How Much Is Driver CPC Training? The Real Ireland Cost

The Cost for Existing Drivers: Periodic Training

If you already have your CPC card, you are in the "Periodic Training" category. This is the type of training that is mostly common in Ireland. The training should be 35 hours within five years.

The standard price in Dublin is €65.00 per day.

At Ireland T&T Limited in Dublin, we charge exactly this amount. There are no hidden booking fees or surprise taxes on arrival. You pay €65, sit the course, and we upload your certification to the RSA portal.

The 5-Year Cycle Calculation

Since you need five modules to stay compliant, here is what your total investment looks like over five years:

• Module 1: €65.00
• Module 2: €65.00
• Module 3: €65.00
• Module 4: €65.00
• Module 5: €65.00
• Total 5-Year Cost: €325.00

This is a small price to pay to keep your professional license valid. Compare this to the cost of a single tank of diesel, and it is quite reasonable.

The Cost for New Drivers: Initial CPC

If you are new to truck or bus driving, the question how much is driver cpc training has a more complex answer. You cannot just sit a class. You must pass four distinct tests. These fees are paid directly to the RSA and Prometric, not to a training school.

Here is the exact breakdown of government fees you must pay to get your first card.

Initial CPC Government Fees 

Note: This table covers test fees only. It does not include the cost of renting a truck or bus for the exam.

The Walkaround Test is often forgotten by new drivers. This costs €32.00 and tests your ability to check the vehicle safety features before driving. You must budget for this.

Why Do Training Prices Vary?

You might see some schools charging €60 and others charging €80. Why is there a difference when asking how much is driver cpc training?

Online vs. Classroom

Since the pandemic, online training via Zoom has become popular. Sometimes online courses are slightly cheaper because the school has fewer overheads. Nonetheless, lots of drivers favor the classroom. The concentration is easier and you can not be afraid of your internet connection broken.

Weekend vs. Weekday

Some providers charge extra for weekend courses. At Ireland T&T, we know you work during the week. We run courses on Sundays at our Dublin 12 venue without charging a "weekend premium." This helps you save your annual leave days.

The Hidden Costs You Might Ignore

When calculating how much is driver cpc training, you must look beyond the course fee. There are "hidden" expenses that drain your wallet if you aren't careful.

1. Loss of Earnings

If you are a self-employed driver, taking a Tuesday off to sit a course costs you a day's pay. If you earn €150 a day, that €65 course actually cost you €215.

The Fix: Book a Sunday course. You don't lose a working day.

2. Travel and Parking

Driving into Dublin City Centre for a course? You might pay €20 just for parking.

The Fix: Choose a venue like ours in Parkmore Industrial Estate. We have free parking right outside.

3. The Cost of Failing

This is one of the largest ones among the non-native speakers. In case you fail your theory test due to failure to comprehend the English questions, you have to repay another €72 .

Use a provider that supports your language. We specialize in training for Polish, Romanian, Russian, and Portuguese speakers. Passing first time saves you money.

3. The Cost of Vehicle Hire for the Test

New drivers often ask how much is driver cpc training, but they forget one massive expense: the truck or bus itself.

To test your practical driving (Step 3) you cannot simply present yourself in your family car. It must be a vehicle to certain RSA standards (e.g. a rigid truck or a bus with certain weight requirements).

The Problem: Most people don't own a truck. The Cost: You will likely need to hire a vehicle from a driving school.

Most schools offer a package that includes a few lessons and the vehicle hire for the test day.

• Lesson Price: Approx. €150 for a two-hour lesson.
• Test Day Hire: Approx. €200 - €250.

If you need 10 hours of lessons plus the truck hire for the test, this part of the process could cost you over €1,000. This is separate from the fees paid to the RSA. When budgeting for how much is driver cpc training, always add this "hardware" cost to your list.

4. The Cost of Non-Compliance (Fines)

Is it worth skipping a year to save €65? Absolutely not. The financial risks of ignoring your training are huge.

If you drive professionally without a valid card, you are breaking the law. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are very strict about this.

• The Fine: You can face a fine of up to €2,000 for driving without a valid CPC card.
• Insurance Risk: If you have an accident while your CPC is expired, your insurance company may refuse to pay out. This could cost you millions in personal liability.
• Penalty Points: You may also receive penalty points on your licence, which drives up your future insurance premiums.

You can estimate the cost of a possible fines of the amount of 2,000 euro against the price of a module of 65 euro, the decision becomes clear. The most inexpensive one is to remain lawful.

5. Who Pays? Employers vs. Drivers

The most frequent response we have been hearing is: Does my boss have to pay this?

There is no legal law saying your employer must pay for your periodic training. However, many good transport companies do cover the cost to keep their drivers legal.

• If you are employed: Ask your manager. Many companies have accounts with us at Ireland T&T to book drivers in bulk.
• If you are self-employed: You must pay for it yourself. The good news is that driver cpc training costs are tax-deductible as a business expense. Keep your receipt from us and give it to your accountant.

6. How to Save Money on Training

You can't avoid the cost, but you can be smart about it. Here is how to get the best value when asking how much is driver cpc training.

• Pass First Time: We cannot stress this enough. If you fail a theory test, you pay twice. If you struggle with English, do not guess. Ireland T&T offers training support in Polish, Russian, Romanian, and other languages. Understanding the material means you pass on the first attempt, saving you repeat fees.
• Location Matters: Dublin parking is expensive. Our center in Dublin 12 (Parkmore Industrial Estate) has free parking. Coming to the city would be an extra cost of €25 in parking costs. Why pay that?
• Don’t Wait till the Last Minute: Booking a slot too late, within a week till the deadline, you may have the opportunity to either get to an even more expensive slot or drive further. Early booking is a surety of the regular price of €65.

FAQs

Q: Is Driver CPC training tax deductible in Ireland? 

A: Yes, if you are a self-employed driver, the cost is fully tax-deductible as a business expense. If you are an employee, your company can pay without benefit-in-kind tax.

Q: What is the fine for no CPC card? 

A: You can face a Class A fine of up to €2,000 for driving a truck or bus professionally without a valid Driver CPC card. You may also get penalty points.

Q: Do I have to pay for the CPC card itself? 

A: For new drivers, the first card is free after passing tests. For periodic training, the renewal card fee is usually included in your licence renewal or costs a small fee if replaced.

Q: Can I pay for the course in installments? 

A: Most training providers, including Ireland T&T, require payment upon booking to secure your seat. The fee is small (€65), so installments are rarely offered for single days.

Q: Does my employer have to pay for my training? 

A: No law forces employers to pay, but many decent employers do cover the cost. It is worth asking your manager before you book your own slot.

Conclusion: 

So, how much is driver cpc training really? For most of you reading this, it is simply €65 a year.

Think of it as an investment in your career. That small fee keeps you legal, insured, and employable. For new drivers, the road is more expensive, costing upwards of €1,500 once lessons and tests are combined, but it opens the door to a stable career in transport.

Don't let fines eat your wages. Book your module with Ireland T&T Limited today. We make it easy, affordable, and we speak your language.