Motorway Driving and CPC Requirements Flashcards

What is the importance of pre-journey route checks for hazardous roads or bridges for a truck driver?

Answer: A bridge collapse or getting stuck under a low bridge can be fatal and career-ending — route checks prevent costly and dangerous incidents

Pre-journey route checks are essential. Low bridges (under 4.65m) cause catastrophic and sometimes fatal collisions. Weight-restricted bridges can collapse or lead to prohibition. GPS maps are not always current with restrictions.

What is the difference between a national speed limit and a posted speed limit for trucks?

Answer: National limits are the default where no sign is posted — trucks have lower national limits than cars; posted limits override nationals for all vehicles

National speed limits are the default when no signs are posted. Trucks have their own national defaults (80 km/h on national roads, lower on other roads). Where a sign is posted, the posted limit applies to all vehicles unless vehicles are specifically excluded.

How does the 'road train' configuration (truck + two trailers) differ from a standard artic in terms of handling?

Answer: A road train is longer and more difficult to manoeuvre — the second trailer amplifies swing movements and requires much greater care on corners and bends

Road trains (used in limited specific circumstances in Ireland and Europe) require special authorisation. The second trailer amplifies oscillations and makes the combination very sensitive to steering inputs and speed changes.

What is the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) and what role does it play for drivers and operators?

Answer: A representative and lobbying organisation for road haulage operators — provides industry guidance, training support, and represents members' interests with regulators

The IRHA represents the road haulage industry in Ireland. It lobbies on behalf of operators, provides training guidance, and supports members with compliance information. It is not a government enforcement body.

What is 'cabotage' in road transport and what rules govern it in the EU?

Answer: Carrying goods within a single EU country by a haulier from another EU country — EU rules limit this to 3 operations within 7 days after an international delivery

Cabotage is the right of a foreign haulier to carry goods domestically in another EU country. EU rules permit a maximum of 3 cabotage operations within 7 days following an international delivery — this prevents unfair competition.

What is the purpose of the 'Good Repute' requirement for an operator licence in Ireland?

Answer: To ensure operators and transport managers have not committed serious offences — criminal convictions or serious road transport infringements can disqualify an applicant

Good repute is one of three conditions for an operator licence. Applicants (and their transport manager) must not have serious convictions for criminal offences or serious transport-related infringements — including driver hours, tachograph, and overloading offences.