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Become a lorry or bus driver
6. Driver CPC part 3 test: driving ability
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 these to your test:
- your valid Great Britain photocard driving licence, or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart
- a lorry or a bus or coach that meets the rules
Your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee if you don’t 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 can’t 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.