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Heavy Goods Vehicles

In order to become a certified HGV driver, learners will be required to pass a driver CPC (Certified for Professional Competency). Test preparation.

Driver CPC was introduced across the EU in 2008 for professional bus drivers and 2009 for professional truck drivers to set and maintain high standards of road safety, health and safety and driving among professional drivers of buses and trucks.

Test locations

The Driver CPC bus/truck test and practical test can be carried out in any existing bus/truck test location. But not every type of vehicle can be tested at all centres. Find out which type of vehicle that can be tested in each test centre.

Tests

The new Driver CPC theory tests are part of the new Driver CPC process, which is mandatory for all new professional drivers.

Step 1 : Drivers must first pass the learner permit theory test and obtain their learner permit as normal.

Step 2 : Drivers then must take pass theory tests.

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Theory tests

Test 1 – 100 multiple choice question (61 correct answers needed to pass)

Test 2 – 3 case studies are short scenarios that describe various situations a driver might face. There are 15 questions in each case study (45 in total).

To pass, you must correctly answer 28 of the 45 quesitons – a minimum of 5 questions on each case study. 

Each stage takes two hours and it´s possible to take both tests on the same day. Prometric Ireland, which runs the learner permit theory test, also carries out the Driver CPC theory tests. It costs 70 each.

The CPC practical test

This test is conducted in the driving test centre and is usually taken directly after the driving test. A vehicle is required for this session. It is a practical knowledge test lasting 30 minutes.

It covers areas such as:

  • Safety
  • Passenger comfort
  • Legal matters relating to driving
  • Vehicle loading and stability
  • Ability to deal with an emergency
  • Physical risks involved in driving
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What is Driver CPC ?

Driver CPC was introduced across the EU in 2008 for professional bus drivers and 2009 for professional truck drivers to set and maintain high standards of road safety, health and safety and driving among professional drivers of buses and trucks.

Three key aims

Ensuring all professional drivers have good driving and safety standards and that those standards are maintained throughout their career.

Creating a common standard for the training and testing of drivers throughout the EU.

Reducing fatalities and serious injuries on Irish roads. The RSA is target is for Ireland to have one of the lowest casualty rates in Europe.

The Driver CPC and you

Professional drivers fall into two categories from a Driver CPC perspective:

1. those who were already working as professional drivers when the scheme was put in place, and

2. those who are new to the profession.

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Booking a test

Driver CPC theory test: Lo-call: 1890 60 61 06 or go to www.theorytest.ie.

Driver CPC driving and practical test: Lo-call: 1890 50 60 80 or go the RSA is online booking facility.

If you wish, you can attend training in RSA-approved training centres to help you prepare for your Driver CPC examination.

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“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. Training is on a one-day-per-year basis.

Periodic training is compulsory and will help you be

  • A better and safer driver
  • More environmentally aware and cost conscious
  • Physically healthier

Training is provided in RSA-approved training centre is by approved trainer providers.

If you don’t qualify for acquired rights for Driver CPC

If you had your bus license on or after 10 September 2008 or your truck license on or after 10 September 2009 you don’t qualify for acquired rights.

To become a professional bus or truck driver you must pass:

  • Two-hour multiple choice theory test.
  • Two-hour case study theory test.
  • 90-minute driving test.
  • 30-minute practical test.

In addition, to maintain your Driver CPC, you must complete 35 hours of periodic training for five years following qualification (one day per year).