Become a qualified heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or bus driver
Driver CPC part 3b test: on-road driving
You must have passed the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 1 theory test before you can book the Driver CPC part 3b test.
You can book your test online.
You must have passed the Driver CPC part 3a (off-road exercises) test before you can take the part 3b test.
What to take to your test
You must bring:
- a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or a bus or coach that meets the rules
- your part 3a pass certificate
- your theory test pass certificate, unless you are upgrading your licence to tow heavier trailers
The vehicle you bring must be in the same driving licence category as you used for your part 3a test. For example, if you passed the part 3a test in an articulated lorry (category CE), you must use an articulated lorry for the part 3b test.
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 test will include:
- vehicle safety questions
- 1 hour of practical road driving
Vehicle safety questions
During your test you’ll be asked vehicle safety questions. Check the:
- list of questions for HGVs, buses and coaches without a trailer
- list of questions for HGVs, buses and coaches towing trailers
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.
During the test
You can carry on if you make a mistake during your driving test.
Your driving examiner will only stop your test if they think your driving is a danger to others.
Test result
You’ll pass your test if you make:
- 12 or fewer driving faults
- no serious or dangerous faults
If you fail, you can book another driving test straight away. You cannot take the test for another 3 working days, not including the day you took the first test.
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.