Becoming a truck driver in Ireland/N Ireland

plstudent

How do you go about becoming a truck driver in Ireland/N Ireland? Are there courses that you should take or do you just need a license? How long time can you expect it to take before gaining employment? For the record, a I have a driver's license for a normal car.

cantdecide

plstudent wrote: »

How do you go about becoming a truck driver in Ireland/N Ireland? Are there courses that you should take or do you just need a license? How long time can you expect it to take before gaining employment? For the record, a I have a driver's license for a normal car.

I can't answer much but I can tell you that you can only apply for a learner permit in the country in which you're resident.

If you're resident in the republic then you would have to start by obtaining a learner permit. Firstly, you'd need to take the C theory test (or the 'Bus and Truck' theory test). If you're under 21, you'd need to take the theory test AND case studies at the theory test centre (and if you're under 24 and looking for bus categories).

Once you're over the theory test aspect, you can apply for a learner permit. At this stage, my knowledge fades a bit. I believe that you can go to a training centre for lessons. I don't know what the curriculum is or how long it takes or how much it costs. I think the best thing to do is call your local training centre and let them explain the full process and get an idea of costs and even get advice about employment opportunities in your area.

Silvera

Once you have your Learner Permit (for category C) you can book truck driving lessons with a school of motoring. You could even contact them before you get your permit and they can help you through the process.

Be careful which school you choose, some are better / easier to deal with than others. Do some research, e.g. this forum has many threads about truck driving. You could also sign up to the 'Irish Truckers' forum for more info.

This is the school I used for my Artic (C+E) test in 2014. The owner is spot-on to deal with and also an ex-dept of environment driving tester. I tried several schools before finding the right instructor ...and vehicle (I found his truck + trailer combo suited me better). I did c.100km round trips to do my lessons with this school (in Athlone) ...and it worked, because I passed first time (as I did with my C test back in '99) - http://www.dlb.ie/AClearSteer-Driver-Training

Del2005

plstudent wrote: »

How do you go about becoming a truck driver in Ireland/N Ireland? Are there courses that you should take or do you just need a license? How long time can you expect it to take before gaining employment? For the record, a I have a driver's license for a normal car.

The NI test is harder so I'd try to avoid doing that. To become a truck driver you then have to work long hours with high stress levels for barely above the minimum wage.

boardsuser1

Are you considering it near the border counties given that Northern Ireland is mentioned.

donkey balls

From what I know about the new regs is you apply for the leaner permit( C licence) get medical done,Then you have CPC case studies to do then something called a cockpit test then the actual driving test.
Once you pass that you can then apply for the artic licence leaner permit(EC) for this afaik you are just required to do the driving test and no CPC case studies,Everything that you learn as a ridgid driver goes out the window regarding maneuvering the artic like reversing around bends etc it is opposite lock etc.
Price wise you could be looking at 3k or more for both categories then once you have the licence the hardship only begins with trying to get work with no experience etc,And if you get work the hours are long with driving overnight early starts late finishing etc.
I use to start at 0600 and not be finished till 2100 some days other start times would be anything from midnight to 0500,There is not many driving jobs that are 9-5 out there,As for the money it can be crap i.e less than the min wage or good but the companies paying the decent money don't advertise that often.
And when they do their always going have a list of experienced drivers waiting to get in.

cantdecide

On thing I can add about CPC is that if you're not working as a professional truck driver, you won't need CPC. I believe that you can complete the full training and testing up to CE without any specific requirement for CPC until you wish to begin working.

Silvera

cantdecide wrote: »

On thing I can add about CPC is that if you're not working as a professional truck driver, you won't need CPC. I believe that you can complete the full training and testing up to CE without any specific requirement for CPC until you wish to begin working.

Thats correct, I didnt do any CPC lessons/test as I dont use my C or C+E for paid work. The cost mentioned above is also correct. I passed my C in 1999 and my C+E in 2014 - to gain both categories cost me in the region of 3k.

neris

op have a look on irishrigs.com or trucknetuk.com (for ni)