Approved Training Providers

Transport Malta is primarily responsible for effectively promoting and ensuring road safety in addition to regulating drivers and vehicles. The Authority is also responsible for the promotion of training programs aimed at helping all those involved in the transport sector to obtain and maintain the required level of knowledge skills and competence that is required and/or imposed through legislative and/or policy requirements. Such training programs usually consists of initial training intended for new entrants to the sector, and periodic training intended for existing personnel.

To achieve this objective Transport Malta has issued a number of guidelines for those interested in obtaining the necessary approval to deliver training that lead to any of the required qualifications listed. These guidelines are aimed to ensure that training providers act in accordance with the relative Regulations.

Any undertaking can apply to become an approved training provider, providing they meet the criteria listed in the guidelines and continuously comply with the conditions set out in the guidelines. Interested parties may apply to become approved Training Providers by submitting a written request detailing, as a minimum, the information requested.

List of Guidelines

1. Guidelines to become an approved training provider for the Driver CPC training program.

2. Guidelines to become an approved training provider for the training program leading to the Certificate of Professional Competence for Transport Managers (Road Haulage and Passenger Transport Operations).

3. Guidelines to become an approved training provider for training program required by Drivers of Light Passenger Transport Vehicles and of Karrozzini (Horse Drawn Cabs). - BEING UPDATED.

4. Guidelines to become an approved training provider for the training leading to the Taxi Driver Area Knowledge certificate.

5. Guidelines to become an approved training provider for the training program leading to the certificate required by Drivers of Vehicles Carrying Dangerous Goods.

6. Guidelines to become an approved training provider for the Transport Malta VRT – Class II and Class III Motor Vehicle Tester Course.

7. Guidelines to become an approved training provider for Dangerous Goods Safety Advisors (DGSA).

List of Approved Training Providers 

Training Programmes

The following provides information on training programmespromoted by Transport Malta that are aimed at helping all those involved in the transport sector to obtain and maintain the required level of knowledge skills and competence that is required and/or imposed through legislative and/or policy requirements.

1. Information on Driver CPC

EU Directive 2003/59/EC pertaining to the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) was transposed into the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations by means of Legal Notice 25 of 2007. The regulations state that with effect of 10th September 2008, drivers who obtain a driving licence for Passenger Transport Vehicles (categories D, D+E, D1, D1+E, f) that are engaged in the carriage of passengers by road for hire or reward, must be in possession of a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). Similarly, with effect of 10th September 2009, drivers who obtain a driving licence for Goods Transport Vehicles (categories C, C+E, C1, C1+E) that are engaged in the carriage of goods by road for hire or reward, must also be in possession of a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).

The introduction of the CPC requirement for professional drivers is primarily aimed at improving road safety, improving the skills of bus and truck drivers leading to an improvement in the professional image of industry, whilst at the same time improving environmental performance of the industry. The Driver CPC covers three main subjects:

1. Safe and fuel efficient driving;
2. Regulations;
3. Health & safety, service and logistics.

Further details of the subjects are set out in Section 1 of the Thirteenth Schedule of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations (SL.65.18), and are being reproduced in Section F of these guidelines.

The Driver CPC involves two parts:

a. The initial qualification which requires the driver to pass theoretical and practical tests as detailed in Section B of these guidelines;

b. The ongoing periodical training of 35 hours every five years.

Drivers of Passenger Transport Vehicles who obtained their driving licence in the respective vehicle category before the 10th September 2008 are exempt from the initial qualification requirement (a), but not from the ongoing periodical training (b). There are around 6,000 licensed drivers that have category “D/f” type licences. Similarly, drivers of Goods Transport Vehicles who obtained their driving licence in the respective vehicle category before the 10th September 2009 are exempt from the initial qualification requirement (a), but not from the ongoing periodical training (b). There are around 11,000 licensed drivers that have category “C” type licences out of which those that earn a living from driving these vehicles, will require period training.

The following exemptions apply:

a) Vehicles with a maximum authorised speed not exceeding 45 kilometres per hour;

b) Vehicles used in states of emergency or assigned to rescue missions;

c) Vehicles used the Armed Forces, Civil Defence, the Fire and Rescue Service and Forces responsible for maintaining public order including the Police, and Ambulances;

d) Vehicles used for personal use;

e) Vehicles used for non-commercial, non profit making, or by voluntary organisations for carriage of passengers or goods for personal use;

f) Vehicles carrying material or equipment to be used by the driver in the course of his or her work, provided that driving the vehicle is not the driver’s principal
activity;
g) Vehicles undergoing road tests for technical development, repair or maintenance, or new or rebuilt vehicles which have not yet been put into service;

h) Vehicles used in the course of driving lessons for any person wishing to obtain a driving licence or a CPC.

1.1 Initial Qualification

Drivers shall only qualify for the CPC certifying an initial qualification following the undertaking of theoretical and practical tests held by Transport Malta or by an approved CPC Testing Centre, as defined in Section B of these guidelines. Typically there are around 150-200 new category “C” drivers per year, and around 70-90 new category “D/f” drivers per year. Furthermore, Transport Malta is expecting a substantial increase in new bus (Category D) drivers this year due to the public transport reform, which restricts the amount of maximum driving hours.

Upon the successful completion of the said tests, drivers will be issued with a CPC certifying the initial qualification by Transport Malta, which shall be valid for five years. The actual certification consists of an Information Code 95 marked on the driving licence of the driver, indicating that the driver is professionally competent to drive a passenger transport vehicle with more than eight seats besides the driver’s seat, for the carriage of passengers, or a goods transport vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of more than 3,500kg.

Whilst drivers are not obliged to undergo any training before sitting for the tests of initial qualification, Transport Malta will be approving Training Providers, and prospective professional drivers are encouraged to attend such courses to better prepare themselves for the tests, and most importantly for their professional driving careers.

1.2 Periodic Training

Periodic Training is designed to confirm and expand on the existing knowledge and skills of each driver to ensure that they continue to be confident, safe and fuel efficient drivers. It also enable drivers to keep up to date with ever changing regulations and to benefit from state of the art training throughout their whole career.

All professional bus and truck drivers must undergo compulsory periodic training of 35 hours every five years to retain their Driver CPC with approved Training Providers. The training must be carried out by approved Training Providers in periods of at least seven hours, based on the subjects listed in Section F of these guidelines. These periods may be held consecutively, or spread over a period of time. Whilst practical periodic training is encouraged, the minimum requirement is to provide “classroom style” periodic training. No tests will take place upon the completion of periodic training, however drivers will be required to retain their training records to be able to submit them to Transport Malta when renewing their Driver CPC.

Drivers that have obtained their driving licence category before the 10th September 2008 in the case of category “D”, or 2009 in the case of category “C” must undergo this periodic training for the first time before September 2013 in the case of category “D/f”, or September 2014 in the case of category “C”. Drivers who hold both “D/f” and “C” type category licences need only undertake periodic training once.

2. Information on the training program for Transport Managers (Road Haulage and Passenger Transport Operations)

2.1 Road Haulage Operations

Road Haulage involves the carriage of goods for third parties for hire and reward by vehicles having a Gross Vehicle Weight exceeding 3,500kg. This sector is regulated by Regulations emanating from Regulations 1071/2009/EC and 1072/2009/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and by the Motor Vehicle (Carriage of Goods) Regulations (S.L.65.19) at National Level.

The above regulations provide for the setting up of two different levels of operation within the road haulage market, described as follows:

· National Road Haulage operations, authorised through a Road Haulage Operator Licence issued by Transport Malta;
· Community Wide Road Haulage operations, covered by a Community Authorisation issued by the competent authority of any Member State,- Transport Malta in the case of Malta.

A key requirement for the issue of a Road Haulage Operator Licence or a Community Authorisation to an undertaking is the employment or engagement of a Transport Manager by the same undertaking who shall effectively and continuously manage the transport operations of the undertaking. Transport Managers are required to satisfy a number of requirements, including that of obtaining a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) as described in these guidelines.

The Transport Manager CPC is intended to confirm that holders are in possession of the skills and knowledge necessary to manage transport operations in line with all legal and industrial requirements, and is therefore necessary for anyone to work as a Transport Manager. To obtain the Transport Manager CPC, candidates are expected to successfully complete specific training programmes and exams, although certain exceptions may apply in rare cases.

In Malta the Transport Manager CPC is issued by Transport Malta which is also responsible for the approval of Training Providers for the provision of the training programmes, and for the setting and correction of test papers. The training programmes and examinations leading to the issue of a Transport Manager CPC operating on a National or Community level are explained in more detail in the following sections.

2.1.1 The Training Programme
The Training Programmes leading to the acquisition of the Transport Manager CPC involved in road haulage shall have a minimum level of knowledge equivalent to level 3 of the training level structure of the Malta Qualifications Council (MQC).

The programme leading to a CPC for National operations shall consist of a minimum of 40 contact hours of training, whereas the programme leading to a CPC for Community operations shall consist of 75 hours (CPC for National operations of 40 hours and an additional 35 hours of training that are specific to Community operations)

The subjects and topics that need to be covered in the above training programmes are described in Section A3 of these guidelines. Applicants shall be issued with a Transport Manager CPC once they submit proof that they have undergone the required training programme and passed the theoretical and/or oral tests set by Transport Malta, as defined in Section A2 of these guidelines.

2.1.2 The Examination
An applicant wishing to obtain a Transport Manager CPC for National operations and/or Community operations will be required to pass the examinations described in this section after having completed the relevant training programme described in Section A1 and as detailed in Section A3.

The examination leading to the Transport Manager CPCwill consist of the following:
1. A compulsory written test involving:
a. Written questions consisting of either multiple choice questions (each with four possible answers), questions requiring direct answers, or a combination of both (Duration 2 hours); and
b. Written exercises/case studies (Duration 2 hours).

2. Transport Malta may also supplement this with an oral examination if it so decides.

A person shall pass the examination if he/she obtains an average of at least 60 per cent of the total number of marks to be given, provided he/she obtains not less than 40 per cent of the total number of marks possible on one of the two tests for the written examination.
Any candidate who fails any of the sections within a particular test paper will be required to re-sit for the full test paper.

Transport Malta may decide to vary the structure of the above mentioned examinations as may be required from time to time.

2.2 Passenger Transport Operations
Passenger Transport involves the carriage of passengers for hire and reward by means of vehicles with a seating capacity of more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat. This sector is regulated by Regulations emanating from Regulations 1071/2009/EC and 1073/2009/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council at Community level, and by the Passenger Transport Services Regulations (S.L.499.56) at National Level.

The above regulations provide for the setting up of two different levels of operation within the passenger transport market, described as follows:

· National operations, authorised through a Carriage of Passengers Operator Licence issued by Transport Malta;
· Community Wide operations, covered by a Community Authorisation issued by the competent authority of any Member State, Transport Malta in the case of Malta.

A key requirement for the issuing of a Carriage of Passengers Operator Licence or a Community Authorisation to an undertaking is the employment or engagement of a Transport Manager by the same undertaking who shall effectively and continuously manage the transport operations of the undertaking. Transport Managers are required to satisfy a number of requirements, including that of obtaining a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) as described in these guidelines.

The Transport Manager CPC is intended to confirm that holders are in possession of the skills and knowledge necessary to manage transport operations in line with all legal and industrial requirements, and is therefore necessary for anyone to work as a Transport Manager. To obtain a Transport Manager CPC, candidates are expected to successfully complete specific training programmes and examinations, although certain exceptions may apply in rare cases.

In Malta the Transport Manager CPC is issued by Transport Malta which is also responsible for the approval of Training Providers for the provision of the training programmes, and for the setting and correction of test papers. The training programmes and examinations leading to the issuing of a CPC for Transport Managers operating on a National or Community level are explained in more detail in the following sections.

2.2.1 The Training Programme
The Training Programme leading to the acquisition of the Transport Manager CPC involved in passenger transport shall have a minimum level of knowledge equivalent to level 3 of the training level structure of the Malta Qualifications Council (MQC).

The programme leading to a CPC for National operations shall consist of a minimum of 36 hours, whereas the programme leading to a CPC for Community operations shall consist of 66 hours (CPC for National operations of 36 hours and an additional 30 hours of training that are specific to the Community Programme).

The subjects and topics that need to be covered in the above training programmes are described in Section B3 pf these guidelines.

Applicants shall be issued with a Transport Manager CPConce they submit proof that they have undergone the required training programme as detailed above and passed the theoretical and/or oral tests set by Transport Malta, as defined in Section B2 of these guidelines.

2.2.2 The Examination
An applicant wishing to obtain a Transport Manager CPC for National operations and/or Community operations shall be required to pass the examinations described in this section after completing the relevant training programme as described in Section B1 and detailed in Section B3.

The examination leading to the Transport Manager CPC will consist of the following:

1. A compulsory written test involving:

a. Written questions consisting of either multiple choice questions (each with four possible answers), questions requiring direct answers, or a combination of both (duration 2 hours); and

b. Written exercises/case studies (Duration 2 hours).

2. The Authority may also supplement this with an oral examination if it so decides.

A person shall pass the examination if he/she obtains an average of at least 60 per cent of the total number of marks to be given, provided he/she obtains not less than 40 per cent of the total number of marks possible on one of the two tests for the written examination.

Any candidate who fails any of the sections within a particular test paper will be required to re-sit for the full test paper.

Transport Malta may decide to vary the structure of the above mentioned examinations as may be required from time to time.

3. Information on the training program for Drivers of Light Passenger Transport Vehicles and of Karrozzini (Horse Drawn Cabs)

The Customer Care Course for Drivers of Light Passenger Transport Vehicles and of Karrozzini (Horse Drawn Cabs)is primarily aimed at instilling a customer service oriented culture amongst new drivers engaged in driving chauffer driven cars and riders of horse drawn cabs. The course also promotes the importance of instilling a professional image through abidance with legislative requirements and adherence with health and safety requirements.

The Customer Care course shall have a duration of 11 hours, including one hour allocated for the assessment, and shall cover the following subjects:

1. Who is the customer?

2. What is a service?

3. Quality of Service;

4. The importance of an efficient public transport service within the transport/tourism industry;

5. The Motor Vehicle Regulations (S.L. 65.11) ;

6. Communication with different types of customers;

7. Health and Safety requirements;

8. The effects of alcohol and drugs on driving (Training Provider shall organise this unit in cooperation with Sedqa).

4. Information on the training program leading to the Taxi Driver Area Knowledge certificate

Regulation 12 of the Taxi Services Regulations (S.L. 499.59) lists the attainment of a Taxi Driver and Area Knowledge Certificate (TDAKC) as one of the pre-requisites for an applicant to be considered for the issue of a taxi driver permit. The introduction of the TDAKC requirement for Taxi drivers is primarily aimed at improving road safety, improving the skills of taxi drivers leading to an improvement in the professional image of industry, whilst at the same time improving environmental performance. The training leading to this certificate covers four main subjects and should be not less than 46 hours:

1. Vehicle characteristics and safety features

2. Safety of drivers, passengers and other road users;

3. Routes and destinations;

4. Customer focus

The Taxi Driver Area Knowledge certificate involves 2 parts:

a. The initial qualification which requires the applicant to attend a Taxi Driver training course carried out by an Approved Taxi Driver Training Provider, and to pass theoretical and practical tests. This is not necessary for drivers who, before the 1st of November, are authorized to drive taxis, and who have been issued a Taxi driver’s tag by the Authority.

b. Periodic training every five years. Drivers who, by the 1st of November 2010, were already authorised by the Authority to drive taxis and held a tag in terms of regulation 131 of the Motor Vehicles Regulations, do not require the Taxi Driver Area Knowledge certificate in order to obtain a Taxi Driver Permit issued in terms of the Taxi Services Regulations, 2010, and therefore are not required to undergo the training and testing for the initial qualification.

Drivers holding a certificate of professional competence (CPC) issued in terms of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations for passenger transport, shall also not be required to attend the training and sit for the written or oral examination, but shall still be required to sit for the practical examination mentioned above.

4.1 Initial Qualification

Drivers shall be issued a Taxi Driver Area Knowledge certificate once they submit proof that they have undertook the required training and passed the Theoretical and Practical tests set by Transport Malta. Along with the Taxi Driver Area Knowledge certificate, and subject to good conduct requirements stipulated in the Regulations, Transport Malta will also provide the successful applicants with a Taxi Driver’s Permit which shall be valid for five years. The actual Driver’s Permit consists of an Information Code 103 marked on the driving licence of the driver, indicating that the driver is permitted to drive a taxi.

4.2 Periodic Training

Periodic Training is designed to confirm and expand on the existing knowledge, understanding and skills of each driver to ensure that they continue to be confident, safe and fuel efficientdrivers. It also enables drivers to keep up to date with ever changing regulations and technology. All taxi drivers must undergo compulsory periodic training of 25 hours with approved Training Providers every five years to retain their Taxi Driver Permit. Drivers who, by the 1st of November 2010, were authorised by the Authority to drive taxis and held a tag in terms of regulation 131 of the Motor Vehicles Regulations must undergo this periodic training before the 31st October 2015.

5. Information on the training program for Drivers of Vehicles Carrying Dangerous Goods

Regulation 40 of the Motor Vehicles (Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) Regulations (S.L. 65.22 – the Regulations) lists the attainment of a Dangerous Goods Driver Training Certificate (DGDT) as one of the pre-requisites for an applicant to be considered for the issue of a Dangerous Goods Driver Training Certificate as stipulated within Schedule 7 of the regulations.

The DGDT Certificate is aimed at providing drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge for the safe handling and carriage of dangerous goods. The DGDT involves 2 parts:

a. Initial Qualification which requires the applicant to attend a Dangerous Goods Driver Training course carried out by an approved training provider for drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods and to pass the tests as detailed in Section B of these guidelines.
b. Periodic trainingevery five years.

The training leading to this certificate shall consist of the following modules that need to be covered in the corresponding duration:

(i) 14 hrs for the basic course (3.5 hours general provisions, 1.5 hours per class);

(ii) 9 hrs for the specialization course for carriage in tanks;

(iii) 6 hrs for the specialization course for carriage of substances and articles in Class 1 (Explosives);

(iv) 6 hrs for the specialization course for carriage of substances and articles in Class 7 (Radioactive Material).


Units (i) and (ii) are compulsory for any driver whilst units (iii) and (iv) are required only in the case of drivers involved in the carriage of substances and articles in Class 1 and Class 7 respectively.

5.1 Initial Qualification

Drivers shall be issued a DGDT certificate once they submit proof that they have undertook the required training as detailed in points (i) to (iv) above and passed the Theoretical tests set by Transport Malta, as defined in Section B of these guidelines.

5.2 Periodic Training

Periodic Training is designed to confirm and expand on the existing knowledge, understanding and skills of each driver to ensure that they continue to be confident, safe and up to date with new technical, legal and substance related developments.

All dangerous goods drivers must undergo compulsory periodic training of 12 hours with an approved Training Provider every five years to retain their DGDT Certificate.

5.3 Obtaining the Dangerous Goods Driver Training Certification

Chapter 8 of Annex B to the ADR define the minimum requirements of the examinations to establish whether the trainee driver has achieved the level of knowledge required for the subjects and objectives listed in Section E of these guidelines.

The examination shall include the following:

(i) Compulsory paper on ADR General Provisions: This shall consist of a written examination of 50 minutes, the purpose of which will be to determine whether the applicant has achieved the required level of knowledge in the ADR General Provisions subject. This examination will consist of 25 multiple choice questions and the pass mark shall be set at 60%. Candidates failing this paper shall not be granted a DGDT certificate;


(ii) Optional papers: Candidates who pass the compulsory paper on ADR General Provision may choose to sit for one or more of the papers (1-6) listed below, provided that:
· Not more than one year has passed from the successful completion of the compulsory paper on ADR General Provisions (see point (i) above);

· Candidates failing any exam, or part thereof, of Papers 1, 2, 3, 5 or 6 shall not be able to drive vehicles carrying dangerous goods of that particular Class;

· Candidates failing Paper 4 will not be able to drive tank vehicles carrying dangerous goods.

a) Paper1shall consist of a written examination of 30 minutes establishing whether the applicant has achieved the required level of knowledge in the ADR Class 2 (See Section F for details). This examination will consist of 13 multiple choice questions and the pass mark shall be set at 60%;

b) Paper2shall consist of a written examination of 30 minutes establishing whether the applicant has achieved the required level of knowledge in the ADR Class 3 (See Section F for details). This examination will consist of 13 multiple choice questions and the pass mark shall be set at 60%;

c) Paper3shall consist of a written examination of 60 minutes establishing whether the applicant has achieved the required level of knowledge in the ADR Classes 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 (See Section F for details). This examination will consist of 30 multiple choice questions – 5 per class - and the pass mark shall be set at 60% for each class;

d) Paper4shall consist of a written examination of 40 minutes establishing whether the applicant has achieved the required level of knowledge in the ADR Tanks subject. This examination will consist of 20 multiple choice questions and the pass mark shall be set at 60%;

e) Paper5shall consist of a written examination of 30 minutes establishing whether the applicant has achieved the required level of knowledge in the ADR Class 1 (See Section F for details). This examination will consist of 20 multiple choice questions and the pass mark shall be set at 60%;

f) Paper 6 shall consist of a written examination of 30 minutes establishing whether the applicant has achieved the required level of knowledge in the ADR Class 7(See Section F for details). This examination will consist of 20 multiple choice questions and the pass mark shall be set at 60%;

6. Information on the training program leading to VRT – Class II and Class III Motor Vehicle Tester Course

The VRT Tester course is mainly aimed at preparing candidates to be able to certify the roadworthiness of motor vehicles. The course also promotes the importance of adherence to current legislation related to VRT testing and to maintaining standards.

The VRT tester course shall have a minimum duration of 25 hours, including one hour allocated for the assessment. The Authority may request practical training on a VRT test lane over and above the theory sessions.

6.1 Obtaining the VRT Tester Certificate

To obtain the VRT tester Certificate participants are required to attend the full (25 hours) duration of the programme and sit for a multiple-choice test of one hour duration.

The training programme will include the subjects listed below, whilst the test will be made up of 20 multiple choice questions based on the course contents. To pass the multiple choice test, candidates need to answer correctly a minimum of 14 questions (70%). Each test question will include between three to five possible answers from which candidates need to choose the correct answer/s. Candidates who fail their test will be given the opportunity to re-sit the test.

6.2 Training will cover the following topics.

Class II tester’s course:

1. Lighting and signaling equipment, headlight aim, horn;

2. Steering and suspension;

3. Brakes;

4. Tyres and Road wheels;

5. Seatbelts;

6. Noise Test;

7. Bodyand structure;

8. Fuel and emissions;

9. Drivers’ view of the road and mirrors;

10. Amendments, structural integrity and corrosion, vehicle identification numbers;

11. General conditions for Public Service Vehicles;

12. All Special Notices issued by Transport Malta.

Class III tester’s course:

1. Lighting and signaling equipment, headlight aim, horn;

2. Steering and suspension;

3. Brakes;

4. Tires and Road-wheels;

5. Seatbelts;

6. Noise Test;

7. Body and structure;

8. Fuel emissions;

9. Drivers’ view of the road and mirrors;

10. Amendments, structural integrity and corrosion;

11. Vehicle identification numbers;

12. Side guards, rear under-run devices and bumper bars;

13. Vehicle to trailer coupling;

14. Pressure, vacuum warning devices and build up, hand control valve, service / secondary / parking brake operation/performance/trailer parking and emergency brake;

15. Trailer landing legs;

16. Spray suppression; speedometer, speed limitation device and tachograph;

17. Driving controls; steering control, axles, stub axles, wheel bearings;

18. Electrical wiring and equipment;

19. Fuel tanks / systems and oil leaks;

20. General Conditions for Public Service Vehicles;

 Last Updated: 14/11/2023