Fas C licence course

triple-M

Hi im just wondering if anybody knows whether fas still do the 10 week cat C licence course,I cant find any info on it,and anybody know the cost of it?
Thanks

Richie15

Here's the whole list of transport courses, here's one example of the rigid (C) day courses offered. Doesn't mention the price. Further down the list is an evening course (one including the theory test too) for 425.
The evening course is 5 weeks, and the day course is 7-8 weeks.

Couple of questions on this myself...
Apparently if you're on the dole for a month they pay you to go on a FÁS course. Is this true? If so, do you get to pick which course or do they just send you on it? Would you get away with this one? What about the course fee, do you still have to pay that?

trad

New set up in recent years. You have to undergo a Driver CPC before you can apply for your learners permit. You also need a full car licence before you can apply for a cat C licence. The big driving schools are geared up for it, try them.

Richie15

The CPC is after your LP. And if you manage to pass the test by September, you get away with the CPC test altogether (I've my theory test on Monday, how likely am I to get my full licence by September?) Otherwise the sequence is...
Theory Test / Medical Exam
Learner's Permit
CPC Theory
Driving Test / CPC Practical (can be done together, or up to two years apart)
This applies to trucks only. Regarding busses, just leave out the bit about September.

tormented

Hi, FAS are still running the courses, I would advise you to go to your local office, and take it from there. We've had a few guys come to us this way whereby FAS will pay an amount (usually decided by them) towards Cat C lessons, you will need your learners permit for this, and like Richie said the CPC does not come into effect for truck drivers until after the 9th September this year. If you have passed your driving tests before then, you get 'acquired rights' meaning you have automatically aquired the CPC, however you will be required by law to go for periodic training, over a five year period. Hope this helps a bit,:)

triple-M

thanks for the responses,am expecting my cat c learners permit in the post soon,just one q though when i do get my full cat c licence (eventually)how do i go about getting a job forgetting about the recession, any truck driving jobs usually require 1-2 years experience,my Q's is how do you build up this experience if you cant get a job in the first place due to companies only seeking experienced drivers?

tormented

Companies do look for experience, however, some companies and job agencies will get your driving assessed with a qualified ADI Instructor to ensure you're safe and competent on the road whether you have experience or not. Also, regarding the FAS course, the school delivering the course should be able to put you in contact with decent agencies taking on rigid/artic drivers, who can give you hints and tips on getting a job, hope that clarifies things a bit:)

triple-M

tormented wrote: »

Companies do look for experience, however, some companies and job agencies will get your driving assessed with a qualified ADI Instructor to ensure you're safe and competent on the road whether you have experience or not. Also, regarding the FAS course, the school delivering the course should be able to put you in contact with decent agencies taking on rigid/artic drivers, who can give you hints and tips on getting a job, hope that clarifies things a bit:)

thanks ,appreciate the tips,was getting a bit worried wondering how i was ever going to get experience if no one was going to give me a chance;)