Guide to Working as a Professional Bus Driver in Ireland

Guide to Working as a Professional Bus Driver in Ireland

20 days ago

by Annemarie Schiemann

Driving a bus is a rewarding career choice that offers competitive pay and the opportunity to make a positive impact in your community.

This guide will cover the credentials you need to drive a bus in Ireland, and the process for exchanging your D-license should you already have professional bus driving experience.

Credentials required to drive a bus:

1. D-Level License

To drive a bus (a category D level vehicle) you need a category D license. You must hold a full, valid category B (car) license. Just as you do with a standard driving license, you will start off with a learner’s permit. You must be a resident in Ireland, have a valid PPSN, and be found medically fit to hold an Irish D-license. You can learn more about applying for a D-license, the driver theory test, and more here.

2. CPC Card

Once you have a full D driving license, you can apply for your drivers CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) card. You must always carry your driver CPC card with you while driving a bus. This card proves that you have completed 35 hours of training requirements which can be found within the MyCPC portal. Learn more about CPC cards here.

3. Tachograph Card

A tachograph card is a plastic card inserted into the digital tachograph unit on a bus that records all driver data, including time spent driving, breaks, and rest times. This card is valid for 5 years and can store information for 28 days on it. You can apply online for a new, renewal exchange or replacement tachograph card here. You can also apply via post but it’s less expensive online (€45 as opposed to €60) and online applications get processing priority.

Exchanging a Foreign D License

Exchanging from an EU/EEA Member State

You will need to exchange your EU/EEA D license to an Irish D license via an online application. You need to have the following:

You can start the application process here.

Please note that if you have a European CPC/tachograph card, neither need to be exchanged unless expired. However, some bus driving companies in Ireland may require you to change over your CPC and tachograph as part of their own application requirements. If you plan on staying in Ireland long term it may be a good idea to get all your documents changed over in time.

Exchanging from a Recognised State

If you have D-license issued from any of the following countries or provinces, you can exchange your license online:

  • Australia

  • Select Canadian Provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Ontario, Saskatchewan

  • Georgia

  • Gibraltar

  • Guernsey

  • Isle Of Man

  • Japan

  • Jersey

  • New Zealand

  • Northern Ireland

  • Republic of Korea

  • South Africa

  • Switzerland

  • Taiwan

  • United Kingdom

To make an online application to exchange your license you need the following:

Start the application at the online form here.

Find a Bus Driver Job

Contact Elite Talent Hub Recruitment

Elite Talent Hub specialises in recruiting for leading public and private bus transport companies throughout Ireland. Once you've secured your Irish qualifications, don’t hesitate to contact us to get your application processed efficiently.

Apply to available Bus Driver Jobs here.

Reach out to us directly at info@elitetalenthub.ie.

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