Motorway Driving and CPC Requirements Flashcards

What is the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for commercial drivers?

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.

What is the Digital Tachograph Card (DQC) issued as part of the Driver CPC?

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.

How many hours of periodic CPC training must a driver complete in each 5-year cycle?

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.

What are the consequences of driving professionally without a valid Driver CPC in Ireland?

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.

What subjects are covered in Driver CPC periodic training?

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.

What is the difference between 'initial CPC qualification' and 'periodic CPC training'?

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.