Professional Driving — HGV (Category C/CE)

This course prepares you to drive heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) legally and professionally on Irish roads. You study road transport law, vehicle mechanics, safe loading and securing of cargo, tachograph rules, and the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) modules required by law for commercial drivers in Ireland. Practical sessions put you behind the wheel of articulated lorries and rigid vehicles, building skill in manoeuvring, reversing and coupling trailers under the supervision of qualified instructors. A typical week combines classroom theory with substantial time on the yard and public roads. You will sit the RSA Category C or CE driving test and complete your five CPC periodic training modules, giving you a fully compliant professional driving qualification ready for immediate employment.

There are no formal Leaving Certificate requirements for this course, making it accessible to school leavers and adults alike. You must hold a full Category B (car) driving licence before beginning Category C training, as this is a legal RSA prerequisite. You must be at least 18 years of age for Category C and 21 for Category CE, though some ETB-funded programmes accept applicants at 18 with a derogation. Many ETBs offer funded places through SOLAS or Skillnet Ireland, and courses are also available under the Back to Education Initiative for those returning to work. No specific Leaving Certificate subjects are required, but basic literacy and numeracy are needed to pass RSA theory tests and CPC written examinations. Employer-sponsored routes exist where a haulage company funds your training in exchange for a commitment to work with them after qualification.

Ireland is currently experiencing a well-documented national shortage of licensed HGV drivers, meaning employment prospects for newly qualified drivers are excellent. Entry-level gross salaries typically start around €35,000–€40,000 per year, with experienced artic drivers earning €45,000–€55,000 or more, particularly on international routes. Many employers offer immediate start dates upon qualification and provide additional on-the-job training for specialist work. Job security is high given the essential nature of freight and logistics to the Irish economy, and the shortage is expected to persist for the foreseeable future.