New EU regulations to promote road safety for bus and coach drivers came into force on recently. From now on, all bus and coach drivers who drive for a living must have a new Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC).

A person applying for a bus licence will now be required to pass a further theory and practical driving test in addition to the ordinary bus driving test if they wish to become a professional bus driver. Any drivers holding a valid full licence in the bus licence category on or before 9th September 2008 are automatically entitled to the new Driver CPC.

All drivers who hold a Driver CPC, whether by sitting the new test or by acquired rights, will be required to complete a 35 hour training programme during the following five years in order to retain the Driver CPC. This will consist of a one day training programme per year over the five years.

Mr. Noel Brett, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority said that: "These new changes are being introduced in all European Union Member States on 10th September 2008, as part of a Europe wide initiative to improve road safety and recognise the particular responsibility bus drivers have for the safety of their passengers. Similar rules will be introduced for professional truck drivers in September 2009."

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment