Truck‑Driving Licences in Ireland – The Complete Guide for Aspiring HGV Drivers
If you’re thinking about a career behind the wheel of a heavy‑goods vehicle (HGV) in Ireland, you’ve come to the right place. This post walks you through everything you need to know – from the different licence categories and the step‑by‑step application process, to costs, training providers, and the most common questions people ask.
1. Why Get an HGV Licence in Ireland?
- High demand – With Brexit, the rise of e‑commerce, and a shortage of drivers across Europe, Irish haulage companies are actively recruiting.
- Good earnings – Entry‑level HGV drivers can earn €30‑€38 k per year, with overtime and night‑shift premiums pushing totals above €45 k.
- Career mobility – A UK or EU‑wide licence opens doors to routes across the continent, and many Irish drivers later move into specialist sectors such as refrigerated transport, hazardous‑materials hauling, or logistics management.
If any of those points spark your interest, let’s dive into the licence itself.
2. The Licence Categories You’ll Encounter
| Category | Vehicle Type (Maximum GVW) | Typical Use | Minimum Age* |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Over 3 500 kg, no upper limit (articulated or rigid) | Long‑haul lorries, tractor‑units, dump trucks | 21 (or 18 with a C1+E provisional) |
| C1 | 3 500 kg – 7 500 kg (rigid only) | Small/medium trucks, delivery vans, construction plant | 18 |
| C+E | Combination of a C‑category vehicle + trailer over 750 kg | Full tractor‑trailer rigs, container haulers | 21 (or 18 with a C1+E provisional) |
| C1+E | C1 vehicle + trailer over 750 kg | Larger vans pulling semi‑trailers, some moving‑company rigs | 18 |
| D | Passenger‑carrying vehicles over 8 passengers (bus) – not needed for trucks | Not applicable for HGV drivers | 21 |
| D1 | Small buses up to 16 passengers | Not applicable for HGV drivers | 21 |
*You must hold a full Category B (car) licence for at least one year before you can apply for any C‑category licence.
3. The Roadmap: How to Get Your Truck‑Driving Licence
Below is a concise, visual roadmap that shows the main stages, typical timeframes, and average fees (as of 2024).
| Stage | What You Do | Typical Time Required | Approx. Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Meet the basic criteria | • Hold a Category B licence ≥ 1 yr • Be at least 18 yr (C1, C1+E) or 21 yr (C, C+E) • Pass a medical fitness test (VISION & general health) | 1‑2 weeks (appointment scheduling) | €30‑€50 (medical) |
| 2. Enrol in an approved HGV training centre | Choose a Road Safety Authority (RSA)‑approved school. Most courses run 4‑6 weeks (full‑time) or 8‑12 weeks (part‑time). | 4‑12 weeks (depends on format) | €1 200‑€2 200 (incl. theory & practical tuition) |
| 3. Pass the Theory Test | 40‑question multiple‑choice exam (computer‑based). You must score ≥ 90 %. | Usually within a few days of booking | €30 (test fee) |
| 4. Complete the Practical Training | • 20 hrs of on‑road driving • 6 hrs of off‑road manoeuvres (reverse, hill‑start, coupling/uncoupling) • 3 hrs of vehicle safety & load‑securing | Embedded in training course | Included in tuition |
| 5. Pass the Practical Driving Test | 30‑minute assessment covering road safety, vehicle control, and legal compliance. | 1‑2 weeks after training (depends on test centre) | €70‑€100 (test fee) |
| 6. Apply for the Full Licence | Submit the Form D 267 (or online via the RSA portal), attach medical report, theory & practical test certificates, and pay the licence fee. | 2‑4 weeks (processing) | €55 (licence issuance) |
| 7. Optional: Add Endorsements | • ADR (dangerous goods) • Tachograph training • HGV Refresh (every 5 years) | Varies per endorsement | €100‑€300 each |
Quick Checklist for Success
- Gather paperwork – ID, proof of residence, Category B licence, medical certificate.
- Pick a training centre – Look for high pass‑rate schools; many publish their statistics on the RSA website.
- Book the theory test early – Slots fill quickly in larger cities (Dublin, Cork).
- Practice the “reverse‑into‑a‑bay” manoeuvre – It’s the most common reason candidates fail the practical test.
- Keep your medical report up‑to‑date – You’ll need a fresh certificate if more than 2 years have passed before applying.
4. Choosing the Right Training Provider
| Provider | Location(s) | Course Length | Pass Rate (2023) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Driving School (NDS) | Dublin, Limerick, Galway | 4‑week full‑time | 96 % | Modern fleet, dedicated exam simulators |
| Irish Truck Academy | Cork, Waterford | 6‑week part‑time | 94 % | Flexible evening classes, job‑placement assistance |
| Ballymaloe HGV Centre | Galway, Mayo | 5‑week intensive | 92 % | On‑site trailer yard, ADR certification add‑on |
| Transport Training Solutions (TTS) | Dublin, Belfast (cross‑border) | 8‑week blended | 95 % | Online theory modules, multilingual instructors |
Tip: When you call, ask for the latest pass‑rate data and whether the school provides a driving‑test reservation service – many do, and it can shave weeks off your timeline.
5. Costs – A Deeper Look
While the table above gives a ball‑park figure, here’s a breakdown of typical expenses you may encounter, including optional extras.
| Item | Cost Range | When You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Medical fitness test | €30‑€50 | Before you start training |
| Theory test fee | €30 | When you book the exam |
| Practical test fee | €70‑€100 | After you complete training |
| Training tuition | €1 200‑€2 200 | Up‑front, often split into installments |
| Licence issuance fee | €55 | When you submit the final application |
| ADR endorsement | €150‑€250 | After you obtain the C‑licence |
| Tachograph card | €80‑€120 | Required for most commercial driving jobs |
| Refresh (5‑year) medical | €30‑€45 | Every 5 years thereafter |
| Vehicle insurance (if you own a truck) | €1 500‑€3 000 / yr | Ongoing, not part of the licence cost |
Budgeting tip: Many training centres offer ‘pay‑as‑you‑go’ plans where you pay the tuition in three instalments (before theory, before practical, after practical). This can help you spread the cash flow.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need a Category B licence before I can start any HGV training?
Yes – the RSA requires you to have held a full Category B licence for at least one year before you can enroll in a C‑category course.
2. Can I start a C‑licence course at 18 years old?
You can begin a C1 or C1+E course at 18, but the full C and C+E licences are only granted from age 21 (or 18 with a provisional C1+E and after completing a specific ‘young driver’ programme).
3. How long is the HGV licence valid?
The licence itself is valid for 10 years. However, the medical certificate must be renewed every 5 years (or annually for drivers over 65).
4. What is the difference between C1 and C?
C1 covers rigid trucks up to 7 500 kg GVW – think “large vans” or “small tipper trucks”. C covers any heavier vehicle, including articulated lorries and dump trucks used on construction sites.
5. Do I need a separate licence to drive a truck with a trailer?
If you intend to pull a trailer over 750 kg, you’ll need the +E endorsement (C+E or C1+E). The training for this endorsement is a short 3‑hour practical module that can be taken after you have your base C or C1 licence.
6. Can I work in the UK with an Irish HGV licence?
Yes – under the European Common Licence framework, an Irish HGV licence is recognised throughout the EU and the UK. If you plan to stay in the UK long‑term, you may need to exchange your licence after 5 years of residence.
7. What if I fail the practical test?
You can retake the practical exam after a minimum 7‑day waiting period. The test fee is payable each time, but the training centre usually offers a “re‑test package” at a reduced rate.
8. Is there any financial support or grants available?
The Irish Government’s Skills Development Programme occasionally funds HGV training for unemployed adults. Check with your local Intreo office for the latest schemes.
7. Tips for Acing the Theory and Practical Exams
- Theory:
- Use the RSA’s free online HGV Theory Handbook (downloadable PDF).
- Take at least two full mock exams on a mobile app – the more you practice under timed conditions, the better.
- Pay special attention to “Load Securing” and “Vehicle Dimensions” – these sections are heavily weighted.
- Practical:
- Master reverse‑into‑a‑bay – examiners watch you for smoothness, accuracy, and correct use of mirrors.
- Practice coupling/uncoupling with a real trailer, not just a mock‑up.
- Keep a logbook of your on‑road hours; being able to recall exact routes (e.g., “M7 to Kilkenny”) shows confidence to the examiner.
8. From Licence to First Job – What’s Next?
- Create a professional driver CV – highlight your licence class, endorsements, and any relevant experience (e.g., farm machinery, forklift).
- Register on Irish recruitment portals (jobs.ie, Indeed, RecruitIreland). Use keywords like “C‑licence driver”, “HGV driver”, “tractor‑unit”.
- Attend driver job fairs – the annual Irish Transport Expo in Dublin draws dozens of haulage firms looking for fresh talent.
- Consider a “trainee driver” contract – many companies pay a modest wage during a 3‑month on‑the‑job training period, after which you move onto a full‑pay contract.
9. Final Thought
Obtaining an HGV licence in Ireland is a clear, reachable pathway to a stable, well‑paid career. By following the steps outlined above, budgeting wisely, and committing to the required training, you’ll be ready to hit the road with confidence.
Ready to start? Book a medical fitness test today, then contact a local RSA‑approved training centre. The road ahead is waiting for you.
Quick Reference Cheat‑Sheet
| What you need | When you need it | How much? |
|---|---|---|
| Category B licence (1 yr) | Before enrolling | — |
| Medical fitness certificate | Before training | €30‑€50 |
| Theory test | After enrolment | €30 |
| Practical training (incl. off‑road) | 4‑12 weeks | €1 200‑€2 200 |
| Practical test | After training | €70‑€100 |
| Licence issuance | After passing both tests | €55 |
| Optional endorsements (ADR, tachograph) | After licence | €150‑€300 each |
Take this sheet with you when you call a driving school – it will help you confirm you have everything in order before you sign up. Good luck, and welcome to the world of Irish HGV driving!