Rigid Truck & HGV Training
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence
At West Drive School of Motoring, we offer expert training for those looking to pursue a career as a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driver. Our comprehensive lessons cover both rigid (C license) and articulated (CE license) truck driving, providing you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to pass your driving test and excel in the transport industry. With fully qualified instructors and a focus on safety, vehicle control, and road awareness, our tailored training ensures you’re prepared for every challenge of professional HGV driving. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your skills, West Drive is here to help you every step of the way. Explore our heavy vehicle driving courses and start your journey today!
Artic Truck Driver Courses
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 (Certificate of Professional Competence) 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.
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.
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.
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. Contact us.
Three Key Aims
Maintaining High Standards for Professional Drivers
The CPC aims to ensure that all professional drivers maintain excellent driving skills and safety standards throughout their careers. This continuous professional development is crucial for keeping our roads safe and ensuring drivers are always up to date with best practices.
Establishing Common Training Standards Across the EU
The CPC creates a unified standard for the training and testing of professional drivers across the EU. This consistency ensures that all drivers, regardless of where they are trained, meet the same high levels of competence and safety, promoting a safer, more efficient transport network.
Reducing Road Fatalities and Serious Injuries
A key objective of the CPC is to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on Irish roads. By setting and maintaining rigorous training standards, the RSA aims to make Ireland’s roads among the safest in Europe, contributing to a significant reduction in road casualties.
Preparing for the Test
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.
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
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.
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.
“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).
You do not need a Driver CPC card if you drive:
- For non-commercial purposes, such as driving as an unpaid volunteer.
- For emergency or rescue services such as Gardai, Defence Forces, Ambulance and Irish Prison Service, as a registered RSA Approved Driving Instructor, giving driving instruction.
Have any questions?
Unsure about the details of our driving lessons or what to expect? Visit our FAQ page to find all the answers you need. Whether you're curious about lesson scheduling, pricing, or course options for cars and trucks, our FAQ page covers it all. Click below to learn more and get started with West Drive School of Motoring today!