Driver CPC Training

Driver CPC is a Certificate in Professional Competence for professional bus and truck drivers. It was established to set and maintain high standards of road safety, health and safety and driving among professional drivers (those who drive for a living) of buses and trucks and to ensure that all professional drivers have good driving and safety standards and that those standards are maintained throughout the professional driver’s career. 

 


The Driver CPC Periodic Training refers to the 35 hours of training that professional bus/coach and truck drivers must complete every five years (seven hours / one day per year) to keep their Driver CPC valid. There is no ‘pass or fail’ element (e.g., a test) for the drivers.

 

What is Driver CPC ?

Driver CPC is a Certificate in Professional Competence for professional bus and truck drivers. The Driver CPC was established to set and maintain high standards of road safety, health and safety and driving among professional drivers (those who drive for a living) of buses and trucks and to ensure that all professional drivers have good driving and safety standards and that those standards are maintained throughout the professional driver’s career.

The Driver CPC Periodic Training refers to the 35 hours of training that professional bus/coach and truck drivers must complete every five years (seven hours / one day per year) to keep their Driver CPC valid. There is no ‘pass or fail’ element (e.g., a test) for the drivers.

Only Training Centres that have been approved by the RSA will be able to provide the Driver CPC Periodic Training. In addition, only training materials that have been approved by the RSA are to be used by Training Centres. Periodic Training has been organized to provide drivers with a mechanism for keeping up to date with ever changing regulations throughout their career. Please see the syllabus for the module titles.

MODULES - Subjects Covered:

MODULE 1     Control of the vehicle and Eco-driving

MODULE 2     Minimizing risks and managing

MODULE 3    Health and Safety of the professional driver

MODULE 4    Role of the professional driver in transport

MODULE 5    The Professional truck driver

MODULE 6    The Professional bus driver

 

Requirements:

  • Full Bus or Truck Drivers Licence
  • PPS number
  • Photo ID
  • Acquired rights

 

  1. ‘Acquired rights’ to Driver CPC

If you got your bus license on or before the 9 September 2008, or your truck license on or before 9 September 2009, you are automatically entitled to Driver CPC. This is called “acquired rights”. To keep your Driver CPC, you must do 35 hours of periodic training over the next five years. Whilst attendance at Periodic Training is compulsory on a one day per year basis, there is no exam or assessment required. As and from the 10th of September 2013 all professional bus drivers must carry a Driver CPC card and from the 10th of September 2014 all professional truck drivers must carry a Driver CPC card.

Please note that from the dates above, it is illegal to drive professionally without a Driver CPC card. There are penalties in place for non-compliance.

Obtaining a Driver CPC card

  • Option 1

If you have a Digital Tachograph card you can apply for your Driver CPC qualification card by giving the RSA permission to use the photograph and signature details that you previously submitted. To avail of this option you need to text the following three pieces of information to 51444 (low cost text)

  1. Driver Number this can be found at item 5 on the paper Driving Licence or item 4d on the new plastic card Driving Licence (space)
  2. Y which signifies Yes (space)
  3. Surname

e.g. 123456789 Y Smith (Please insert a space in between Driver Number Y Surname)

  • Option 2

You can also give your permission online by accessing the ‘MY CPC’ portal. You should first confirm that your contact details are correct.

  • Option 3

Complete a Driver CPC declaration and forward to the Driver CPC Unit with the following items:

  • A recent passport-sized photograph, please sign your name on the back
  • For EU Licences not issued in Ireland - A photocopy of your current driving licence, which includes your bus/truck licence category.

2. New (Novice) Truck or Bus  Driver CPC

If you want to become a professional bus driver after the 10th Sept 2008 or a professional truck driver after the 10th Sept 2009 you will have to obtain an Initial Driver CPC examination. The examination includes:

  • The new truck, the new bus or the new Combined Truck and Bus theory test as appropriate.  (This new test permits successful candidates to apply for their learner permit as well as counting as a Pass for CPC Step 1)
  • Two-hour case study theory test (Known as CPC Step 2)
  • The standard 90-minute driving test (Known as CPC Step 3)
  • 30-minute practical test (Known as CPC Step 4)

In addition, you must then maintain your Driver CPC by completing the periodic refresher training of at least 35 hours of training over each five year period.  If you are maintaining both a bus and a truck CPC you must complete 42hours training over each five year period. For more details please contact RSA.

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the purpose of the driver CPC course?

    The purpose of the CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) driver course is to ensure that professional drivers possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to perform their duties safely and effectively. It aims to enhance road safety, reduce the risk of accidents, and improve the standards of professional driving across various sectors. Through the CPC driver course, drivers gain insights into topics such as road regulations, vehicle maintenance, hazard awareness, and eco-friendly driving practices, equipping them with the competence and confidence to navigate diverse driving situations responsibly.

     

    The CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) driver modules are structured to be completed at a pace of one module per year, allowing drivers to gradually build upon their knowledge and skills over time. This approach ensures that drivers have ample opportunity to absorb and apply the information learned in each module, promoting a thorough understanding of key concepts and enhancing their competency as professional drivers.

     

    However, it's worth noting that drivers are not restricted to completing one module per year. They have the flexibility to complete all required modules within a shorter timeframe if they wish to do so. This means that drivers can choose to undertake multiple modules in a single year if they prefer a more intensive or accelerated learning schedule.

  2. What is the purpose of the driver CPC course?

    The purpose of the CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) driver course is to ensure
    that professional drivers possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to perform
    their duties safely and effectively. It aims to enhance road safety, reduce the risk of
    accidents, and improve the standards of professional driving across various sectors.
    Through the CPC driver course, drivers gain insights into topics such as road regulations,
    vehicle maintenance, hazard awareness, and eco-friendly driving practices, equipping them
    with the competence and confidence to navigate diverse driving situations responsibly.

    The CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) driver modules are structured to be
    completed at a pace of one module per year, allowing drivers to gradually build upon their
    knowledge and skills over time. This approach ensures that drivers have ample opportunity
    to absorb and apply the information learned in each module, promoting a thorough
    understanding of key concepts and enhancing their competency as professional drivers.

    However, it`s worth noting that drivers are not restricted to completing one module per year.
    They have the flexibility to complete all required modules within a shorter timeframe if they
    wish to do so. This means that drivers can choose to undertake multiple modules in a single
    year if they prefer a more intensive or accelerated learning schedule.

  3. How much driver CPC course & how can I pay for it?

    If you PrePay your course the price is €65, you can also pay on the day then the price is
    €75. You can PrePay your course by clicking on one of the links we send you via text
    along with your CPC course confirmation.

  4. What do I need to bring to my CPC course?

    · Valid Driver Qualification Card - In the EU, including Ireland, drivers of goods
    vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or passenger-carrying vehicles with more than eight
    passenger seats must hold a Driver CPC qualification. To attend a Driver CPC
    course, you must have a valid Driver Qualification Card.
    · Identification- Bring along a form of identification, such as a driving license or
    passport, as you may need to verify your identity before the course begins.

  5. How long does the driver CPC course typically last?

    The CPC driver course starts at 9 am and finished at 5 pm

  6. Is the driver CPC course available in different languages?

    CPC driver course is only available in English language.

  7. Will the driver CPC course include practical driving assessments?

    No, driver CPC does not include practical driving assessments.

  8. Is it possible for Ukrainian drivers who are residing in Ireland on a temporary basis to get an Irish CPC card?

    Ukrainian drivers who hold a category C or D Ukrainian licence and a Ukrainian CPC card are able to apply for an Irish Driver CPC card by completing ‘CPC additional compulsory training.