Become a qualified lorry or bus driver
Driver CPC part 3 test: driving ability
Driving tests have been suspended because of coronavirus (COVID-19). If you’re a critical worker, you can apply for an emergency driving test.
You must have passed the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 1 theory test before you can book the Driver CPC part 3 test.
What to take to your test
You must bring a lorry or a bus or coach that meets the rules.
You must also bring one of the following:
- a Great Britain photocard driving licence
- a Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart
- an EU photocard driving licence (and paper counterpart, if you have one)
If you do not have a photocard driving licence, bring your paper licence and a valid passport.
Your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee if you do not bring these.
How the test works
Your practical test will last about 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes:
- vehicle safety questions
- practical road driving
- off-road exercises
Vehicle safety questions
During your test you’ll be asked vehicle safety questions on either:
Practical road driving
During your practical road driving, the examiner will see how you:
- use the vehicle controls
- move away at an angle, uphill and downhill
- do a controlled stop
- use the mirrors
- give appropriate signals
- show awareness and anticipation of other road users’ intentions
- manage your progress and control your vehicle speed
- deal with hazards
- select a safe place to stop
There will also be 10 minutes of independent driving, designed to test your ability to drive safely while making independent decisions.
Off-road exercises
The off-road exercises will include:
- an ‘S’ shaped reverse into a bay
- showing the uncoupling and recoupling procedure if you’re taking a test with a trailer
Test result
After you’ve taken the practical test your examiner will tell you if you’ve passed and explain how you did.
You’ll pass your test if you make:
- 15 or fewer driving faults
- no serious or dangerous faults
If you fail, you can book another driving test straight away, but you cannot take it for another 3 clear working days.
Cancelled tests
You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) cancels your test at short notice.