The Theory Test - Commercial

So, you wish to acquire a licence category that will allow you to drive a minibus, bus or coach on a commercial basis for Hire and reward. Also known as Driver CPC acquisition.

 

Who needs to take a vocational theory test?

You will need to take a theory test if you want a licence for a new category of vehicle. If you have a car licence and you want a bus or lorry licence you will need to take separate theory tests.

To upgrade within a vehicle category you will not normally have to take the test, for example, if you have a category D licence (Bus or Coach) and you want a D + E licence (with large trailer) you will not have to take a theory test. You will however have to take the relevant practical test.

Anyone with sub-category D1 (101) entitlement who obtained this category when they passed their car test and wants to upgrade to a D1 (to remove the 101, not for hire and reward restriction) or D licence they will have to obtain the correct provisional entitlement and pass a theory test.

 

The Theory test

The theory test comprises of 2 separate modules. However, as you have chosen to acquire your licence category through the commercial (hire and reward) route you will have to undertake both modules 1 & 2.

 

Module 1

Module 1 is made up of two parts; the multiple choice question part and the hazard perception part. The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and mouse and the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button. The two parts can be taken at different times but both parts must be passed within a 24 month period for a valid theory test pass.

The questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the category of vehicle you are hoping to obtain a licence for, ie a PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) theory test will contain specific questions that do not appear in any other test.

For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.

 

Module 1, part one - multiple choice questions

Before the test starts you will be given instructions on how the test works. You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin. A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen or using the mouse. Some questions may require more than one answer.

You will be asked 100 questions in 115 minutes. You can navigate between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test. The pass mark for the multiple choice part of the theory test is 85 out of 100.

After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.

 

Module 1, part two - hazard perception

After the break you will then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works. The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse.

You will be presented with a series of 19 video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.

To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five. You will not be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you will only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard. The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 50 out of 75.

 

Module 2 - Case Studies.

This module forms part of the Driver CPC acquisition process and is computer based and uses realistic scenarios you may encounter in your working life as a commercial driver; aiming to test your knowledge and how this is put into practice.

Questions will be based around a case study and you will be asked to answer in a number of different ways such as multiple choice answers, clicking an area on a photograph/image or by typing in a short answer.

Each test will be made up of 7 case studies, each one with 6-8 questions, with a possible maximum score of 50 (of which the pass mark will be 38).

 

Preparing for the theory test

Find out how to pass your theory test...

 

Booking your theory test online

Did you know that you can now book your PCV theory test online. this opens a new window. This booking service is provided by a third party.

Please read all conditions and remember that all personal details submitted are not recorded or held by Minibus Website/SC Driver Services.

 

At the end of the test

At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you will be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions. You do not have to answer the questions if you do not want to, and any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions do not affect the result of the test.

When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you will not be allowed to enter it again. You will then be given your result letter by a member of the test centre staff.

The result letter tells you if you passed or failed, and it gives you feedback on your test. It tells you in which topic areas you answered questions incorrectly, so you know which topics to look at again, and it tells you the breakdown of points you scored throughout the hazard perception part ie how many 5's, 4's, 3's you scored. If you scored mainly 0's, 1's and 2's you are reacting slowly to the hazard that is developing onscreen, whereas if you scored mainly 5's and 4's you are identifying the developing hazards in good time.

 

If you pass.

If you passed, you will also receive your theory test certificate which has your theory test number on. You will need this number when you book your practical test. Your theory test certificate is valid for two years from the date of your test. If you do not take your practical test within this two year period you will have to take another theory test.

There are no exceptions to this rule.

 

If you fail.

If you fail the theory test you should look at the feedback given on the letter and identify why you failed. If you want to book another theory test you can book a test straight away, but you cannot take the test for another three clear working days. So, if you failed your first test on Monday afternoon, you will have to wait until Friday morning before you can take your next theory test.

 

 

PCV licence Reference Guide

• Why do i need a PCV licence?
• Which PCV licence category do i need?
• I hold a PCV licence with an "Automatic" restriction do i need a re-test?
• The medical
• The provisional entitlement
• Official DSA Theory test publications
• The Theory test
• Help me pass the PCV theory test
• The Practical Driving Test
• Advice & information about driver training in your area
• Driver CPC