Driver CPC is a new dimension for the transport industry in Ireland. Driver CPC puts in place ongoing training for all professional Bus and Truck drivers in line with what has historically been happening in other EU states. The implementation of the EU Directive signifies the importance of professional drivers to the economy and to the EU as a whole and illustrates the need for the profession of driving to be put on an equal standing with other professions in the workplace.

There are other CPC’s related to the transport industry such as the Transport Manager CPC which covers areas such as setting up a transport business, financial management and vehicle maintenance. Transport Manager CPC is separate from Driver CPC and you will require both if you are a Transport Manager and a Professional Driver. The main focus of Driver CPC is on the driver and it covers areas such as Road Safety, Health and Safety of the Driver and Eco – driving, among others.

The Road Safety Authority implemented Driver CPC for Buses on the 10th September 2008 and are currently at the final stages of implementing Driver CPC for Trucks from the 10th September 2009. All new bus and truck drivers will have to pass 2 two hour theory tests and a 30 minute practical test as well as the current driving test in order to obtain Driver CPC after these dates. The theory tests and the practical test are developed to ensure the applicant has a comprehensive knowledge of the Rules of the Road and of the skills and professionalism to be a full time driver of a bus and truck. On passing all examinations a driver will be issued with a Driver CPC Qualification Card which they will require in addition to their driving licence.

If you hold a full bus licence on or before the 10th of September 2008; or a full truck licence on or before the 10th of September 2009, you will not be required to sit the extra tests, however you will have to do 1 day of training per year over the following 5 years to ensure you retain your Driver CPC. The licence you have at present identifies that you have either a bus or truck licence and this is evidence that you have a valid Driver CPC. On completion of your 5 years of training you will then be issued with a Driver CPC Qualification Card.

The training material has been developed to ensure that the driver has an interesting and educational experience from the training day. It has also been developed in line with the requirements of the EU Directive. The training has practical benefits for the driver and the industry such as improved driving skills which will lead to fewer casualties on our roads and giving greater protection to more vulnerable road users. Improved driving skills will also save on the costs of vehicle repair and loss of trade.

In relation to Safety and Eco Driving, research has shown that safe and fuel efficient driving results in an average of 12% saving on fuel costs, 40% reduction in gear changes and a 60% reduction in safety related faults.

There are six training modules in total, each of 7 hours duration with additional reading material to cover specific areas.

The titles of the modules are;

• Control of the Vehicle and Eco Driving Techniques.
• Minimising Risks and Managing Emergencies in the Transport Industry.
• Health and Safety for the Professional Driver.
• Role of the Professional Driver in the Transport Industry.
• The Professional Truck Driver.
• The Professional Bus Driver.

Training will be carried out by RSA approved training providers, in centres throughout Ireland. At present there are over 120 approved Driver CPC training centres; this ensures competition in the marketplace for good standards and costs of training.

In order for a training centre to be approved by the RSA for the purpose of Driver CPC, they are subject to a rigorous process assessing the quality and standards of their facilities and trainers. The approval process requires all training organisations to provide evidence of quality standards, some of these include, premises, trainers qualifications, record management and policies. The “Guidelines for the Approval of Driver CPC Training Centres” and the application documents are available for download below. The RSA will monitor the training standards of all trainers to ensure that every driver benefits from Driver CPC.

Legislation has been enacted for Driver CPC which sets out penalties for driving without a valid Driver CPC. Penalties have also been put in place in all EU countries in relation to driving without a valid Driver CPC.

The RSA are fully aware that this new obligation on drivers to participate in training is a fundamental change on how the industry’s drivers have been trained previously. Driver CPC will lead to a change in the perception that driving professionally can be achieved by a once off test. It will now be seen as a profession which has continuous training and development of skills as a requirement. The Irish Driver in the Transport industry will be on an equal if not better professional standard than his European counterparts due to the system put in place by the industry in conjunction with the RSA.

Please see the documents below for more information on Driver CPC and the training process. You can also contact the Driver CPC Unit directly at                (096) 25015        .