5. Driver CPC part 4 practical safety demonstration test
Guidance for driving examiners on the Driver CPC part 4 practical safety demonstration test.
This chapter sets out the background and basic requirements of the Driver CPC module four practical safety demonstration test. It also gives detailed guidance on conducting the test.
The module four practical safety demonstration test is conducted in accordance with the provisions of EU Directive 2003/59/EC, The Vehicle Drivers (Certificates of Professional Competence) Regulations 2007, and The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations.
The practical safety demonstration test is a stand-alone practical test of 30 minutes duration focussing on vehicle safety and security, which covers categories C and D and all subcategories including trailers.
Questions posed will be answered using a static vehicle which needs to meet current minimum test vehicle (MTV) requirements. Despite being static, the candidate may elect to make a rolling brake check. If a candidate elects to do this they must not be stopped from doing so. The same question topic areas are covered for categories C and D although questions and test reports differ slightly.
Candidates will be asked to demonstrate their knowledge and ability in the following subject areas:
- ability to load the vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use
- security of the vehicle and contents
- ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants
- ability to assess emergency situations
- ability to prevent physical risk
The object of the test is to ensure that the candidate has a sound knowledge of the test subject areas and can show this in a practical way. Examiners and assessors should remember that many candidates will be more nervous during the test than when practising with their instructor or with a friend. A pleasant outgoing approach, not only in the waiting room and on the way to the vehicle, but throughout the test is particularly important to help candidates to relax.
Emphasis must be on the candidate demonstrating their ability to answer the questions. For example, the candidate will be expected to make a physical check of certain equipment fitted to the vehicle, rather than tell you where it is and how to operate it.
For LGV practical demonstration tests only, a piece of equipment may be required. This is the Load Securing Demonstration Trolley (LSDT). This may be used by candidates to demonstrate their ability to secure and un-secure loads using the equipment provided which includes the use of rope, chain, a webbing strap and a load tensioning bar. Alternatively, additional suitable vehicle(s) can be used to demonstrate their ability to secure and un-secure loads.
There is no eyesight check requirement for this test and no need for L plates.
The test must be conducted using a vehicle which meets minimum test vehicle requirements (MTV). However, as the vehicle is being used in a static off-road environment, there is no need for the vehicle to be loaded or fitted with additional mirrors for the examiner to use. This exception to the MTV requirements applies to the Driver/CPC module four test only.
Examiners and assessors should note the Driver/CPC module four test is not a licence acquisition test. Therefore, a candidate may produce any vehicle for the Driver CPC/test so long as it meets the MTV for the vehicle presented (categories C, D and all subcategories as applicable) which may also be subject to the exception detailed above.
If, during the course of the test, the examiner or assessor notices a problem with the vehicle (for example, a defective bulb) as the test is being conducted off-road, the test must continue.
Accurate completion of the digital test report or for external assessors the CPC4 is very important to allow for accurate data collection.
There are two sets of CPC question banks - one for PCV and one for LGV assessments. Each bank contains eight different combinations which should be used in rotation, an equal number of times. The digital test report is automatically linked to the digital journal which will ensure the correct category of CPC test report is completed. Make sure you have the correct CPC4 relevant to the category of test (LGV or PCV) this can be found at the top right-hand corner of the CPC4A
Examiners and assessors mark the positives, if the candidate demonstrates practical and theoretical knowledge.
If you look at any question combination, there are performance criteria. These are ‘Key Knowledge Indicators’ (KKI). If the candidate makes acceptable reference to the performance criteria listed, a mark is placed in the corresponding box on the digital test report. When all of the questions have been answered, the digital test report totals the number of KKI boxes marked to produce the individual question score. The score to each question will be in the form of a percentage: 5, 10, 15, and 20. To summarise:
- 1 KKI box marked equates to a 5 per cent question score
- 2 KKI boxes marked equates to a 10 per cent question score
- 3 KKI boxes marked equates to a 15 per cent question score
- 4 KKI boxes marked equates to a 20 per cent question score
The fifth question on all forms has ten KKI boxes. Each box equates to 2%. The digital test report will total the number of KKI boxes recorded, rounding up or down as necessary. For example: seven KKI boxes marked (7 x 2 = 14) therefore mark the 15 per cent score box. Six KKI boxes = 10 per cent, and so on.
Individual question scores are added together to produce a total score which will be recorded in the total section. The candidate must attain a minimum of 15% in all questions and a total score of at least 80% to pass. It is possible for a candidate to score 90% and not pass (20% in 4 questions and only 10% in the fifth).
Examiners or assessors should ensure their instructions are clear and understandable so that candidates know what is expected of them.
Examiners or assessors are required to ask candidates five main questions which can contain sub-questions. In order to establish a candidate’s ability and knowledge it will often be necessary to prompt for an answer. Any prompt given must not contain clues or lead the candidate in any way.
Here are some examples of good and bad prompts:
Bad:
- examiner or assessor: ‘What about if you needed to warn somebody?’
- candidate: ‘Oh yes, I forgot, the horn. I could use the horn.’
- examiner or assessor: ‘Would you check the baggage lockers as well?’
- candidate: ‘Oh yes, of course.’
Good:
- examiner or assessor: ‘Is there anywhere else you might think of looking?’
- candidate pauses: ‘…can’t think of anywhere…’
- examiner or assessor: ‘Are there any other checks you wish to make?’
- candidate: ‘I don’t think so…’
It is very easy to lead the candidate - they must come up with the answers, not the examiner or assessor. In the examples above, the good prompts alert the candidate for more information, but do not tell them what to look for. The bad prompts virtually give the answer to the candidate, which examiners or assessors must be mindful not to do. Your prompting, in most cases, will control the candidate’s actions and responses and ultimately influence the overall decision of the test.
Examiners and assessors must wear fluorescent vests at all times when outside of the office.
The examiner or assessor must manage the environment in which the test is being conducted. The candidate should be encouraged to use personal protective equipment if they have such items, especially when moving around and under the vehicle edges or compartments. Given the physical nature of this test, the vehicle will generally pose a potential for injury if a candidate does not act correctly. If there is the possibility of a candidate getting burnt or injured when opening an access panel, bonnet, or engine cover, the examiner or assessor must act quickly to verbally remind them to take extra care. Examiners and assessors should be vigilant and ever-mindful of the overall working environment.
Examiners and assessors should stand in the best possible position they can in order to keep proper control of the test and be able to hear what the candidate is saying, balanced against health and safety considerations. For example, on an LGV test, it is best to talk to a candidate who is seated in a cab through the open window of a closed door.
Some questions ask the candidate to start the engine. A candidate may also wish to make a rolling brake check. In these cases, the examiner or assessor must keep full control of the situation. Do not stand in front of or behind a vehicle when the candidate is expected to start the engine.
Required items
The examiner or assessor should take on test the following:
- iPad (External assessors CPC 4)
- paper contingency test report
- pass certificate book (DVSA11)
- fire extinguisher picture card and any other picture card(s) relevant to the combination being used
The examiner or assessor should ask for the candidate by name, greet them pleasantly and then carry out the same licence and email check and identification procedures as laid out in chapter one.
In an effort to create a more relaxed and informal atmosphere during the test, examiners and assessors are encouraged to introduce themselves and use the candidate’s first name, provided there’s no objection.
The following is a usable example:
My name is XXX. Would you like me to give you brief information regarding the test? … This is the practical demonstration test. Would you like me to give you a brief overview of the test?
If the candidate says yes, then a “brief” explanation can be given. For example:
The test will last about 30 minutes and when we get to the vehicle, I will ask you questions based on five set topic areas. I would like to emphasise that this is a demonstration-type test, therefore when I ask you questions, I will be looking for you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding.
At the vehicle
Now I should like to ask you some questions relating to your vehicle; remember, it is important that you demonstrate your responses, and not just tell me what you would do.
At the end of the test, the examiner or assessor should offer the candidate a de-brief, which is intended to give an overview of their performance.
A de-brief on a pass should concentrate on praising the topic areas in which the candidate did well and point out any areas (if any) where there was a slight weakness.
For failed candidates, the examiner or assessor should refer to the digital test report/CPC4 and comment very briefly on the topic areas where performance was unacceptable, making reference to reading the topic overview(s). For tests conducted on CPC4, the candidate MUST be issued with the CPC4C copy, which includes a statement of failure, along with some other useful information.
If the candidate wants to discuss the test in greater detail, it should be explained that examiners or assessors are not permitted to do this. However, to be helpful, the examiner or assessor should suggest that their comments about the items marked be relayed (by the candidate) to their instructor, who should be able to provide the detail required.
Examiners and assessors must avoid being drawn into discussion on specific questions. Candidates should be encouraged to read the explanatory markings and to research appropriate resource materials. The DVSA official guides (publications) “Driving Buses and Coaches,” “Driving Goods Vehicles,” and “Driver CPC for Professional Bus and Coach Drivers” contain all necessary learning resource materials to be successful in the module four practical demonstration test.
If the instructor/trainer/accompanying driver is present for the decision and de-brief, the examiner or assessor should ask:
Would you like your instructor/trainer/accompanying driver to be present for the conclusion of the test?
If the instructor/trainer/accompanying driver is not present, the question should not be asked.
If at any time the instructor/trainer/accompanying driver comes over to the vehicle to listen to the conclusion of the test, and a de-brief is to be given, the examiner or assessor must ask the candidate whether they want their instructor/trainer/accompanying driver present.
If the candidate elects not to have their instructor/accompanying driver present for the decision and de-brief, then the examiner or assessor should ensure that the candidate’s request is complied with.
If in exceptional circumstances, an examiner or assessor decides not to give an explanation, full reasons for the decision should be noted on the digital test report or CPC4. Where a candidate refuses the de-brief, the examiner or assessor should give their opinion as to why, or any explanation given by the candidate, on the digital test report or CPC4. The “de-brief” box on the digital test report or CPC4 should accordingly not be marked.
If a candidate argues or becomes abusive, or so upset that an explanation is obviously of no value, the examiner or assessor should abandon the attempt and a brief note should be made on the digital test report or CPC4..
Module four is not a licence acquisition test. Therefore, the candidate’s driving licence must not be taken from them under any circumstances. If a licence were to be shredded, the candidate would have to apply for a replacement licence.
Driving of vehicles in categories C and D at the age of 18
The Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) directive 2003/59/EC ( as retained ) makes provision for driving at the age of 18 under certain controlled conditions. .
The minimum age to drive vehicles in categories C and D is reduced to 18 where the person driving:
- has a CPC qualification authorising the driving of a vehicle in that class
- is authorised by a document showing participation in a national vocational training (NVT) course to drive a vehicle in that class
- is taking lessons as a provisional licence holder and/or taking a licence acquisition test to drive a vehicle in that class