Heavy Goods Vehicle – Rigid and Artic Driving

Industry Award

Gain a Category C licence with CPC, ADR & First Aid, plus work placement to start your career in haulage.

Available Locations:

Letterkenny

(Ref: 504789)

Starts: 02/11/2026

19 Weeks

Apply Now

Letterkenny

(Ref: 504789)

Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.

What You'll Learn

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:

Gain the skills and confidence to operate Category C (Rigid) vehicles in compliance with road safety laws and industry standards.
Understand driver hours, eco-driving techniques, and best practices for safety and efficiency. Learn how to deliver excellent customer service and maintain compliance with transport regulations.
Achieve your ADR certification, enabling you to handle and transport hazardous substances in line with EU and international safety requirements.
Provide Emergency Care: Become a certified First Aid Responder, equipped to manage emergencies and ensure safety in the workplace and on the road.
Learn how to manage driver cards, interpret tachograph data, and comply with EU driving time regulations.
Complete modules in Manual Handling, Safepass, and Career Planning to enhance workplace safety and improve employability.

This course includes four weeks of work experience, giving you practical exposure to the haulage industry and real-world driving environments.

On successful completion of this course, you will receive:

Road Safety Authority Driving Licence Category C (Rigid)
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)
ADR – Transportation of Hazardous Goods
First Aid Responder Certification
Digital Tachograph Training
Manual Handling and Safepass Certification

Applicants will be interviewed and will be expected to participate in a CAB test as part of the interview process.

This Specific Skills course is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.#EUinMyRegion

Specific Skills training is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. #EUinMyRegion

Timetable & Modules

Timetable:

This course will take place in-person every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and half day on a Friday.

Timetable
Day	Morning	Afternoon
Mon	✔	✔
Tue	✔	✔
Wed	✔	✔
Thu	✔	✔
Fri	✔

Module	Title
CPC Licence	RSA – Driver CPC Training
FAR	PHECC – First Aid Response
HGV – Artic	Heavy Goods Vehicle Driving – Articulated Truck
HGV – Rigid	Heavy Goods Vehicle Driving – Rigid Truck
ADR	CILT ADR – Hazard Chemical Training Certificate

Progression / Career

Graduates will be fully certified to work as Rigid Truck Drivers within the haulage and transport sector and hold Driver CPC, ADR (Hazardous Goods), First Aid Responder, and Digital Tachograph certification, making you highly employable in logistics and freight industries.

You will be eligible to progress to Artic (Category CE) Driving training, subject to meeting criteria and obtaining a CE Provisional Licence.

This combination of certifications and practical experience significantly enhances job prospects in national and international transport operations.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be over 18 years of age.
A good standard of written and spoken English is essential to successfully complete this course and associated assessments. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate a minimum B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. An English language test may be required.
Driving Licence: Applicants must hold a full, clean Category B licence and a Provisional Category C licence at the time of application.
• Good manual dexterity and numeracy skills.
• Strong spatial awareness and good hand-eye coordination.

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. For more details, see our eligibility section.

Cost / Fees

You might qualify for reduced course fees or even have your fees waived.
We will talk to you about course fees and potential fee reductions and fee waivers during your application process.

Share This Course:

Real Students, Real Results!

While the focus for most of us on the course was achieving the D licence, there were lots of extras like First Aid, Tourism Visitor Care and Gluais training which I found very useful when I went looking for a job as I had more than just the D licence to offer to an employer.

Dylan Robinson

Qualified Tour Bus Driver, Driving With Tourism Graduate,

“I couldn’t recommend further education and training with Donegal College enough as it provides a great way back into education, to further education or to get a job.”

Shannon Shelby Driscoll

Qualified Teacher and Early Childhood Care and Education Graduate

“I thought there was never a chance for me to go and do nursing. I left school early because I became a mum at a young age and I didn’t have a Leaving Certificate. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone.”

Elaine Tinney

Tertiary Degree Access Route into General Nursing (B.Sc. Hons) Recent Graduate

“The support started from the reception, when you come to Donegal College it is a special atmosphere.”

Yuliia Vaniukova

ACCA Graduate

“With a small class we were able to get comfortable around each other and we were never afraid to ask a question.”

Miranda Darnell

Animal Care Graduate

“It has brought me on so much to believe that any of us are capable of something in the right environment and with people supporting you.”

Lisa Doherty

Pathway to Special Needs Assisting and Early Learning Studies, Graduate

Need Help Applying For a Course at Donegal College?

If you are unsure about what course to do or need help in finding out which level is most appropriate for you then our admissions team are here to help you….

Courses FAQ's

Who can apply for Donegal College courses?

Our courses are open to school leavers, lifelong learners, job seekers, employees, and employers looking to upskill or reskill.

How do I apply for a course?

You can make your applications for full-time and part-time courses online; you can start the process here on the Donegal College website. Click ‘APPLY‘ on the course of your choice; this redirects you to Fetchcourses.ie, where your application will be processed using the FETCH Courses website and system.

If you haven’t signed up for a FETCH account, you’ll be required to do so first; this is a one-time setup.

Are the Donegal College courses accredited?

Yes. Many of our courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), typically Levels 4–6, as well as awards from ILM, City & Guilds, and other industry-recognised bodies.

Where do the courses take place?

Courses are delivered across Donegal at one of our 19 Donegal College campuses, certain courses are delivered in community venues in your local area, various courses are delivered online or through blended learning, and training can be offered on-site at your business, depending on the course.

Can I apply for an Apprenticeship?

The first step is to secure a job with an approved apprentice employer. An Apprenticeship is a three-way contract of employment between you, your employer and SOLAS, with on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases. Full details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie

To find out more about becoming an apprentice or an approved apprentice employer please contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 or Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie