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:
Current or most recent EU/EEA driving license (to be posted in after you make your online application).
Proof of your address dated within the last six months. You can use a utility bill or bank statement as proof.
Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA.
Fully completed medical report form (D501) dated within one month, if required in your case. This is completed by a registered medical practitioner.
Completed relevant driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), if required.
Application fee of €55.00. You can pay by credit or with debit card. If you are aged 70 years or over, you are exempt from paying the fee.
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:
Your current or most recent foreign driving license issued by the recognised state (to be posted in after you make your online application). Failure to submit your foreign license will result in your application for exchange being rejected.
Proof of your address dated within the last six months is required if your current address differs from that provided to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) when you applied for a PSC.
Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if your place of birth and nationality are outside the EU/EEA.
Fully completed eyesight report form dated within one month.
Fully completed medical report form dated within one month, if required in your case.
Completed relevant driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), if required.
Application fee of €55.00. You can pay by credit or debit card. If you are aged 70 years or over your license is free.
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.