Drivers CPC Information
What is Driver CPC Training?
Driver CPC training was introduced across the EU in (9th September) 2008 for professional bus drivers and (9th September) 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 and to comply with the requirements set down in EU Directive 2003/59/EC Each training event (module) must be a minimum of 7 hours and deal with one or more of the elements outlined in the Directive.
Why Do Professional Drivers have to do CPC training?
The legal basis for the Driver CPC program is EU Directive 2003/59/EC which was transposed into Irish law in 2008 as SI No 359 Driver CPC EU Directive 2003/59
What is in the Directive
The Directive identifies 17 distinct elements that professinal drivers need to help develop their skills and knowledge around.
- 10 of the elements apply to all licence categories (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6)
- 4 are unique to bus drivers (1.5, 1.6, 2.3, 3.8)
- 3 are unique to truck drivers (1.4, 2.2, 3.7)
Three key aims of CPC are:
- 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’s target is for Ireland to have one of the lowest casualty rates in Europe.
The Driver CPC and Professional Drivers
Professional drivers fall into two categories from a Driver CPC perspective:
- Those who were already working as professional drivers when the scheme was put in place (“Acquired Rights”).
- Those who are new to the profession
‘Acquired Rights’ to a Driver CPC
If you got your bus licence on or before the 9 September 2008 or your truck licence on or before 9 September 2009, you are automatically entitled to a Driver CPC. This is called “acquired rights”.
Note (as of March 2011):
“Acquired Rights” Bus Drivers are now in the third year of the Driver CPC Program. Therefore should have at least two modules completed and need to complete their 3rd before the 9th September 2011
“Acquired Rights” Truck Drivers are now in the second year of the Driver CPC Program. Therefore should have at least one module completed and need to complete their 2nd module before the 9th September 2011
To keep your Driver CPC up to date, you must do at least 35 hours of periodic training over the next five years Training is on a one-day-per-year-basis.
Periodic training is compulsory and is designed to help you be:
- A better and safer driver
- More environmentally aware and cost conscious
- Physically healthier
Training is provided in RSA-approved training centers by approved trainer providers.
If you don’t qualify for ‘acquired rights’ to a Driver CPC
If you had your bus licence on or after 10 September 2008 or your truck licence 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 (to get your learners permit)
- Two-hour case study theory test (scenario based on the Drivers CPC info)
- 90-minute driving test
- 30-minute practical test (additional set of questions based on the Driver CPC info)
In addition, to maintain your Driver CPC, you must complete 35 hours of periodic training for five years following qualification as a Professional Driver (one-day-per-year)
Why train?
- Driver education brings with it multiple benefits: Better safety
- Better driving skills lead to fewer casualties on our roads, giving greater protection to more vulnerable road users: Lower running costs
- Improved driving skills save on the costs of vehicle repair and loss of trade. Research has shown that by driving safely and carefully drivers can save an average of 40% in gearbox repairs and 60% in safety-related faults: Greener driving
- Studies suggest that good driving can deliver a 12% saving on fuel costs: Professional benefits
This new training requirement fundamentally changes how professional drivers acquire and retain their qualifications. Driver CPC will change the perception that to become a bus or truck driver you just need to pass a test. Rather, it will be seen as a profession that requires ongoing training and skill development.
Course Content
There are six training modules in total, each lasting seven hours, with additional reading material to cover in specific areas.
Modules:
1. Control of the vehicle and eco-driving techniques
2. Minimizing risks and managing emergencies in the transport industry
3. Health and safety for the professional driver
4. Role of the professional driver in the transport industry
5. The professional truck driver
6. The professional bus driver
Note:
Modules 1 – 4 are obligatory for both Truck and Bus Drivers. Modules Five (Truck) and Six (Bus) are specific to either Truck or Bus drivers.
The first phase of training will be complete on the 9th September 2014 and Driver CPC Cards will be issued to Drivers with all the relevant modules completed. Those cards will be valid for 5 years and the annual, 5 year, Periodic Training process will start again.
The Driver CPC Modules you have attended are registered with the RSA, by the training provider, using your Driver’s Licence Number and your PPS Number. You should also be issued with a Certificate/Receipt by the training provider on the day you complete your training. For drivers on International Duty this may be the only means you have to prove to police and enforcement authorities (in other EU member states) that you are up to date with your Driver CPC training.
Exemptions
Driver CPC certification is not required for drivers of vehicles used:
- For non-commercial purposes, e.g. driving as a volunteer; drivers of emergency or rescue vehicles
- For a registered RSA approved Driving Instructors who are giving driving instruction
- In the course of someone’s work, provided that driving the vehicle is not the driver’s principal occupation, e.g. a plumber using a light truck to transport their materials.
- Vehicles with a maximum speed not exceeding 45 km/h
Regulations: A summary of the regulations that govern Driver CPC and the penalties that apply to those in breach of them
It is a legal requirement that all new drivers of Trucks & Buses complete and pass the CPC exam to gain their Driver CPC qualification. It is also a legal requirement for drivers with “Acquired Rights” to ensure they keep their Driver CPC up to date by attending Periodic Training
FYI:
The legal basis for the Driver CPC program is EU Directive 2003/59/EC which was transposed into Irish law in 2008 as SI No 359
Note: SI = Statutory Instrument is "an order, regulation, rule, scheme or bye-law made in exercise of a power conferred by statute."
The legislation, which is enforced by An Garda Síochána and RSA Transport Officers, sets out penalties for driving without a valid Driver CPC.
Penalties
The following penalties apply:
- Failure to produce Driver CPC – fine of up to €2,000
- Fake documentation – fine of up to €5,000
- Driving without a valid Driver CPC – fine of up to €2,000
- Employer allowing a third party who does not have a valid Driver CPC to drive a relevant vehicle – fine of up to €5,000 (for employer/third party)
