CAP Training 2026: virtual classroom, no biometrics and new content for professional drivers

Key data

The rules for the Certificate of Professional Competence (CAP) change immediately. The Royal Decree 487/2026, published on 18 June 2026, modifies the Royal Decree 284/2021 and introduces four specific changes that affect how professional road transport drivers are trained, monitored and examined.

It is not a minor reform: it affects the teaching method, the attendance monitoring system, anti-fraud measures in exams and the training content itself. Any transport company with drivers in the process of obtaining or renewing their CAP must check whether their training center has already adapted.

What does this regulation establish?

RD 487/2026 introduces four specific modifications to the previous framework (RD 284/2021). The following table summarizes the changes:

The change in attendance monitoring responds to the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): biometrics is especially sensitive data and its mandatory use raised legal issues. Replacement with signature sheets or other equivalent mechanisms simplifies management for centers.

Economic and operational impact

The changes have direct consequences on costs and operations for two types of organizations:

For CAP training centers:

• They must adapt their technological infrastructure to offer virtual classroom, which may involve investment in approved teletraining platforms.
• They eliminate the cost and administrative burden associated with biometric systems (hardware, maintenance, sensitive data management).
• They must review and update their training programs to reflect the new content of Annex I in accordance with EU Directive 2022/2561.
• They must implement exam room control protocols to detect and prohibit unauthorized intercommunication devices.

For transport companies:

• The possibility of virtual classroom can reduce travel costs and unproductive hours for drivers during continuous training.
• They must verify that the centers where they train their drivers have already updated their programs to the new Annex I; otherwise, the training may not be valid.
• The prohibition on devices in exams strengthens the validity of the CAP obtained, reducing the risk of fraud that could compromise the qualification of their drivers.

Who does it affect?

• Professional drivers who are obtaining initial CAP qualification or renewing continuous training.
• CAP training centers authorized to provide initial qualification and continuous training for drivers.
• Road transport companies that employ drivers who need CAP (goods and passenger transport).
• HR and training managers in transport fleets who manage the planning and accreditation of driver training.
• Compliance departments of logistics operators and distribution companies with their own fleet.

Practical example

A goods transport company with 15 drivers has several of them with pending CAP continuous training renewal. Until now, all had to attend all sessions in person, and the training center recorded their attendance using fingerprints.

With RD 487/2026 in force from 18 June 2026, the center can offer part of the program in virtual classroom, allowing drivers to complete theoretical modules from home or from the company, without travel. However, practical and technical modules remain mandatory in-person. Attendance is no longer monitored with biometrics: a signature sheet or other equivalent mechanism is sufficient.

The company must confirm with its training center that the content taught is already updated in accordance with the new Annex I (aligned with EU Directive 2022/2561). If the center is still working with the previous program, the training may not be homologable.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify with the CAP training center that its programs are already updated in accordance with the new Annex I of RD 487/2026 (aligned with EU Directive 2022/2561). If not, find an alternative approved center.
2. Review the continuous training schedule for drivers: the possibility of virtual classroom may allow you to reorganize shifts and reduce travel costs.
3. Confirm that practical and technical modules remain in-person in the center's program. The regulation does not allow virtualizing this content.
4. Check that the center has eliminated biometric systems and replaced them with signature sheets or other mechanisms compliant with the GDPR. This affects the validity of the attendance record.
5. Inform drivers about the new anti-fraud protocols in CAP exams: possession of unauthorized intercommunication devices during the exam is expressly prohibited and may invalidate the result.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-13203