Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2020
56. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider conducting commercial driver certificate of professional competency, CPC, courses online similar to those provided in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35757/20]
View answerTraining for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competency (CPC) is classroom based and legislation governing this training states that the training must take place in a Road Safety Authority (RSA) approved CPC training centre. There are no plans at present to amend this legislation. In addition, The RSA have noted that it would be difficult to quality assure an online training session and to ensure drivers complete the minimum 7 hours training required. An online system will require proper consultation and development, taking account of the needs for robustness and integrity in the process and for appropriate data protection.
The RSA have made allowances for professional Drivers with Driver CPC cards that are due to expire and who are prevented from completing training due to the current Covid 19 outbreak. Drivers with valid Irish Driver CPC cards that were due to expire between 1 February and 31 August 2020 were granted an extension of seven months on their expiring CPC card. The additional time was to enable these drivers to complete their CPC training and obtain their new CPC card.
