Thinking of getting a Truck Licence, confused by Driver CPC?
See some of your questions answered below
1. What age do I have to be to get a Truck Licence?
- Rigid Truck (Cat C) – Minimum Age 18 (with Novice Driver CPC) or If your 21 (Driver CPC Recommended)
- Artic Truck (Cat CE) – Minimum Age 18 (with Novice Driver CPC) or If your 21 (Driver CPC Recommended)
2. What is the Novice Driver CPC?
The European Union brought in a Directive on the 9th of September 2008 for Bus Drivers and the 9th of September 2009 for Professional Truck Drivers. Its objective was to set and maintain high standards of road safety, health and safety and driving among professional drivers of buses and trucks.
The Steps to attaining a Novice Driver CPC are:
Driver Theory Test
(If your planning on doing the Truck and Bus a combined Theory Test is Available)72
This is carried out by the Driver Theory Testing Service, book your Driver Theory Test Online
You need 74 out of 100 to Pass, The Test currently Costs €72
Driver CPC Case Studies
This has Scenarios around different driving Situations. You will be presented with 3 Scenarios out of a Possible 9.
You need to 28 out of 45 (Minimum of 5 Questions must be correct in each Case Study)
No official study material is available is available however the Case Studies are available on the CD Rom or Prometric App
This is carried out be the Driver Testing Service, book your Driver CPC Case Studies Online
Anyone holding a Truck or Bus Licence before the above dates are considered to have Acquired Rights and as such are deemed to be exempt from the Novice Driver CPC questions.
The Case Study Exams currently cost €72
Driver CPC Practical Walk-around Exam
This should be the 3rd step, you will need to have sat and passed your Driver Theory Test and Driver CPC Case Study Exams prior to getting a date for the Driver CPC Walk around exam.
This test is conducted in the driving test centre and is usually taken directly before or after the driving test. A vehicle which is representative of the class 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
Sample questions are available by emailing info@hynesquinn.com
This is a verbal test which requires a Representative Vehicle for Category C or Category CE Driving Test must be presented for this Practical Exam. This is carried out by the Road Safety Authority and can be done on the day of your practical Driving Test. Book the CPC Practical Walk-around test here
The Test currently costs €32
The Novice Driver CPC is not a licence on its own and does not replace the need to complete your full Truck Licence.
You need to complete your Rigid Driving Test before you can progress to the Artic Truck.
Listen carefully to the advice of your instructor and don’t be afraid to ask questions, remember we were Learners too!!
