C licence and CPC

finnharpsboy

A guide to getting your Category C Licence and Driver CPC

Allow me to start off by apologising in advance for what will be quite a long possibly boring post.
For those of you beginning the journey of getting a Category C licence and Driver CPC qualification it might be worth while sticking the kettle on and having a brew while reading through.

To gain full Category C Licence and Driver CPC there are 4 steps.

Step 1: Truck Theory Test

The Truck Theory Test consists of 100 questions with 4 multiple choice answers.
To pass you need to correctly answer 74.
All questions and answers are available in the book and CD-ROM.
Time allowed to complete the 100 questions is 100 minutes.
In order to book and take the test you need to have a Public Services Card (PSC).
The price to take the Truck Theory Test is €72.00
When you have passed you can then apply for your Learners Permit.


Step 2: CPC Case Studies

There are 9 Case Studies/Stories in total.
The Case Studies test consists of 3 Case Studies/Stories, 15 questions for each story and again each question has 4 multiple choice answers.
To pass you need to correctly answer 28 out of the 45 questions.
You must answer a minimum of 5 correctly in each story.
Time allowed is 135 minutes.
In order to book and take the test you need to have a Public Services Card (PSC).
The price to take the Case Studies Test is €72.00
The Case Studies/Stories are available to read in the same book and CD-ROM used for Step 1 above.
There are no questions or answers provided but looking on boards you will find other boardsies helpful posts showing questions they were asked and their answers.

The 9 Case Studies are as follows:
1. Gavin
2. Jim
3. Graham
4. Peter
5. Larry
6. Robert
7. Brenda
8. Lorraine
9. Liam


Step 3: The Driving Test

My test is next week so i will update this after my test, whether I pass or fail, so I know exactly what to put in here.
The price to take the Driving Test is €120.00
When booking the driving test there is also the option to book the final step, Step 4. The price for Step 4 is an additional €32.00


Step 4: The Practical

Again my test for this is next week so will update this part also.
The Practical takes between 20 to 30 minutes and involves questions and a walk around check.
The price for Step 4 is €32.00
I will attach a list of questions and answers provided by my instructor tomorrow.


If you do not intend to drive for Hire or Reward you only need to complete steps 1 and 3 in order to get your Full Category C Licence.

If you already have a Full Category C Licence and wish to obtain a Drivers CPC you need to complete Steps 2 and 4.


I would imagine that hot brew you made at the start has been drunk by now or else has gone cold, so stick the kettle on again and have a look at the case studies and practical questions and answers attached.

Apologies for the lengthy post. Just hoping to inform others of what is involved and if I've left anything out or made any errors please be sure to let me know so I can correct it.

neris

the cost of lessons is about €120 each and then hire of the truck for the tests is about €200

finnharpsboy

Judgment day today..... fingers crossed... I shall update the first post later with the process I underwent.

Faith+1

finnharpsboy wrote: »

Judgment day today..... fingers crossed... I shall update the first post later with the process I underwent.

Best of luck pal!

finnharpsboy

Tester sick.... test rescheduled:(

Uboat

neris wrote: »

the cost of lessons is about €120 each and then hire of the truck for the tests is about €200

Which driving school?

boardsuser1

Uboat wrote: »

Which driving school?

most driving schools charge that price.

My lessons were €120 plus €160 for the test and CPC.

I got a reduction as i did 9 lessons with them beforehand.

TallGlass

How many lessons would you think a person would need?

Does the six month rule apply for the test?

I am going to get the theory test for C/D just while I am at it.

I am going to go get my full C licence over the next few months, then hopefully C+E before the end of next year.

finnharpsboy

TallGlass wrote: »

How many lessons would you think a person would need?

Does the six month rule apply for the test?

I am going to get the theory test for C/D just while I am at it.

I am going to go get my full C licence over the next few months, then hopefully C+E before the end of next year.

6 month rule doesn’t apply to category C.

Number of lessons depends on your ability really and how much experience you have in trucks, even if it’s just driving up and down the yard in Work or reversing them into warehouses for the night, as small as it seems, it all helps.

The CD-ROM is the way to go to pass the Theory Test, it is exactly the same format when you do the theory test in the centre.

TallGlass

finnharpsboy wrote: »

6 month rule doesn’t apply to category C.

Number of lessons depends on your ability really and how much experience you have in trucks, even if it’s just driving up and down the yard in Work or reversing them into warehouses for the night, as small as it seems, it all helps.

The CD-ROM is the way to go to pass the Theory Test, it is exactly the same format when you do the theory test in the centre.

Thanks, have CD-ROM at home, I think the driving of the truck should be okay, once I get a feel for the controls and size.

Out of interest, did you pass the test and also are the learner trucks manual or automatic?

boardsuser1

TallGlass wrote: »

How many lessons would you think a person would need?

Does the six month rule apply for the test?

I am going to get the theory test for C/D just while I am at it.

I am going to go get my full C licence over the next few months, then hopefully C+E before the end of next year.

The average number of lessons is 5, after the 5 you may feel you might need more.

Some driving school's might advise extra lessons depending on how you get on.

You are right in going all the way to CE, i did it myself.

Are you only going for the rigid and artic only?

Would the bus interest you?

I got my rigid and bus licence's 9 months apart and the artic 2 years later.

TallGlass

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

The average number of lessons is 5, after the 5 you may feel you might need more.

Some driving school's might advise extra lessons depending on how you get on.

You are right in going all the way to CE, i did it myself.

Are you only going for the rigid and artic only?

Would the bus interest you?

I got my rigid and bus licence's 9 months apart and the artic 2 years later.

For the moment, it's just the C I will be focusing on. Will get the permit for the bus when doing the theory test and once at level of CE with the full I will look at the bus.

What's the lifespan on how many years you have to renew your full C is it every 10 or so or is it less?

boardsuser1

TallGlass wrote: »

For the moment, it's just the C I will be focusing on. Will get the permit for the bus when doing the theory test and once at level of CE with the full I will look at the bus.

What's the lifespan on how many years you have to renew your full C is it every 10 or so or is it less?

It's now every 5 years.

Licence renewal €55
Annual CPC's €50 x 5, or x 6 if a bus driver, in a 5 year window.
Digi Card €45 if done online or €60 by post.
Medical every 5 years €50


If you are adding a category it's €35

TallGlass

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

It's now every 5 years.

Licence renewal €55
Annual CPC's €50 x 5, or x 6 if a bus driver, in a 5 year window.
Digi Card €45 if done online or €60 by post.
Medical every 5 years €50


If you are adding a category it's €35

Interesting, but you don't constantly need the CPC/Digi Card if your not going to be engaging in driving? So basically if I pass €105 every 5 years to get the licence active?

boardsuser1

TallGlass wrote: »

Interesting, but you don't constantly need the CPC/Digi Card if your not going to be engaging in driving? So basically if I pass €105 every 5 years to get the licence active?

If you wish to drive professionally at any stage in the 5 years you need to keep them up to date.

There are some exemptions however, i've attached the links for you.

http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Professional-Drivers/Tachograph-cards/Exemptions/


http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Professional-Drivers/Driver-Hours/Getting-your-CPC/


Would any of those apply in your case?

Also of note, any truck or bus registered after May 2006 has a digital tachograph recorded.

finnharpsboy

TallGlass wrote: »

Thanks, have CD-ROM at home, I think the driving of the truck should be okay, once I get a feel for the controls and size.

Out of interest, did you pass the test and also are the learner trucks manual or automatic?

Still on the learners permit, test was scheduled for last month but tester was sick so got another date for 3 weeks time.

boardsuser1

finnharpsboy wrote: »

Still on the learners permit, test was scheduled for last month but tester was sick so got another date for 3 weeks time.

The very best of luck with it!

Are you getting more lessons?

finnharpsboy

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

The very best of luck with it!

Are you getting more lessons?

Yeah doing another 2 plus I’m in the lucky position that the boss in work stuck me onto the insurance so I can go for a daily spin when it’s not so busy along the Test routes nearby.

boardsuser1

finnharpsboy wrote: »

Yeah doing another 2 plus I’m in the lucky position that the boss in work stuck me onto the insurance so I can go for a daily spin when it’s not so busy along the Test routes nearby.

Must be a very kind boss, it's rare, if ever you'd hear of them doing that.

What kind of truck have you for the lessons?

Is she a 3 over 3 or a 4 over 4 gearbox?

finnharpsboy

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

Must be a very kind boss, it's rare, if ever you'd hear of them doing that.

What kind of truck have you for the lessons?

Is she a 3 over 3 or a 4 over 4 gearbox?

4/4 man truck with the swilly group.... he’s the best boss you could want, 15 years with him on the 14th

boardsuser1

finnharpsboy wrote: »

4/4 man truck with the swilly group.... he’s the best boss you could want, 15 years with him on the 14th

Stephen Sweeney :pac:

He ran the course when i was doing my rigid.

Drove several of those MAN trucks, take off in 2nd instead of 3rd in most.

finnharpsboy

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

Stephen Sweeney :pac:

He ran the course when i was doing my rigid.

Drove several of those MAN trucks, take off in 2nd instead of 3rd in most.

Francie is who I’ve been with... helps too that I’ve been driving the man truck in Work that we had up and down the yard before it was retired for a newer DAF

boardsuser1

finnharpsboy wrote: »

Francie is who I’ve been with... helps too that I’ve been driving the man truck in Work that we had up and down the yard before it was retired for a newer DAF

You've been spoilt so for driving time

Never met any of them except Stephen, he kept taking the p1ss out of us over the Cork -V- Donegal football final in 2012.

Done my ADR course that same year as well with John O'Donnell, what an absolute gent of a man.

finnharpsboy

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

You've been spoilt so for driving time

Never met any of them except Stephen, he kept taking the p1ss out of us over the Cork -V- Donegal football final in 2012.

Done my ADR course that same year as well with John O'Donnell, what an absolute gent of a man.

Been lucky that the boss stuck me on the company insurance, lucky that my job is literally on one of the test routes and can go for a drive round anytime the trucks are free, just need to get lucky on Test day

boardsuser1

finnharpsboy wrote: »

Been lucky that the boss stuck me on the company insurance, lucky that my job is literally on one of the test routes and can go for a drive round anytime the trucks are free, just need to get lucky on Test day

Do you get the whole lot in-house so?

Lessons,test,vehicle etc?

Some companies will cover the full cost to a loyal employee, which you seem to be.

I've met a few people in the bus industry who started off working in a non driving capacity before moving over to driving for them.

finnharpsboy

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

Do you get the whole lot in-house so?

Lessons,test,vehicle etc?

Some companies will cover the full cost to a loyal employee, which you seem to be.

I've met a few people in the bus industry who started off working in a non driving capacity before moving over to driving for them.

Na the trucks aren’t box bodies, flat beds with hiabs on them so have to hire the truck for the lessons and test.

Started off stacking shelves , moved out to the warehouse then forklift drivingand delivering in the van, one of the lads is retiring soon so they wanted to have someone with a C who can work the warehouse and drive a truck.

tenreds

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

It's now every 5 years.

Licence renewal €55
Annual CPC's €50 x 5, or x 6 if a bus driver, in a 5 year window.
Digi Card €45 if done online or €60 by post.
Medical every 5 years €50


If you are adding a category it's €35

Just a question on this,I have c+e license just checked it there and it's valid for 10 years last renewal 2012 has things changed do I need to apply for a new license this year, done test in 2010 have to use it sometimes in my job so don't want to be with out

boardsuser1

tenreds wrote: »

Just a question on this,I have c+e license just checked it there and it's valid for 10 years last renewal 2012 has things changed do I need to apply for a new license this year, done test in 2010 have to use it sometimes in my job so don't want to be with out

It changed in 2013.

When you renew in 2022 you’ll only get 5 years from then onwards.

Your current licence remains valid.

You have the old paper licence.

tenreds

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

It changed in 2013.

When you renew in 2022 you’ll only get 5 years from then onwards.

Your current licence remains valid.

You have the old paper licence.

Cheers for that,was starting to panic there

TallGlass

Best of luck with test.

You going for the CE after or leaving it at C?

TallGlass

Are the ISM trucks for the C are they manual ?

boardsuser1

TallGlass wrote: »

Are the ISM trucks for the C are they manual ?

Yeah, I’ve never heard of a school of motoring with an automatic truck

TallGlass

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

Yeah, I’ve never heard of a school of motoring with an automatic truck

Thanks. Have to wait on this stupid public services card to come out. Can't book anything without the card number.

boardsuser1

TallGlass wrote: »

Thanks. Have to wait on this stupid public services card to come out. Can't book anything without the card number.

For booking the theory test and CPC's?

TallGlass

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

For booking the theory test and CPC's?

Yup. Needs a card number and I don't wanna chance it as I noticed last time on DTT office they where fairly particular about that type of stuff so can't book anything. Joke really.

boardsuser1

TallGlass wrote: »

Yup. Needs a card number and I don't wanna chance it as I noticed last time on DTT office they where fairly particular about that type of stuff so can't book anything. Joke really.

Fcuk it :mad:

I have yet to get my bike licence.

I have until next March to renew the provisional or i'll have to do the theory test again.

Looks like more hassle than it's worth.

A police state is what it feels like with that bloody card.

I have one because i was forced when on the dole in 2015.

TallGlass

Booked in for next month, is it just the C/D licence that has hardly any time slots? Literally no spaces in any of the Dublin test centers. Unreal.

boardsuser1

TallGlass wrote: »

Booked in for next month, is it just the C/D licence that has hardly any time slots? Literally no spaces in any of the Dublin test centers. Unreal.

I think it’s more to do with the fact that the money in those professions is very poor combined with the fact that education and training boards run those courses to get the licence and CPC etc for nothing, all you need is a learner permit and the state pays the rest.

The latter most likely the main reason.

finnharpsboy

TallGlass wrote: »

Booked in for next month, is it just the C/D licence that has hardly any time slots? Literally no spaces in any of the Dublin test centers. Unreal.

When I was doing my theory test and Case Studies Test, Dublin had one or two slots in the 3 month calendar.
Ended up doing both in Wicklow within a week of booking.

finnharpsboy

Passed today

4 minor faults

boardsuser1

finnharpsboy wrote: »

Passed today

4 minor faults

Well done man.

Artic next

finnharpsboy

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

Well done man.

Artic next

The instructor said that to me too.... probably blowing smoke up my back side but said id make a great artic driver.

No artics in my place so ill be paying for that myself :pac:

boardsuser1

finnharpsboy wrote: »

The instructor said that to me too.... probably blowing smoke up my back side but said id make a great artic driver.

No artics in my place so ill be paying for that myself :pac:

I can't understand why,any person who holds a rigid licence won't go for the artic licence.

The few bob you pay for it would be worth it.

As many people have said, the artic licence is "The big boy's licence"

finnharpsboy

Cork Truck Driver wrote: »

I can't understand why,any person who holds a rigid licence won't go for the artic licence.

The few bob you pay for it would be worth it.

As many people have said, the artic licence is "The big boy's licence"

Think i will go for it.... might as well

boardsuser1

finnharpsboy wrote: »

Think i will go for it.... might as well

You'll find employment opportunites are far greater with it.

parishsavings

Well done!

Going for the artic myself. I would be happy on a rigid but Bit apprehensive about the artic.
Will keep everyone posted!

Richard_parker

Also worth mentioning, if driving for Hire and Reward you will need to do 1 cpc module a year (there are 5 modules for C licence) in order to have cpc up to date. Also, 5 modules for D licence (first 4 are the same for C and D, 5th module is licence specific). If driving C and D for Hire and Reward then you must do 6 modules in 5 years.

boardsuser1

Richard_parker wrote: »

Also worth mentioning, if driving for Hire and Reward you will need to do 1 cpc module a year (there are 5 modules for C licence) in order to have cpc up to date. Also, 5 modules for D licence (first 4 are the same for C and D, 5th module is licence specific). If driving C and D for Hire and Reward then you must do 6 modules in 5 years.

I do all of the above, €300 it costs me every 5 years.

Richard_parker

60 a year so, doesnt sound too bad. They do in one day? I mean one module one day? Any problems with your employer getting the day off to do it? Do you get paid for that day?

Richard_parker

finnharpsboy wrote: »

Francie is who I’ve been with... helps too that I’ve been driving the man truck in Work that we had up and down the yard before it was retired for a newer DAF

Got mine done with Francie and Dave too, brilliant instructors cant praise them high enough, there is always a story to explain a reason why something is or isnt done and I loved that. I also liked how they kept me on my toes all the time, always testing you or trying to trick you (especially Dave), by the time lessons are done you are 100% on everything be it rules of the road related, truck positioning, traffic reading/dangers ahead etc. I passed mine with 1 minor fault at the end.

finnharpsboy

Richard_parker wrote: »

60 a year so, doesnt sound too bad. They do in one day? I mean one module one day? Any problems with your employer getting the day off to do it? Do you get paid for that day?

Boss in my job pays for the CPC for us and our days wages too but not all bosses do.
€55 per CPC if booked online, 60 if you pay on the day with the crowd we use.

Yeah its one module over the course of the day.... starts at 8:30 finishes at 4:30.
! hour lunch break but usually its just a chat amongst the drivers attending on stories of what theyve experienced over the years.