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Driver CPC Courses

Driver CPC Information

What is Driver CPC?

Driver CPC is a Certificate in Professional Competence for professional bus and truck drivers. Its purpose is to set and maintain high standards of safety and driving among drivers of trucks and buses.

Driver CPC will be introduced in Ireland on the 31st Decmber 2009 for bus drivers, and the 10th September 2010 for truck drivers. From these dates on, professional drivers will need to take part in continuous training.

How does Driver CPC affect existing drivers (Holders of C/D licenses)?

If you have a full licence for a truck or bus before Driver CPC comes into force on the 31st September 2008 for buses and the 10th September 2010 for trucks, you will automatically get your Driver CPC without having to take more tests.

In order to drive a vehicle under the above categories and keep your Driver CPC, you must do 35 hours of periodic training (seven hours per year) over the next five years. When you complete all your periodic training within the five years you will be issued with a driver CPC card from the RSA showing your photograph and signature

How does Driver CPC affect new drivers?

If you want to become a professional bus driver after the 31st Decembermber 2009 or a professional truck driver after the 10th September 2010 you will have to do a Driver CPC examination. The examination includes:

  • A two hour multiple choice theory test,
  • A two hour case study theory test,
  • A 90 minute driving test, and
  • A 30 minute practical test. (Covering the candidate’s knowledge of safety, a practical demonstration of the candidate’s knowledge of the vehicle and its components and their knowledge of documentation required to drive professionally.)

Once you have completed and passed the four parts of the Driver CPC exam you can apply for a driving licence and Driver CPC card in that category. You will then have to do 35 hours of periodic training (seven hours per year) over the next five years to keep your Driver CPC.

Should you fail any part of the test you will have to re-sit that part of the test again.

What is Periodic Training?

Periodic training is training you need to do every year to keep your Driver CPC.

All professional drivers must do at least 35 hours training every five years and do at least seven hours a year to keep their Driver CPC. The training is in seven hour blocks which you must do in one day.

The training covers areas such as road safety, environmental driving and issues involving the health and well being of professional drivers. It does not involve a driving test or assessment.

Periodic training will help you improve your knowledge and skills to make sure that you are a driver of the highest professional standard. It will also help you to keep up to date with the changes in the industry and to benefit from training throughout your professional career.

When do I NOT need Driver CPC?

If you drive any of the vehicles listed below, you do not need Driver CPC. These are:

  • vehicles not allowed go more than 45 kilometres per hour;
  • vehicles used or controlled by the Defence Forces, Civil Defence, the Fire Service and forces responsible for maintaining public order;
  • vehicles undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance, or new or rebuilt vehicles which have not been put into service;
  • vehicles used in states of emergency or for rescue missions;
  • vehicles used for driving lessons for anyone who wants to get a driving licence or a CPC;
  • vehicles used for carrying passengers or goods for personal use and not for business;
  • vehicles carrying materials or equipment that the driver uses as part of their work, as long as driving the vehicle is not the driver’s main activity.

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