DTT HGV Motorway Driving and CPC Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for commercial drivers?
- A mandatory qualification for professional drivers of trucks (Cat C) and buses (Cat D) requiring initial qualification and periodic training every 5 years (Correct answer)
- An annual driving assessment by an approved driving instructor
- A first aid and vehicle maintenance qualification
- A voluntary additional qualification for senior drivers only
Correct answer: A mandatory qualification for professional drivers of trucks (Cat C) and buses (Cat D) requiring initial qualification and periodic training every 5 years
The Driver CPC is an EU-mandated qualification for commercial drivers. It requires an initial qualification (theory and practical modules) and 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to maintain the CPC.
Question 2: What is the Digital Tachograph Card (DQC) issued as part of the Driver CPC?
- The Driver Qualification Card — a credit-card sized document proving the holder has a valid CPC, carried while driving professionally (Correct answer)
- A special tachograph card for CPC-qualified drivers
- A digital record of the driver's entire CPC training history
- A card issued by the RSA replacing the tachograph driver card
Correct answer: The Driver Qualification Card — a credit-card sized document proving the holder has a valid CPC, carried while driving professionally
The Driver Qualification Card (DQC) is issued to drivers who have completed or are maintaining their Driver CPC. It must be carried while driving professionally and shown to enforcement officers on request.
Question 3: How many hours of periodic CPC training must a driver complete in each 5-year cycle?
- 35 hours — completed in blocks of at least 7 hours per training day, from RSA-approved training centres (Correct answer)
- 20 hours per 5 years
- 40 hours per 5 years — equivalent to one full week of training
- 50 hours including initial qualification modules
Correct answer: 35 hours — completed in blocks of at least 7 hours per training day, from RSA-approved training centres
35 hours of periodic training must be completed in each 5-year CPC cycle. Training must be at RSA-approved centres, in modules of at least 7 hours. Training can be spread across the 5-year period.
Question 4: What are the consequences of driving professionally without a valid Driver CPC in Ireland?
- A fixed charge penalty and penalty points — and the driver's employer may also face prosecution (Correct answer)
- A verbal warning only on first offence
- CPC requirements are enforced only for international journeys
- Only enforcement at ports and international border points
Correct answer: A fixed charge penalty and penalty points — and the driver's employer may also face prosecution
Driving professionally without a valid CPC is an offence. Fixed charge penalties and penalty points apply to the driver. Employers who allow drivers without CPC to drive professionally also face prosecution.
Question 5: What subjects are covered in Driver CPC periodic training?
- Advanced driving techniques, EU regulations (tachograph, hours), vehicle safety, cargo securing, passenger safety, emergency procedures, fuel efficiency, and road transport law (Correct answer)
- Only tachograph operation and driver hours rules
- Only first aid and fire safety
- Vehicle mechanics and maintenance only
Correct answer: Advanced driving techniques, EU regulations (tachograph, hours), vehicle safety, cargo securing, passenger safety, emergency procedures, fuel efficiency, and road transport law
CPC periodic training covers a broad curriculum including advanced driving, regulations, cargo security, passenger safety, emergency procedures, eco-driving, health and safety, and transport legislation.
Question 6: What is the difference between 'initial CPC qualification' and 'periodic CPC training'?
- Initial qualification: taken before first professional driving — theory and practical modules. Periodic training: 35 hours every 5 years to maintain the CPC for drivers already qualified (Correct answer)
- There is no difference — both require identical exams every 5 years
- Initial CPC is only for bus drivers; periodic training is for truck drivers only
- Initial CPC is a national qualification; periodic CPC is an EU requirement for international drivers only
Correct answer: Initial qualification: taken before first professional driving — theory and practical modules. Periodic training: 35 hours every 5 years to maintain the CPC for drivers already qualified
Initial CPC involves written tests, a hazard perception test, and practical case studies — taken before driving professionally for the first time. Periodic training (35 hours) maintains the qualification every 5 years.
DTT HGV Motorway Driving and CPC Requirements 2
What is the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for commercial drivers?