RSA CPC Driver Course

Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) Explained

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 was introduced in Ireland on the 10th September 2008 for bus drivers, and the 10th September 2009 for truck drivers (this has since been extended till Dec 09).
From these dates on, professional drivers will need to take part in continuous training.
If you are a new driver you will have to undertake the Driver CPC theory and practical driving tests before getting a Driver CPC. If you already have a license for a bus or truck (C/D license) you will automatically be entitled to a Driver CPC and will not have to take a test.
Driver CPC is not the same as a Transport Manager CPC.
Professional Bus and Coach drivers in Ireland must be the holder of a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) from 10th September 2008.

There are two ways to qualify for the Bus and Coach Driver CPC:
• A person holding a valid full licence in the bus licence category on or before 9th September 2008 is automatically entitled to the CPC (acquired rights).
• A person who qualifies for a bus licence on or after 10th September 2008 must pass a CPC theory test and a CPC driving test, as well as the existing theory test and driving test.

In both cases the person must then complete a training programme of 35 hours in the following five years in order to retain the CPC.
This will consist of one day in each of the five years.

Book Now

To book one of our upcoming Bus and Coach Driver CPC courses please call 0868366921 or email william@atlanticsidecollege.ie

Who exactly is effected by Driver CPC Legislation in Ireland?

All professional bus drivers are impacted by this new Driver CPC legislation as of 10th September 2008.
Vehicles of 3.5 tons and over, as well as buses including and above eight passenger seats are included in this Driver CPC Legislation.

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 10th September
2008 for buses and the 10th September 2009 for trucks, you will automatically get your Driver CPC without having to take more tests. This is called acquired rights.
In order to keep your Driver CPC, you must do 35 hours of periodic training (seven hours per year) over the next five years.

How does Driver CPC affect new drivers?

If you want to become a professional bus driver after the 10th September 2008 or a professional truck driver after September 2009 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.
• You can go on training in RSA approved training centres to help you pass your Driver CPC examination.
Once you have completed and passed the four parts of the Driver CPC examination 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 resit that part of the test again.

What happens if I don’t obey the rules of Driver CPC?

• If you cannot show your Driver CPC, you are breaking the law and you could get a fine of up to €2,000.
• If you fake documentation you could get a fine of up to €5,000.
• If you drive without a valid Driver CPC you could get a fine of up to €2,000.
• If you or an employer causes or lets another driver who does not have a valid Driver CPC drive a relevant vehicle you / they could get a fine of up to €5,000.

Why introduce these new regulations?

• The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is introducing Driver CPC in Ireland because a
European Union law, Directive 2003/59/EC, says that professional drivers must get training. At the moment many professional drivers in the EU are working without the benefit of training or the opportunity to regularly refresh their skills.
• The RSA has consulted with the transport industry, the general public and other
European countries about implementing Driver CPC in Ireland
• It is an EU legal requirement. The EU has encouraged its members to provide better training for professional drivers. Many professional drivers in the EU are working without the benefit of training or the opportunity to regularly refresh their skills. As a result the EU introduced Directive 2003/59/EC which makes it compulsory for European member states to have a Driver CPC for professional drivers.
• A Professional Driver for the purposes of this consultation document is a person who drives a truck or bus for a living and has one of the following categories of licence: C1, EC1, C and EC (trucks) and D1, ED1, D and ED (buses).

Why introduce these new regulations?

• To reduce fatalities and injuries.
• The ultimate goal of the RSA is to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on Irish roads. In
Ireland in 2005 there were 46 deaths and 80 serious injuries caused by crashes involving either trucks or buses. The EU Road Safety Action Plan has set a target of a 50% reduction in road deaths by 2010. Our aim is that Ireland will be one of the best performing countries with the lowest road deaths and injuries in Europe.
• To ensure the standardisation of driver training throughout the EU.
• The Driver CPC will ensure that training and testing standards are the same for all drivers throughout the EU. It will be easier for drivers to find employment in any EU member states once they have a Driver CPC.

Enforcement and Compliance of Driver CPC

It will be an offence to drive a bus or truck if you do not hold a valid Driver CPC and you will be subject to a fixed penalty if you drive a bus or truck without it. The amount of any fines or penalty points will be determined before the Driver CPC comes into force.
As with all laws in Ireland, the Gardaí will enforce the new regulations with assistance from the Vehicle Standards Inspectorate of the RSA.

Proof of the Driver CPC

The RSA will issue a Driver CPC card to each new driver who has successfully completed the examinations, the card will be issued before the student commences periodic training, the card must be kept by the driver at all times.
If you are already a professional bus driver on the 10th September 2008 /professional truck driver on the 10th of September 2009, you will get acquired rights for Driver CPC. Your license should have the date of issue before the 10th September 2008 (for bus drivers), or 10th September 2009 (for truck drivers), which will be evidence of your Driver CPC. Your CPC card will be issued on completion of periodic training.

DRIVER CPC COURSE – BOOK NOW

What?
Driver CPC Training, 35 hours training over 5 years

Why?
New EU Road Safety Certification which all Professional Truck & Bus
Drivers are required to complete.

Where?
Courses delivered in locations around Donegal including Atlanticside
College

When?
Training Days to suit you and your schedule.
Give us a call and let us know when suits you.

Cost?
€55 per person, group discounts available

How?
Call William now to book 087 91 000 52 or email william@atlanticsidecollege.ie