The Practical Driving 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.

 

The practical test format

The Practical Driving 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 3 & 4.

 

Module 3 - The Practical Driving Test

The Practical Driving Test is divided into three main sections including: a "show me - tell me", manoeuvring exercises and an on-road driving test. All three combined sections of test cannot be taken separately and takes an overall 90 minutes to complete.

 

Module 3, section 1 -"Show me - Tell me"

At the beginning of the test you will be asked five vehicle related safety questions which will be a combination of "show me" and "tell me". A driving fault will be recorded for each incorrect answer to a maximum of four driving faults. If the candidate answers all five questions incorrectly, a serious fault will be recorded.

 

Module 3, section 2 - Manoeuvring exercises

After the safety questions you will be examined on a set of manoeuvring exercises which will be conducted within the test centre. The set exercises will include an ‘S’ shaped reverse into a bay, a braking exercise and if you undertaking a test with a trailer you will be asked to demonstrate the safe and correct procedure for uncoupling and re-coupling a trailer.

 

Module 3, section 3 - On road driving test

During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions.

Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don’t worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.

You can make up to 15 minor driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.

You are allowed to take someone with you on the test; this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.

 

Module 4 - your competence as a professional commercial driver

This module forms part of the Driver CPC acquisition process and is a new practical test section focusing on vehicle safety and is mandatory if you wish to drive a PCV commercially .

During the test you will be required to demonstrate your knowledge and ability to; load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use, Secure the vehicle and contents, prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants, assess emergency situations, prevent physical risk and demonstrate your ability to undertake a physical walk-round vehicle safety check.

The test consists of 5 questions which cover the Driver CPC syllabus. For each of the questions the examiner will require you to demonstrate your knowledge in the syllabus areas mentioned above, which could involve you carrying out actions such as walking round the vehicle pointing out relevant parts of a vehicle, or demonstrating the use of relevant parts of the vehicle.

Each question equals 20% of the overall pass mark. To pass the test an overall score of 80% must be achieved, with a score of at least 15% in each question.

 

After the practical test

When the driving test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test.

If you pass - Automatic driving licence issue

If you pass and have a photocard driving licence issued after 1 March 2004 the examiner will ask you if you want your full driving licence issued to you automatically.

If you want to use this service, the examiner will take your old licence off you, scan the details and send them electronically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test. DVLA will then send you your new full licence by post within three weeks of you passing your practical test.

If you pass- Sending your licence to DVLA

If you pass your test but do not want to use this automatic service, or have a licence issued before 1 March 2004, you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next. This involves sending your licence and appropriate fee to DVLA who will then check your application and issue you with a new full licence.

If you fail…

If you fail the test you should ask the examiner for some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes. You can take another practical test three working days after your practical driving test.

 

Driving test standards

All examiners are trained to carry out the test to the same standard, they do not have pass or fail quotas. So as long as you demonstrate the standard required you will pass your driving test. Weather conditions/ mechanical problems etc

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) do not conduct tests in bad light or in adverse weather conditions for the safety of the candidate and the examiner. We will arrange another appointment at no further cost, but compensation is not payable.

Candidates should call the telephone number quoted on the appointment letter to check whether their test will go ahead. If the driving test is not completed for reasons attributable to you or your vehicle, you will have to take another test at your own cost.

 

 

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