Host vocational driving tests at your own site
Apply for your site to be approved to host heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 4 tests.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
Get approval for your site
You have to apply to the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency (DVSA) to get your site approved. It must meet certain rules to be used.
If your site is approved, you can either:
- host tests for just your own staff and customers
- host tests for anyone (if you’re in an area where DVSA is looking for alternative premises, they’ll pay you an annual fee, and your site will operate under a DVSA licence)
If you apply to host driving tests for anyone, your site will be used by DVSA examiners to carry out:
- lorry licence acquisition tests
- Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 4 (practical demonstration) tests
There are different processes to get approved to provide Driver CPC part 3a (off-road exercises) and Driver CPC part 4 (practical demonstration) tests.
Rules for the site
Your site must:
- have clearly defined access and exit points, so the safety of other people on site can be managed
- have a suitable barrier to replicate a loading bay
- allow for suitable driving test routes by having access to a variety of traffic hazards and road conditions
- comply with health and safety legislation
- have suitable insurance cover
- have a load securing demonstration trolley if Driver CPC part 4 tests are required for large goods vehicles
Off-road manoeuvring area
Your site must have an off-road manoeuvring area that:
- is at least 66 metres (m) by 11m, with a 1m buffer zone on all 4 sides (this is to allow for vehicle overhang and the safe conduct of the test)
- is line marked following DVSA inspection
- has a level surface in a reasonable condition
- is free of other vehicles and personnel (other than the examiner and candidate) while the test is taking place
Rules for staff facilities
The following must be available for the driving examiner:
- a private office space with a chair and desk to write up test paperwork
- a suitable storage facility for the day’s documents and personal belongings
- male and female staff toilets and kitchen facilities
Apply for approval
Contact DVSA to apply for approval, or to get more information about hosting tests.
DVSA customer support
customersites@dvsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 200 1122 (press the 2-digit fast track code)
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Find out about call charges
Last updated 28 September 2021 + show all updates
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Updated the rules for the off-road manoeuvring area to make it clear that the area must have a 1m buffer zone on all 4 sides.
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Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) causing the suspension of the driving test, the closure of the DVSA customer service centres and the majority of staff to work from home, contact can currently only be made by email.
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Updated the guidance to make it clearer when DVSA will pay an annual fee for using your site.
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Updated email address for applications and enquiries.
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Manoeuvring exercise area download PDFs added
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First published.