As part of the Driver CPC qualification, both existing and new professional drivers of buses and trucks must undergo 35 hours of specialised training over a five-year time span.
Why train?
Driver education brings with it multiple benefits:
Better driving skills lead to fewer casualties on our roads, giving greater protection to more vulnerable road users.
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.
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 specific areas.
Modules:
- Control of the vehicle and eco-driving techniques
- Minimising risks and managing emergencies in the transport industry
- Health and safety for the professional driver
- Role of the professional driver in the transport industry
- The professional truck driver
- The professional bus driver
Driver CPC training centres
RSA-approved trainers provide training in excess of 400 centres throughout Ireland. As well as giving drivers a wide choice of locations, it helps keep standards high and facilitates a competitive marketplace.
The RSA monitors training standards of all trainers to ensure a high standard. To be approved by the RSA, training centres must provide evidence of quality standards in relation to:
- Premises
- Trainer qualifications
- Records management
- Policies
For those interested in entering the Driver CPC training industry, download the guidelines for the Approval of Driver CPC Training Centres (PDF) or the application form(PDF).