVSA Guide to Driving Buses and Coaches has been released by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
This updated guide is designed to support:
-
Learner bus and coach drivers
-
Qualified drivers
-
Instructors and transport managers
But what does this mean in practice for operators and professional drivers?
The latest edition reflects:
-
Up-to-date practical driving guidance
-
Current regulatory requirements
-
Changes and clarification around the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)
-
The national standard for driving buses and coaches
-
New case studies to support real-world learning
For anyone preparing for Category D entitlement, maintaining CPC compliance, or delivering in-house driver training, this publication aligns closely with the standards expected during assessments and ongoing professional development.
Key updates drivers should be aware of
Emergency response guidance
The guide now includes clearer advice on responding effectively in emergency situations, including:
-
First aid awareness
-
Defibrillator (AED) awareness
-
Professional decision-making under pressure
Driver CPC clarification
There is also clearer guidance on the Driver CPC qualification, particularly the distinction between:
-
National Driver CPC
-
International Driver CPC
This is important for operators whose drivers work across borders or may in future.
Understanding the difference can prevent compliance issues and ensure drivers are completing the correct training hours.
Where to get the guide
The new edition is available to order from Safe Driving for Life, the official publisher of DVSA learning materials.
At Back Academy, our training programmes are aligned with current DVSA guidance and the national driving standards.
If you would like to book upcoming Transport Manager refresher courses, discuss tailored in-house training, or review your current compliance position, contact the Back Academy team today.
