Lessons

Naas Driving Academy · Instructor: Richard Whyte · RSA Category C

Before You Drive

The points Richard has raised in more than one lesson. Read these in the car park before every session and on test morning.

STOP means stop. Full stop at stop signs and T-junctions, then look left / right. No rolling, no treating it as a yield. Watch for stop lines set well back from the junction (Loch Buí onto the Kilcullen Road; likely the same at Swans on the Green).L1 · L2 · L3 · L4 · L5
A car length in front when stopping in traffic, and again when it moves off.L1 · L2 · L3 · L4
Narrow road, oncoming traffic: stop. No hesitation, then negotiate past. No excuses.L3 · L4
Speed on approach. Slow earlier for junctions and for any change ahead — a road narrowing, a crossing, a hazard.L4
Split the lanes on right turns off Main Street and at Friary / Blessington, so nothing comes up the inside. Watch the tail swing.L1 · L3 · L4
Roundabouts: signal every time, correct lane, and don't drift left before you've indicated left.L1 · L3 · L4
Kerbs and hedges. Don't clip the kerb turning left; keep the nearside mirror out of the hedge — stay out, stop if needed.L1 · L2
Basics: mirror before signal, both hands on the wheel, handbrake if stopped more than 3 seconds, check dimensions and weights on entering the cab.L1 · L2

Lesson Log — Category C

Most recent lesson first. Each lesson has a My notes box you can type into on the phone — it's saved on this device.

Lesson 6 · Test dayTue 13 Oct 2026 · 08:00

Content covered40-minute familiarisation drive prior to test.

Result

Passed CPC walkaround and oral exam (Module 4) — successfully completed and passed.
Passed HGV Class C driving test — successfully completed and passed.

NextCE lessons with ISM Finglas once the full C licence and CE learner permit come through.

Lesson 5Fri 9 Oct 2026 · 10:00–12:00

Content coveredDriving — two full test routes (approx. 2 hrs).

Notes

Completed two full test routes successfully.
One issue — failed to stop at the yield/stop sign coming out of Loch Buí onto the Kilcullen Road. The painted road sign is 20 ft back from the junction, allowing for the footpath and cycle lane. STOP at the line, not at the junction.
Beware of similar at Swans on the Green.

Photo Loch Buí exit — stop line well back from the junction. Tap to enlarge.

Next lesson13.10.2026 — pre-test mock run, 08:00

Lesson 4Thu 17 Sept 2026 · 10:00–12:00

Content coveredDriving — town and back-road routes: Punchestown road, the Friary/Blessington junction, Sallins Road and the Sallins bypass roundabout (approx. 2 hrs).

Notes

Not maintaining a car length to the vehicle in front when stopping.
Think Punchestown — narrow road, cars approaching. Slowed to 5 km/h but was slow to stop. Should have STOPPED, then negotiated past the car.
Ignored the stop sign moving out onto the dual carriageway — treated it as a yield. STOP, then look left / right.
Speed at junctions was too fast during the first half of the lesson.
Junction of Friary Road and Blessington Road — should have split the lanes. Had to move out, which forced oncoming traffic from the right to stop and traffic from the left to clear.
Approaching a change in road conditions or circumstances ahead, reduce speed — Sallins Road after the Waterways entrance, where the width reduces.
Sallins bypass roundabout: taking the exit to the right and indicating right, but moving the vehicle to the left side of the roundabout too early, before indicating left.

Next lesson09.10.2026

Lesson 3Sat 05 Sept 2026 · 10:00

Content coveredDriving — town routes (Main Street junctions), roundabouts and narrow back roads; moving off after the reversing procedure.

Notes

Never fail to indicate — always signal, including entering the roundabout at the test centre departure.
Turning right off Main Street onto Friary Rd — split the lanes to avoid traffic coming up on the inside and causing a problem for traffic emerging from the right and turning right.
Turning right off Main Street onto Sallins Road — move assertively through the junction and pedestrian crossing, up to the traffic in front, to avoid pedestrians crossing in front of the truck.
When moving off following the reversing procedure and turning left, first indicate right to reflect moving off.
Always be aware of the distance to the car in front when slowing to stop and moving off.
On a narrow back road with oncoming traffic — STOP. No hesitation, then deal with passing the oncoming traffic. No excuses.

Next lesson17.09.2026 (8 Sept cancelled)

Lesson 2Wed 02 Sept 2026 · 10:00

Content coveredDriving only — approx. 1 hr 50 mins.

Notes

Always check truck dimensions on entering the cab, incl. weights and limits.
The biggie — turning left, clipped the kerb in Sallins and got too close to the car on the right coming out from the council offices.
Mind the gap to the car in front — both when stopped and when traffic moves off.
Mirror before signal.
Avoid the nearside mirror hitting hedges — stay out, and stop if necessary.
Don't start looking left and right at a T-junction until you have actually stopped.

Next lesson05.09.2026

Lesson 1Wed 12 Aug 2026 · 14:00

Content coveredSome theory · Walkaround · Controls · Set-up · Straight-forward driving routine (approx. 1.5 hrs).

Notes

Both hands on the wheel at all times.
When stopping in traffic, allow a car length in front.
No roll at Stop junctions — stop before the manoeuvre.
Handbrake when stopped more than 3 seconds.
Don't clip kerbs.
Correct lane position at roundabouts.
Watch for tail swing — split lanes if necessary.

Next lesson02.09.2026

Category C — What to Expect

Estimated hours — Naas DA

Typical new candidate: 15–20 hours of lessons.
Given your background (40+ years driving, towing, PPL): realistic estimate 8–12 hours — confirm at initial assessment.
PPL advantage: spatial awareness, momentum/inertia intuition, systematic walkaround discipline, calm under pressure.
Towing background means trailer dynamics, swept paths and reversing are already embedded.

Module 4 — CPC Walkaround (test day)

30-minute vehicle safety demonstration — the examiner asks you to identify and check components.
Full routine is in the Checklists tab. Practice until systematic.

Category CE — New Skills (ISM Finglas)

Fifth wheel coupling / uncoupling — kingpin, locking jaw, airlines (red/yellow), landing legs.
Trailer tracking on corners — swept path at full artic length (up to 16.5 m).
Air brake system — how it works, fail conditions, long descent management.
Trailer stability — rollover risk on roundabouts and bends with high-sided loads.
CE walkaround — all C items plus full trailer check.
Reversing manoeuvre — the key examiner exercise; your towing background is a real advantage.

Realistic CE estimate: 10–15 hours, vs 15–20 without your background.

Checklists

Drills you perform, plus the rules and limits you need to know.

Tap an item to tick it — saved on this phone.

Cockpit Drill

Run in order before starting. Handbrake–Neutral first, then D-S-S-S-M, then Fuel & Faults.

Before start

Handbrake — on
Gearbox — in neutral

D-S-S-S-M

Doors — all closed and secure
Seat — adjusted so all controls are reached comfortably
Steering / head restraint — set
Seat belt — on and comfortable
Mirrors — all set for a full view

Then

Fuel — enough for the journey (and AdBlue)
Faults — check dashboard warning lights

Walkaround Check — Truck

Takes about 15 minutes. On the test, just say what you see.

Getting in

Approach the vehicle — sitting square, no leaks underneath
Steps and handrails secure — enter using 3 points of contact
Insert DigiCard into the tachograph; set it to "other work" (crossed hammers)
Cockpit drills — Handbrake, Neutral, Doors, Seat, Steering, Seatbelt, Mirrors, Fuel, Faults
Secondary controls — demisters, lights, fog lights, hazards, horn, wipers, washers
Turn on the ignition but NOT the engine — check headlights and hazards
Exit using 3 points of contact

Offside (driver's door round)

Door security, mirrors, glass, windows, new damage, panniers, front tyre

Front

New damage, windscreen, Cyclops mirror, documentation in window, lights, indicators, number plate
Open the engine compartment — oil and fluid levels: coolant, hydraulics, screen wash

Nearside

Door security, mirrors, glass, windows, new damage, lockers, tyres (front and rear), body, white reflective strips
Underneath — battery compartment, driveshaft; check for contraband/stowaways

Rear

New damage, door security, lights, indicators, red reflective strips, number plate

Offside rear

New damage, rear tyres, body, white reflective strips
Underneath — fuel tanks, AdBlue, panniers; contraband/stowaways

Finishing

Re-enter using 3 points of contact
Start the engine and allow air to build up in the system

Remember

Note where the weight plate is. Note where the fuel and AdBlue tanks are. Check brake lights by reversing to a reflective surface and using your phone camera.

Test Day — What to Bring

Category C learner permit
Glasses or contacts, if you need them to drive
Test booking confirmation / invitation
Theory and CPC Case Study certs (in case they're asked for)
Comfortable clothing and suitable footwear
Phone — for the brake-light check on the walkaround
Arrive early — aim for 15 minutes before
Vehicle confirmed with Naas DA the day before

Driving Mnemonics

Manoeuvring — M-S-P-S-L

Mirrors → Signal → Position → Speed → Look
Then: Look – Assess – Decide – Act

Moving off — G-O-S-H

Gear → Observation → Signal → Handbrake
Always check the blind spot before moving.

Fuel / vehicle check — POWDERS

P — Petrol/Diesel/AdBlue: enough for the journey, cap secure, no leaks, tank secure
O — Oil: level between min and max (level surface, cold engine)
W — Water/fluids: coolant, screen wash, brake & steering fluid
D — Damage/Documents: new damage, weight plate (width/length), CVRT, tax, insurance
E — Electrics: lights, indicators, brakes, battery
R — Rubbers: wiper blades; tyres — Air (pressure), Wear (1.6 mm min tread), Tear (damage), Nuts (fastened), Hub (no leaks)
S — Safety/Security: safety equipment, emergency exits, stowaways, contraband

Tachograph & Drivers' Hours

EU drivers' hours rules (Reg. 561/2006), as applied in Ireland. These are the headline limits — check the RSA guide for the full detail.

The four modes — quick reckoner

What each symbol means and when to switch to it. Driving switches itself; you set the other three by hand with the mode button.

Driving Automatic

Set the moment the vehicle moves, or when you're at the wheel with the engine running. You never select this one.

e.g. out on the road.

Other work Set by hand

Any work that isn't driving. Switch to it whenever you stop driving to do a job.

e.g. the walkaround check, loading or unloading, coupling/uncoupling, fuelling, paperwork, maintenance.

Availability Set by hand

Waiting or on standby — not working, but not free to rest either.

e.g. a ferry or train crossing, queueing at a border or waiting to be loaded when you don't control the wait, or riding as second driver.

Rest / break Set by hand

Your breaks and rest — when you're free of all duties.

e.g. the 45-minute break after 4½ hours; your daily and weekly rest.

Before you insert the card

If you've been working away from the truck before getting in — the walkaround, say — add that time as a manual entry when you insert your DigiCard, so the record has no gaps.

Do

Insert your DigiCard at the start; set the correct mode (other work = crossed hammers) during the walkaround.
Break: after 4½ hours driving, take at least 45 minutes (may be split as 15 min then 30 min).
Daily driving: max 9 hours (extendable to 10 hours twice a week).
Weekly driving: max 56 hours; over any two weeks: max 90 hours.
Daily rest: 11 hours (may be reduced to 9 hours up to three times between weekly rests).
Weekly rest: 45 hours (may be reduced to 24 hours, with the shortfall paid back within three weeks).

Don't

Don't drive past 4½ hours without the break.
Don't drive without the card inserted, or on the wrong mode.
Don't exceed the daily/weekly limits — infringements carry penalties.

Weights & Dimensions

Maximum legal limits for goods vehicles in Ireland. Always defer to the vehicle's own plated limits and any posted sign.

Limit	Maximum
Width	2.55 m (2.6 m refrigerated)
Length — rigid truck	12 m
Length — articulated	16.5 m
Length — rigid + drawbar trailer	18.75 m
Rear load overhang	3 m (mark the load if it projects over 1 m)
Gross weight — 2-axle rigid	18 t
Gross weight — 3-axle rigid	25 t (26 t road-friendly susp.)
Gross weight — 5-axle artic	40 t
Gross weight — 6-axle artic	44 t

No single national maximum height — never exceed a marked bridge or structure height (watch height-restriction signs). Source: RSA / IRHA weights & dimensions guidance.

HGV Speed Limits

For goods vehicles over 3,500 kg — these are lower than car limits.

Road	Your limit	(Car)
Motorway	90 km/h	120
National road	80 km/h	100
Regional road	80 km/h	80
Local road	80 km/h (60 where posted)	60
Built-up area	50 km/h	50

Watch this one

The "120 / 100" answers on general test sheets are car limits and don't apply to you. Always obey a lower posted limit, and don't use the outermost lane of a motorway with three or more lanes. The default limit on local rural roads dropped to 60 km/h in February 2025, and further cuts (national secondary roads to 80, urban roads to 30) are being phased in — check rsa.ie for the current position. Source: RSA.

Test Aids

Pick a topic. Each one has the same four ways in: read, listen, quiz, and speak with Emily.

Listen on the Go

Every CPC oral-exam question and answer, plus the obligatory subjects, read aloud in an Irish voice. Each question is followed by a three-second gap so you can try the answer first. Playback carries on with the screen locked, with controls on the lock screen, your earbuds and in the car.

Now playing

Pick a track below

0:000:00

CPC Walkaround Oral Exam

Driver CPC Part 3 (practical), Naas DA. You'll be asked five questions from each of the five sections. The ones marked ★ Asked are flagged to come up. Switch to Test yourself to hide the answers — then reveal each one, or tap 🔊 to have it read aloud.

Obligatory Subjects

Expect 6 verbal questions, 6 road signs, and 2 hand signals. Subjects: traffic lights, road markings, pedestrian crossings, right of way, and headlights.

Traffic Lights 6

Approaching lights that change green → amber?

Prepare to stop unless it's unsafe to do so.

A junction where the lights aren't working?

Treat it as a junction of equal importance and proceed when safe.

A green arrow?

You may proceed in the arrow's direction if safe and clear.

A flashing amber arrow?

Proceed in the arrow's direction, but give way to traffic on the road you're entering.

A light that's been green for some time?

Approach at a speed that lets you stop if the amber appears.

Crossing the stop line as it goes green → amber?

Continue if safe to do so.

Road Markings 8

Continuous white line in the centre?

You must not cross it, except in an emergency or for access.

Yellow box junction?

Don't enter unless you can clear it without stopping — except when turning right and the road to the right is clear.

Broken white line in the centre?

You may cross it only if it's safe.

Hatched markings in the centre?

They separate opposing traffic — don't enter the area they cover.

Double yellow lines at the side?

No parking at any time.

Single broken yellow line at the side?

It marks the hard shoulder.

Double broken white lines in the centre?

They warn of continuous white lines ahead.

Zig-zag lines at a pedestrian crossing?

Do not park or overtake in this area.

Pedestrian Crossings 5

Recognise a zebra crossing at night?

By flashing amber beacons or reflective signage.

An island in the centre of a zebra crossing?

Each side of the island is a separate crossing.

Stopped at a Pelican and the flashing amber comes on?

Proceed as long as nobody is using the crossing.

At a Pelican, what colour follows the flashing amber?

Green.

Difference between a Zebra and a Pelican crossing?

A zebra has flashing amber beacons / reflective signage; a Pelican is controlled by traffic lights.

Right of Way 4

Overtaking stationary vehicles on the left — give way to?

Oncoming traffic.

Who has right of way at a roundabout?

Traffic coming from your right, and traffic already on the roundabout.

Cross junction where all roads are equal?

Give way to traffic on the right and traffic already in the junction.

Changing lanes — give way to?

Vehicles already in the lane.

Headlights 8

Dazzled by an oncoming vehicle's lights?

Look to the left, slow down, and stop if necessary.

When should you dip your headlights at night?

Meeting oncoming traffic; following close behind another vehicle; on continuously well-lit roads; at dawn and dusk; in fog or snow.

Purpose of daytime running lights?

To increase your vehicle's visibility — for daylight only.

Dangers of driving with only one headlight?

Others may take you for a motorbike; you'll have a poor view of the road ahead.

Dazzled by lights from behind?

Set your interior mirror to the anti-dazzle (dipped) position.

Emergency vehicle approaching with lights or sirens?

Clear the way as soon as you safely can.

When should you use fog lights?

In dense fog or falling snow.

Lights entering a tunnel?

Dipped headlights.

Road Signs

Meanings from your RSA-based sign sheet. Search by keyword, or open a group.

Sign designs: Government of Ireland, Department of Transport (public domain), via Wikimedia Commons. Y-junction by Stannered, CC BY-SA 3.0. Road-marking diagrams drawn for this app.

Hand Signals

Two may be asked. Described by arm movement — the examiner wants the meaning and the action.

To traffic behind you

Moving out / turning right

→ Right arm extended straight out, palm forward.

Turning left

↺ Right arm extended and rotated in an anti-clockwise circle.

Slowing down / stopping

↕ Right arm extended, moved slowly up and down.

To a Garda on point duty / oncoming traffic

I want to turn right

→ Right arm straight out to the side.

I want to turn left

← Right forearm and hand extended, pointing across to the left.

I want to go straight on

↑ Arm raised, hand up.

I want to slow or stop

↕ Arm extended, moved up and down.

Remember

Signals show only what you intend to do — they never give you right of way.

Towing & Coupling (for CE)

For after the C test. The Q&A below are general towing questions; the two procedures are the artic coupling and uncoupling drills you'll learn at ISM.

Towing 3

How should you load a trailer?

Loads must be safely distributed and securely tied down.

Max load projection from the rear of the trailer?

3 metres.

Where do you find the towing capacity?

The manufacturer's statutory plate or the vehicle handbook.

Coupling an artic CE

The sequence the CE examiner watches. Confirm the exact order ISM teaches — schools differ on small points, and the examiner wants their version.

Check the trailer: parking brake applied, wheels chocked if needed, landing legs down and firm, kingpin height a little below the fifth-wheel plate.
Line the tractor unit up straight with the trailer. Lower the suspension if fitted. Check the fifth-wheel jaws are open.
Reverse slowly and squarely under the trailer until the kingpin locks — you'll hear and feel the jaw close. Stop.
Apply the tractor parking brake. Select neutral, engine running for air.
Get out (3 points of contact). Check the fifth-wheel release handle is home and the safety catch is in place.
Connect the suzies: airlines (red = emergency/supply, yellow = service) and the electrical lines (lights, ABS/EBS). Route them so they can't chafe or snag.
Release the trailer parking brake once the air has built up.
Tug test: pull forward gently in low gear against the trailer brakes (or with the trailer brake on) to prove the coupling holds.
Wind the landing legs fully up and stow the handle.
Remove chocks. Check trailer lights, indicators and brake lights, number plate fitted, and the load secure.
Check the height of the load and the trailer's plated weights before moving off.

Airline order

The red line applies the trailer's brakes when disconnected and releases them when connected. Ask ISM whether they teach red-on-last / red-off-first, and use their order on test.

Uncoupling an artic CE

On firm, level ground with the unit and trailer in a straight line.

Apply the tractor parking brake. Neutral.
Apply the trailer parking brake. Chock the wheels if the ground or gradient needs it.
Lower the landing legs until they take the weight — low gear first, then high gear to finish. Stow the handle.
Disconnect the electrical lines and the airlines; stow them on the dummy couplings so they stay clean.
Release the fifth-wheel safety catch and pull the release handle so the jaws open.
Get back in (3 points of contact). Move forward slowly, a foot or so, until the kingpin is clear of the jaws — then stop.
Get out and check the trailer is standing safely on its legs and nothing is still attached.
Drive clear. Raise the suspension if you lowered it.

Breakaway cable

Purpose of a breakaway cable?

To engage the trailer's brakes if it becomes detached from the towing vehicle.

ADAS — Driver Assistance

ADAS Questions 10

What does ADAS stand for?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

Name some common ADAS features (may be asked to name two).

Lane Departure Warning; Blind Spot Monitoring; Adaptive Cruise Control; Automatic Emergency Braking; Driver Drowsiness Detection; Reverse Cameras/Sensors.

Which feature warns if you drift out of your lane?

Lane Assist / Lane Departure Warning.

Function of a Driver Attention Monitor?

Detects signs of driver fatigue or inattention and alerts the driver.

How to tell if ADAS is active?

Check the dashboard for indicator lights or symbols, or consult the manufacturer's handbook.

Dangers of not understanding ADAS?

Over-reliance, misunderstanding its limits, or misuse can lead to a collision.

Potential benefits of ADAS?

Can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of crashes.

What is Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA)?

A system that identifies the speed limit and alerts the driver or limits the vehicle's speed.

Can ADAS reduce driver fatigue?

Yes — features like attention monitoring and adaptive cruise can help manage workload, but don't replace an alert driver.

Main goal of ADAS technology?

To enhance road safety by reducing human error.

Plan

Where you are, what's next, and the road to a full CE licence.

At a Glance

GP Medical

✓ Done

Theory 1a

✓ Passed

CPC Case Study

✓ 35/45

Learner Permit C

✓ Received

Schools chosen

✓ Decided

Cat C Lessons

✓ Complete

CPC Walkaround

✓ Passed 13 Oct

Cat C Test

✓ Passed 13 Oct

Driving Medical

✓ Done 13 Oct

Full C Licence

● Applied for

Tacho Card

● Applied for

Driver CPC Card

● Awaiting licence

Where You Are Now

Step	Status	Timing
Full C licence (NDLS)	Applied	Awaiting
Tachograph card	Applied	Awaiting
Driver CPC card	Form done	Awaiting licence update
Driving medical	Done	13 Oct 2026
Cat C Practical Test	Passed	Tue 13 Oct
CPC Walkaround & Oral — Module 4	Passed	Tue 13 Oct
Cat C Lessons — Naas DA	Complete	6 lessons
Learner Permit C (NDLS)	Done	Aug 2026

⚠ Acquired Rights & CPC

The RSA portal initially showed the Case Study and Walkaround as not required (acquired rights, 1988 Cat C licence). Confirmed with the RSA: that route would need all five CPC modules over five days. Correct, faster route: Case Study sat 25 Aug, Walkaround on test day.

Immediate Next Steps

Contact ISM Finglas (CE)

To do

Call 01 864 1790 to register interest and understand the CE programme.
Ask: "How quickly from passing my C test to ready for the CE practical test?"
Ask: "Can I join the CE test queue at the same time or before I sit the C test?"

Register with agencies

To do

After the test — paperwork

In hand

Driving medical completed 13/10/26.
Driving licence applied for.
Tachograph card applied for.
CPC application filled out, awaiting driving licence update.

Timeline

When	Phase
12 Aug	Lessons begin at Naas DA
25 Aug	CPC Case Study — passed, 35/45
Sept	Cat C lessons continue on Naas routes
Wk 6–8	Final prep · mock test · walkaround practice
Tue 13 Oct	Test day — CPC walkaround & oral exam passed · Cat C driving test passed · driving medical done
Wk 10–12	Full C licence → CE learner permit → join CE queue
Wk 12–16	CE lessons with ISM Finglas
Wk 20–24	Cat CE practical test → full CE licence
Wk 24+	First paid driving work

Indicative — driven by two test queues (~8 wks Kildare for C, ~12 wks Dublin for CE). C to full CE: ≈ 24–28 weeks from permit.

Reference and jobs — the background you look up rarely.

Reference

Training Schools — Settled

Three schools visited (KDA, Naas DA, ISM Finglas). Only ISM offers full in-house C and CE; Naas DA does rigid only; KDA farms CE to Tullamore. Two-school strategy chosen.

✓ Category C — Rigid

Naas Driving Academy

M7 Business Park, Naas · 045 879 969

Local, ~8-week test queue in Kildare vs 12 in Dublin, quieter test roads.

✓ Category CE — Artic

ISM Finglas

Jamestown Business Centre · 01 864 1790

Only school with a full in-house CE programme; largest HGV operation in Ireland.

Rule to remember

Running C and CE training at once is not permitted. Sequence is strict: full C licence → CE learner permit → CE lessons → CE test.

ADR — Optional Uplift

Lets you carry fuel, chemicals and hazardous loads. Not needed for CE or general haulage, but one of the highest-return add-ons. HSA-regulated; ISM runs the courses.

Core module + specialisations (Packages, Tank). Most take Core + Packages + Tank.
Initial course ~4–5 days; card valid 5 years.
~€500–€800 initial; adds ~€2–3/hr; can count toward Driver CPC periodic training.

When

Not now — get the full CE licence and a few months of paid hours first, then add ADR once you know your sector.

Key Contacts

Name	Contact
Naas Driving Academy	045 879 969 · naasdrivingacademy.ie
ISM Finglas	01 864 1790 · ism.ie
HSA — Dangerous Goods	hsa.ie
NDLS	ndls.ie
MyRoadSafety.ie	myroadsafety.ie
Naas Test Centre	Osprey Hotel, Devoy Quarter, Naas

Cost Summary — C + CE

Item	C actual	CE est.
Theory / CPC modules	€117	€72
Learner Permit	€35	€35
Driving lessons	€1,085	€1,000–1,500
Practical Test	€120	€120
Walkaround (M4)	€32	€32
Full Licence	€65	€65
Total	€1,454	€1,324–1,824

My data

Back up or move your progress

Everything the app remembers lives on this phone: lesson notes, checklist ticks, revision banks, quiz scores and player position. Export it before changing phone or moving the app to a new address, then import it on the other side.

Jobs

Agencies to Register With

Agency	Contact / Cover
ISM Recruitment	01 864 1790 · ism.ie · Finglas
AgencyDrivers.ie	agencydrivers.ie · Dublin / Kildare
Dublin Relief Driver	dublinreliefdriver.ie · Kildare, Meath, UK

The Route In & Earnings

Register with 2–3 agencies before the CE test; start on local/regional work to build documented hours.
Progress to Ireland/UK runs within 3–6 months — highest rates.
CE agency/relief: €23–€28/hour; UK runs with nights out add €8–10k tax-free subsistence a year.
ADR adds €2–3/hr — worth pursuing at 6 months.

On experience clauses

The "6 months / 2 years" clauses are written for younger candidates. Your 40-year driving history, towing background and PPL present a materially stronger profile — brief agencies at first contact.

Lessons

Before You Drive

Lesson Log — Category C

Category C — What to Expect

Estimated hours — Naas DA

Module 4 — CPC Walkaround (test day)

Category CE — New Skills (ISM Finglas)

Checklists

Cockpit Drill

Before start

D-S-S-S-M

Then

Walkaround Check — Truck

Getting in

Offside (driver's door round)

Front

Nearside

Rear

Offside rear

Finishing

Test Day — What to Bring

Driving Mnemonics

Manoeuvring — M-S-P-S-L

Moving off — G-O-S-H

Fuel / vehicle check — POWDERS

Tachograph & Drivers' Hours

The four modes — quick reckoner

Do

Don't

Weights & Dimensions

HGV Speed Limits

Test Aids

Test Yourself

Listen on the Go

Oral Exam with Emily

CPC Walkaround Oral Exam

Obligatory Subjects

Road Signs

Hand Signals

To traffic behind you

To a Garda on point duty / oncoming traffic

Towing & Coupling (for CE)

ADAS — Driver Assistance

Plan

At a Glance

Where You Are Now

Immediate Next Steps

Contact ISM Finglas (CE)

Register with agencies

After the test — paperwork

Timeline

More

Training Schools — Settled

ADR — Optional Uplift

Key Contacts

Cost Summary — C + CE

Back up or move your progress

Agencies to Register With

The Route In & Earnings