As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the driver certificate of professional competence (CPC) process is based on EU Directive 2022/2561, on the initial qualifications and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers. This Directive was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Vehicle Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence) (No. 2) Regulations 2008 (SI 359 of 2008), as amended.
The directive requires drivers to have a valid driver CPC qualification, which involves four exams (the theory test, case study, driving test and walkaround), in order to drive a truck or bus professionally throughout the EU. In addition, the directive requires drivers to maintain their qualification by completing periodic training of 35 hours every five years, given in periods of at least seven hours. Given that the duration of training is laid out in the directive, there are no plans to amend this.
CPC driver training is delivered by RSA-approved driving schools, which operate as private enterprises. Neither my Department nor the RSA have a role in the pricing or availability of these courses.
