How to become a Truck Driver In Ireland: A Five Step Guide

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If you’re looking for a career that offers variety, travel, and the potential for steady income, truck driving might be a great fit. In Ireland, the haulage and logistics industry sector is vital to the economy, and there’s a growing demand for qualified truck drivers.

Here’s a FIVE step guide to becoming a professional truck driver in Ireland.

1. Meet the Basic Requirements
To begin, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a full Category B (car) driving licence. Good eyesight, physical fitness, and a clean driving record are also essential.

2. Apply for a Learner Permit for Category C or CE
Truck drivers in Ireland need a Category C licence (for rigid trucks) or a Category CE (for articulated lorries). To start the learning process, you must firstly obtain a Learner Permit for Licence category C. This involves the following 3 steps.

1. Pass the Driver CPC Theory Test for Trucks (book with theorytest.ie)
2. Complete a medical exam with your GP
3. Apply for a Category C learner permit through the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS).

3. Take Professional Lessons
To prepare for your driving test, you need to sign up with a Driving School for a pre-test programme of truck driving lessons. An RSA qualified instructor will help you gain the skills and confidence to pass your tests and handle real-world driving.

The Swilly Group offers a number of attractive pre-test driving lesson packages for the learning to drive a Rigid Truck. The Basic Package includes 11 hours of Truck Driving Lessons and the hire of the Rigid Truck for the driving test for €1,400. The intermediate package includes 16 hours of Truck driving lessons and the hire of the Truck for the driving test for €1,950.

As part of our summer special, Swilly Group is currently offering 15% discount on all Basic HGV-Rigid Truck Driving Lesson Packages and 20% discount on all Intermediate HGV-Rigid Truck Driving Lesson packages booked and paid for via our website during the months of May, June and July 2025.

4. Sit the Driving Test with the RSA
All professional truck drivers must undergo and pass the RSA Driving Test for licence category C.
When you start your training, you should apply (via the RSA website) for your Truck Driving Test and the Driver CPC walkaround test, which can be done on the same date or booked separately.

1. RSA Practical Driving test
2. Driver CPC Walkaround test

You can book these tests through the RSA (Road Safety Authority) website.
Drivers must also complete their Driver CPC case studies test. This is done separately and is booked through the website theorytest.ie.

5. Secure a Job
Once you have passed the RSA driving test and complete the Driver CPC theory, case studies and walkaround test, you can apply to the RSA for a Full C Licence and a Driver CPC card.

You are now qualified to apply for jobs as a Truck driver with haulage companies, logistics firms, or even work towards becoming an owner-operator.

Talk to the Swilly Group about truck driving jobs. Local haulage and logistic companies are in regular contact with Swilly Group looking to recruit new drivers from the Swilly Group courses.

Final Thoughts
Becoming a truck driver in Ireland takes time, training, and commitment, but it can lead to a rewarding career. With demand for drivers increasing, now is a great time to hit the road professionally.
You can easily book Truck driving lessons near you by contacting Swilly Group through our website or by phone. We’ll help you schedule lessons at a time and location that suits you best.