Earn your C1 Category Licence to get a start in your career in Light Goods Transportation, Distribution and Logistics.
Earn your C1 Category Licence to get a start in your career in Light Goods Transportation, Distribution and Logistics.
The lessons are suitable for drivers who wish to professionally drive minibuses in private, school, healthcare service, and community development settings or to upgrade their private licence enabling them to hire a minibus.
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Learning with ISM offers a natural path for professional drivers to permanent and temporary jobs within our own in-house Recruitment Agency, the largest Driver Recruitment Agency in Ireland within the Transport and Logistics sectors.
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To apply for a Category C1 learner permit, you must first pass the Truck Theory Test and, if required, the Driver CPC Case Studies exam. Both theory tests can be booked through theorytest.ie, and official study materials are available via the app, book or disc. A completed driver medical report is required before your NDLS appointment. Once these steps are completed, you can apply for your Category C1 learner permit through NDLS.ie for a fee of €45. Bring your medical report and identification to the NDLS centre. These requirements must be completed before starting Light Rigid Truck lessons.
Driver CPC is required if you intend to work professionally as a truck driver. To complete it, you must pass the CPC Case Studies exam in addition to the Truck Theory Test. When you apply for your Category C1 driving test, you may also book your CPC Practical Test (walk-around exam), which focuses on demonstrating safety checks and operational knowledge of the vehicle. CPC is essential for those planning to drive Light Rigid Vehicles as part of a professional driving role.
While ISM offers a structured 6-hour C1 training course (3 × 2 hours) plus a pre-test session before your driving test, there is no set number of lessons required by the RSA. Every learner progresses differently depending on driving experience, confidence and skill level. The key is to complete enough training to reach the RSA test standard. Throughout your lessons, your instructor will monitor your progress and advise when you are consistently performing at test-ready level. Social welfare learners may be eligible for training grants to support lesson costs.
C1 lessons take place at the ISM Finglas Training Centre, located beside Dublin’s only RSA C1 test facility. This ensures learners can practise manoeuvres and reversing in an environment identical to the official test. ISM provides a range of training vehicles for C1 lessons, including Daf LF and Mercedes Sprinter models, all equipped with air-brake dual controls for enhanced safety. The training centre features dedicated reversing bays and access to familiar test routes, helping learners train confidently and efficiently.
The RSA Category C1 driving test lasts approximately 70 minutes. It includes on-road driving across various routes, reversing manoeuvres at the test centre, vehicle safety questions and a structured walk-around inspection. These elements assess your overall driving competency and safety awareness when operating a Light Rigid Vehicle. The RSA test fee is €120, and if applicable, the CPC Practical Test costs €32. Your ISM instructor will prepare you thoroughly for all elements of the assessment.
Yes. ISM offers flexible lesson times, including weekdays, evenings and weekends, to support learners working in shift-based or full-time roles. Training sessions are delivered at ISM Finglas using professional C1 vehicles, ensuring consistency and high safety standards throughout your learning.
Once your instructor confirms that you are test-ready, you can book your Category C1 driving test with the RSA. Waiting times at the Finglas C1 Test Centre average around 8 weeks, although requesting a cancellation test may offer an earlier slot. Depending on test availability and your schedule, many learners complete their training and assessment within a manageable timeframe.
Pre-test training sessions take place at the ISM Finglas Training Centre, focusing on reversing manoeuvres, cab safety checks, test routes and common driving errors. Completing a pre-test close to your exam date helps ensure confidence and readiness. After passing your C1 test, learners can access employment opportunities through the ISM Recruitment Driver Agency, which supports temporary and permanent roles that require a Light Rigid Truck licence.
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