Applying for EC and EC1 learner permit. Theory test required?

WDR

I am looking to apply for a learner permit for EC and EC1.

I already hold the C and C1 licence for rigid lorries for 8 years and currently do the Driver CPC.

I've never had to do the theory test, do I need to sit the theory test first if I apply for the EC and EC1 licence?

donkey balls

You can just apply for a provisonal licence for the Artic as you all ready had your Ridgid licence before the cpc crap came in hence you have grand father rights which means you just do the yearly cpc course.
If your doing the lessons in Dublin I can highly recommend a school which don't milk you for lessons.

Del2005

You'll have to do the theory test. According to the RSA

Note: you will be treated as a first-time applicant in relation to a particular vehicle category if you have not held a learner permit in that category within the preceding five years.

The theory test will be on all sections for A, B, C and EC. BTW don't do the EC1, EC covers this.

donkey balls

There is no separate test/cpc for someone who held a full c licence prior to September 09

Faith+1

Del2005 wrote: »

You'll have to do the theory test. According to the RSA



The theory test will be on all sections for A, B, C and EC. BTW don't do the EC1, EC covers this.

I'm afriad you're wrong there Del. I hold a full C Licence and applied for my EC learner permit without having to do another theory test. The only difference between the C and EC is a trailer body, it's still the same vechicle category "Truck".

currins_02

As an Approved Driving Instructor for B, C, D & EC (everything except motorbikes), I can tell you this is the situation.

As Donkey has said you are exempt from Driver CPC exams (multiple choice, case study & practical) provided you held you category C1 or C licence prior to 10th Sept 2009.

As Del say tho, if you did not sit a standard Driver Theory Test to attain your learner permit for category C1 / C then you WILL have to undertake a theory test to get your EC learner permit. If you did sit a theory test (which you state you didn't) for your C1 / C then you are now exempt.

So based on info at hand I would say you will be required to sit a Driver Thoery Test, exempt from both CPC thoery tests (multiple choice & case study), have to do the driving test and exempt from CPC practical test. In summary you will need theory test and driving test only.

Faith+1

currins_02 wrote: »

So based on info at hand I would say you will be required to sit a Driver Thoery Test, exempt from both CPC thoery tests (multiple choice & case study), have to do the driving test and exempt from CPC practical test. In summary you will need theory test and driving test only.

Currin I passed my Rigid test in April '10 and I applied for my EC Learner Permit the following week. He doesn't need to do another theory test, cpc theory test etc... All he has to do is the EC Practical (Driving Test) and he can add that to his full licence.

currins_02

The RSA's directive is quite clear on this and they enforce it rigidly, I deal with it daily.

If you did a theory for your rigid within the last 5 years you have no need to do a theory for the artic, as happened in your case Faith.

BUT

If you either a) didn't do a theory for the rigid "C" licene or b) did it more than 5 years ago you MUST sit a theory for the artic "EC" learner permit. Given the info in the first post stating that rigid is held for 8 years and no mention of doing a theory test for that (provisionals last 2 years so could have had up to 2 of these prior to doing test so potentially up to 12 years since applied for C provisional) hence I would be fairly sure in this instance a theory test is required.

I repeat that you are correct, as Donkey was, that he is exempt from the 3 CPC examinations.

If more information is available form the original poster it would celar things up nicely. If the original poster is still not sure call the RSA helpline on LoCall 1890406040 and I am sure they will bear it what I've stated.

WDR

Sadly, if I had logged on earlier and seen what the last few posters typed, it would've saved me some diesel and a few words with the clerk at the tax office this morning.

What currins_02 wrote is correct, his scenario "a" is the situation I'm currently in and the RSA helpline confirmed it.

More money, but thanks for clearing it all up, appreciate it.

Del2005

WDR wrote: »

Sadly, if I had logged on earlier and seen what the last few posters typed, it would've saved me some diesel and a few words with the clerk at the tax office this morning.

What currins_02 wrote is correct, his scenario "a" is the situation I'm currently in and the RSA helpline confirmed it.

More money, but thanks for clearing it all up, appreciate it.

It's only €40 for the theory test, the book should be in a library or someone who's passed the test may sell one on cheap. With the amount you'll be spending in lessons it's not that much.

currins_02

As Del says in the big picture the cost is minimal. Just be careful if getting someone elses disk as the Theory Test changed in 2011 to a new question bank so make sure you get the latest disk.

Can't speak for all schools and genuinely not touting for business but the school I'm with has cut prices for rigid/artic & bus by nearly 40% due to the recession, a general lack of customers (they've all emigrated!) and increased competition. If you shop about you should get a good deal.

derealbadger

I have applied for theory test for C1 if I pass this then I get my learner permit next I do my CPC's then mandatory number of lessons then practical driving test am I correct on all this

Also I have a truck available to me can I get the lessons in my own truck and is it cheaper to do the lessons this way

How many lessons is mandatory 6 ?

Faith+1

derealbadger wrote: »

I have applied for theory test for C1 if I pass this then I get my learner permit next I do my CPC's then mandatory number of lessons then practical driving test am I correct on all this

Also I have a truck available to me can I get the lessons in my own truck and is it cheaper to do the lessons this way

How many lessons is mandatory 6 ?

There is no mandatory lessons for the Truck, that only applies to first time applicants in the motorcycle or car category. All you have to do once you have your permit is:

1. Pass both CPC multiple choice and case study exams.
2. Get plenty of lessons with a qualified ADI
3. Apply for the Truck Practical and CPC Exam

And yes if you have a truck available to you then you will save quite a few bob. I would recommend though that it'd be more of an advantage to pass the full C test than C1.