Important updates on Driver CPC Cards – RSA

Revised and updated extension of time limits provided for Professional Drivers with Driver CPC cards expiring between 1February and 31 August 2020. 

Earlier this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) announced an extension of six months to drivers with CPC cards expiring between 1 February and 31 August 2020.  The RSA can confirm that the EU Commission have approved an extension of seven months from the date of expiry of the Driver CPC card.

Article 2(1) of EU Regulation 2020/698 which deals with the ‘Extension of time limits provided for in Directive 2003/59/EC’ states:  

Notwithstanding Article 8(2) and (3) of Directive 2003/59/EC, the time limits for the completion, by the holder of a certificate of professional competence (CPC), of periodic training which, in accordance with those provisions, would otherwise have expired or would otherwise expire between 1 February 2020 and 31 August 2020 shall be deemed to be, or to have been, extended for a period of seven months in each case. The CPC shall remain valid accordingly. 

Drivers with a CPC card due to expire between 1 February 2020 – 31 August 2020 have been extended by seven months.

For example – A driver with a CPC card due to expire on the 1 February 2020 is extended to the 1 September 2020; a driver with a CPC card due to expire on the 31 August is extended to the 31 March 2021.

Drivers who fall into this category are encouraged to complete any outstanding CPC training in advance of their extended expiry date in order to obtain their renewal CPC card. Drivers should note that the new expiry date will be the current expiry date + 5 years and not 5 years from the extended date. Enforcement Officers are aware of this extension therefore the original Driver CPC card will suffice, the RSA will not be issuing replacement CPC cards for the extended period.