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Driving as a professional in the UK means staying up-to-date with various licence requirements, one of which is the Driver CPC. If you drive or intend to drive a lorry or bus for a living, you’re probably already familiar with the CPC programme, part of which involves passing a series of tests. Well, this article is going to be your guide on this topic as we explore everything there is to know about the CPC test.
The CPC test is a series of assessments that every professional driver of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), coaches and minibuses in European Union countries must take. Passing this test earns you the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, which guarantees that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to operate these vehicles safely.
See our blog post to learn more about what the Driver CPC is.
Stages Of The Driver CPC Test
You need to pass four modules before obtaining your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence. The first module is a theory test, while the second is a case study test and these can be taken in any order. However, you must complete the theory test before moving on to module three, and the case study test before attempting module four. Also, you have two years to complete the remaining modules after attempting and passing the first one.
Module 1: CPC Theory Test
You must already have your provisional licence to book the part one theory test. The test is made up of two parts – multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test. You can take both parts on the same day but you’ll have to book them separately. For drivers in England, Wales and Scotland, carry along your Great Britain photocard driving licence. Northern Ireland residents, on the other hand, must have their Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart.
The multiple-choice question runs for 1 hour and 55 minutes and you need a minimum mark of 85% to pass. For the hazard perception part, you’ll have 19 videos to watch and must try to spot 20 developing hazards. The pass mark is lower at 67% but keep in mind that you can’t review your answers.
You’ll get a letter at the test centre with the results for the part of the theory test you’ve just taken. The test centre will also post your certificate to you when you pass both tests, and you can use it to book part three of the driving test. You can book another test immediately if you fail but you’ll have to wait for another three days to retake it.
Module 2: Case Studies
For the part two case studies test, you’ll be faced with seven case studies, which you must work through on a computer. The case studies are short stories based on situations you’re likely to come across while working. Six to eight multiple-choice questions accompany each case study. You have 1 hour and 15 minutes for the entire test and must score at least 40 out of 50 to pass.
You’ll get a letter with your test score before leaving the test centre. The letter will also contain a reference number, which you need to book your Driver CPC Module 4 practical demonstration test. This pass letter and reference number will be valid for two years.
Module 3: Driving Ability Test
As earlier stated, you’ll need the result of your module one test to apply for the module three test. You must carry along a valid Great Britain photocard driving licence or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart. You also need a lorry, bus or coach that meets the rules; failure to bring any of these will result in the test being cancelled.
The driving ability practical test will last about 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes everything from vehicle safety questions to practical road driving and off-road exercises.
The safety questions focus on:
- Lorry and bus driving test
- Lorry and bus with trailer driving test
Practical road driving has 10 minutes of independent driving designed to test your ability to drive safely while making autonomous decisions. The examiner will also look at how you do the following:
- Use vehicle controls
- Use mirrors
- Give signals
- Deal with hazards
- Select a safe place to stop
- Controlled stop
- Move uphill, downhill and at an angle
For the off-road exercise, you’ll do the following.
- Make an ‘S’ shaped reverse into a bay
- Show the uncoupling and recoupling procedure (if you’re taking the test with a trailer).
Your examiner will tell you if you passed after completing the test. To scale through this module, you must have 15 or fewer driving faults and no serious driving faults.
See here for our comprehensive guide to lorries.
Module 4: Practical Demonstration
The requirement for the Driver CPC module four practical demonstration is a passed case study test. You must come along with your photocard and a type of truck, coach or bus that meets the rules. This test examines your ability to load a vehicle while following safety rules and keeping it secure. The examiner will also need to know that you can take appropriate measures to prevent trafficking in illegal immigrants, assess emergency situations and do a walkaround vehicle safety check.
All in all, this module comprises five topics from the Driver CPC syllabus and you can score up to 20 points for each topic. You’ll need to score at least 15 out of 20 in each topic and have an overall score of at least 80 out of 100 to pass.
What To Do After The CPC Practical Test
Await your Driver CPC card after the CPC practical test, provided that you have passed. The CPC card also known as the ‘driver qualification card’ or ‘DQC should arrive via mail within 20 working days. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will send the card to the address on your vocational licence, so you need to update this first if the address is wrong.
It’s not enough to obtain the CPC card; it must be with you at all times when driving a lorry, bus or coach professionally. You can reach out to the DVSA for assistance if the card doesn’t arrive within the given timeframe.
Who Can Carry Out Driver CPC Tests?
Only organisations approved by the DVSA can carry out Driver CPC tests. The DVSA is responsible for overseeing Driver CPC training and tests in the UK, while approved centres conduct these tests and training. The DVSA sets specific standards for these organisations to meet and regularly audits them to ensure they comply with the requirements. Make sure whichever provider you choose for your CPC test is recognised and accredited, so your qualification can be valid.
Tips For Preparing for the Driver CPC Test
The following tips will come in handy when preparing for the Driver CPC test:
- Familiarise yourself with the test structure and the four modules.
- Use official study materials from the DVSA and online resources to get used to the question format. You’ll also find some theory test apps you can practice with.
- Enrol in a reputable driving school that offers training for Driver CPC practical test.
- Revise regularly, as this makes it easier to retain information from study materials.
- Finally, stay updated on any changes in regulations or test procedures by checking the DVSA website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who Needs A Certificate Of Professional Competence?
Anyone who drives lorries, buses or coaches for a living needs a certificate of professional competence (CPC). The CPC is a driver certificate, which signifies that the holder has the necessary knowledge, skills and competence to handle these large vehicles safely and responsibly. Holders must go through a series of tests and periodic training to hold and retain it.
What Is The Purpose Of The Driver CPC Test?
The purpose of the Driver CPC test is to ensure road safety and maintain high driving standards among HGV, coach and minibus drivers. The test puts people who want to drive professionally through four modules to test their knowledge and driving ability. The DVSA aims to ensure a safer overall driving environment by giving drivers the necessary training.
What Topics Are Covered In The Driver CPC Test?
The topics covered in the Driver CPC test are road safety regulations and vehicle knowledge. The CPC test also covers health and safety topics, touching personal health, safety equipment and reactions in emergencies to reduce physical risks. Bus and coach drivers will also learn passenger safety, while lorry drivers will learn cargo handling.
What Happens If You Fail The CPC Test?
If you fail the CPC test, you’ll have to retake it. The test is divided into four modules. You have to pass module one to move on to module three while passing module two grants you access to module four. You can book another test immediately if you fail a module but you’ll have to wait for another three days to retake it.
How Long Is The Driver CPC Card Valid?
The Driver CPC card is valid for five years and to maintain the validity of the card, you need to undertake 35 hours of periodic training within this five-year period. This training ensures drivers stay updated with the latest regulations, safety practices and industry standards. Failing to complete the Driver CPC training causes you to lose your qualification, so also make sure to check your CPC hours to see that they have been updated.
Conclusion
So, there’s everything you need to know about the Driver CPC test. This test comprises four modules and covers various important topics for bus, coach and lorry drivers. And remember, it doesn’t stop at the test, make sure you stay updated by completing 35 hours of the periodic training to keep your licence.
