PROFESSIONAL DRIVER · CPC
Driver CPC Ireland: Truck & Bus Professional Driver Guide
Driver CPC is the professional-driver qualification for bus and truck drivers. It is separate from the C or D driving licence itself. If professional driving is your goal, plan the licence and CPC steps together.Checked against current official Irish information: 9 September 2026Who needs Driver CPC?
RSA states that professional bus and truck drivers generally need Driver CPC in addition to the full driving licence for the vehicle category. Exemptions exist for some types of driving, so always check the current official exemption rules if your work is unusual.
The full new-driver pathway
RSA structures the route as ten steps: prepare, theory test, case study test, learner permit, professional driving lessons, driving test, walkaround test, driving licence, CPC card and then staying qualified.
The four CPC test stages
New professional drivers complete the relevant theory test, CPC case study, practical driving test and CPC walkaround test. The case study uses three real-life professional-driver situations. The walkaround checks vehicle safety and professional safety knowledge.
Apply for the CPC card after the licence category is on your full licence
RSA instructs newly qualified drivers to add the bus and/or truck category to the full driving licence before applying for the first CPC card. Professional driving should not begin until the valid CPC card is held where CPC is required.
Keep CPC current
Existing professional drivers maintain CPC through periodic training over each five-year cycle. RSA currently states at least 35 hours for one professional category group, or 42 hours when maintaining both bus and truck.
Do not confuse Driver CPC with Transport Manager CPC
Driver CPC qualifies the individual professional bus/truck driver. A Certificate of Professional Competence in Road Transport Management is a different qualification used for transport-management/operator-licensing purposes.