Ministers Ryan and Chambers announce training for Ukrainian HGV and bus drivers to facilitate granting of Irish driving qualification

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD, and Minister of State, Jack Chambers TD have announced new regulations which allow holders of Ukrainian bus and truck driving licences to work professionally in Ireland. The European Union (Driver Qualification Card) (Persons from Ukraine) Regulations 2023 sets out the compulsory training which will be required by holders of Ukrainian bus and truck licences and driver qualification cards who are resident in Ireland.

European Union Regulations came into force in July 2022 which facilitates Ukrainians residing in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive to drive here on their current national driving licences. However, a person with C or D categories on their licence (trucks and buses) must have a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) to drive these types of vehicles professionally in Ireland.

The new Regulations set out in national law the details of the compulsory training and the requirement to apply for training. Ukrainian CPC holders will undergo 35 hours of additional compulsory training, 8 hours of supervised driving and a driver theory test before obtaining an Irish/EU driver qualification card. These regulations will facilitate Ukrainian truck and bus drivers who are residing in Ireland under the International Protection Act to undergo the necessary training and to apply for work in Ireland.

Minister Eamon Ryan said: “I would invite Ukrainian drivers who hold a C or D category licence and driver qualification card to apply for this new training which will act as a pathway to employment. This is of benefit to many industries across Ireland, including the road transport and public transport industries where we have seen challenges around driver shortages. These regulations underline Government’s commitment to addressing these issues and to ensure the resilience of our supply chain and our public transport systems.”

Minister of State Jack Chambers added: “While Ukrainians residing in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive have been able to drive here since July, these latest regulations now facilitate truck and bus drivers to obtain the necessary Irish driving qualification. This is of dual benefit to the state, as it supports our efforts to recruit more drivers, and to Ukrainian drivers who are now living here. We look forward to welcoming Ukrainian drivers into the transport sector in the months ahead.”

Further information and details of how to apply for the compulsory training, visit https://www.rsa.ie/services/alerts/advice-for-ukrainian-drivers