Passenger Carrying Vehicle Theory Test (Cat D)

About the PCV Test​

Understanding Your Bus/Coach (PCV) Licence Categories 

To drive buses and coaches legally, you need the correct PCV licence category, which depends on the number of passenger seats and whether you intend to tow a trailer.

​

• Minibus Licences:
  • Category D1: Permits you to drive minibuses with no more than 16 passenger seats and a maximum length of 8 metres. You can also tow a trailer with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of up to 750 kilograms.
  • Category D1+E: Allows you to drive a Category D1 minibus with a trailer exceeding 750 kilograms MAM. However, the trailer’s MAM cannot exceed the unladen weight of the minibus, and the gross combined weight of both vehicle and trailer cannot exceed 12,000 kilograms.

​

• Bus and Coach Licences:
  • Category D: Entitles you to drive any bus or coach with more than 8 passenger seats, with the ability to tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 750 kilograms.
  • Category D+E: This licence is required if you wish to tow a trailer with a MAM over 750 kilograms with a Category D vehicle.

​

Excelling in Your PCV Theory Test:

The PCV theory test is designed to ensure you have the extensive knowledge required to operate large passenger vehicles safely and responsibly. It comprises three parts:

1. Multiple Choice Test: This section is more comprehensive than the standard car theory test, covering topics such as passenger safety, vehicle weights and dimensions for larger vehicles, drivers’ hours and work regulations specific to PCV drivers, first aid, and emergency procedures, in addition to the Highway Code and road signs. The PCV multiple-choice test consists of 100 questions, and the pass mark is 85 out of 100.
2. Hazard Perception Test: Similar to other categories, this section assesses your ability to identify developing hazards. The PCV hazard perception test features 19 video clips, each containing one or more developing hazards that a PCV driver might encounter. You can score up to five points per hazard, and the pass mark is 67 out of 100.
3. Case Studies Test: This section is crucial for PCV drivers as it evaluates your understanding of real-life scenarios you might face while transporting passengers. It presents seven case studies, each followed by 6-8 questions (totaling around 50 questions). These scenarios cover passenger handling, safety procedures, legal requirements, and emergency situations. The pass mark for the case studies test is also 85 out of 100.

​

Preparing Effectively for Your PCV Theory Test:

• Consistent Practice is Key: As you rightly advise, make extensive use of our practice resources on this website. The questions are designed to be similar to those you’ll encounter in the theory test.
• Learn on the Go: Our website is fully compatible with smartphones and tablets, allowing you to practice anytime, anywhere, even in the lead-up to your test. Utilize this flexibility to reinforce your knowledge.
• Think Clearly and Manage Your Time: During the multiple-choice test, take your time to read each question carefully. While you can often deduce the correct answer, avoid rushing and ensure you understand the context. Keep an eye on the clock to ensure you don’t run out of time across all three sections of the test.
• Prioritize Well-being: Ensure you are well-hydrated and have had a good night’s sleep before your test. Being alert and focused will significantly improve your ability to process information and answer correctly.
• Understand the Regulations: Pay close attention to the specific regulations governing PCV drivers, such as drivers’ hours and passenger safety, as these will be heavily featured in the theory test.

​

From Theory to Practical: Your Journey to Becoming a PCV Driver:

Upon successfully passing all three parts of your PCV theory test, the DVSA will issue you a theory test certificate. This certificate is valid for two years from the date of passing, and you must book and pass your practical driving test within this timeframe using the theory test pass number.

​

The PCV Practical Driving Test:

The PCV practical test is a comprehensive assessment, typically lasting around 90 minutes, designed to evaluate your ability to drive a large passenger vehicle safely and competently while adhering to all relevant regulations. It includes several components:

• Vehicle Safety Questions (“Show Me, Tell Me”): At the start of the test, the examiner will ask you a series of “show me” and “tell me” questions relating to the safety aspects of the vehicle. These questions cover essential checks you would perform before and during a journey (DVSA provides a specific list of these questions for PCV tests).
• Practical Road Driving: The majority of the test involves driving on various road types and in different traffic conditions. The examiner will observe and assess your:
  • Use of Vehicle Controls: Smooth and correct operation of the steering, gears, brakes, accelerator, and other controls.
  • Moving Away: Safely moving away from a stationary position, including at an angle, uphill, and downhill, demonstrating appropriate clutch and accelerator control (for manual vehicles) and hazard observation.
  • Braking: Smooth, controlled, and timely braking in various situations, including emergency stops.
  • Use of Mirrors: Regular and effective use of all mirrors to maintain awareness of your surroundings, particularly blind spots, especially before changing direction or manoeuvring.
  • Giving Signals: Clear, timely, and correct use of indicators, brake lights, and hazard warning lights to communicate your intentions to other road users.
  • Awareness and Anticipation: Demonstrating a proactive approach to safety by anticipating the actions of other road users and potential hazards.
  • Managing Progress and Controlling Speed: Maintaining appropriate speed for the road conditions and traffic flow, while making steady progress without undue hesitation.
  • Dealing with Hazards: Identifying and reacting safely and effectively to various hazards.
  • Selecting Safe Stopping Places: Choosing safe and legal places to stop the vehicle.
• Off-Road Exercises: You will be required to perform specific off-road manoeuvres to demonstrate your vehicle handling skills:
  • S-Shaped Reverse into a Bay: Accurately and safely reversing the bus or coach into a designated bay, maintaining control and observing for hazards.
  • Uncoupling and Re-coupling Procedure (if applicable): If you are taking a test with a trailer (Category D+E or D1+E), you will need to demonstrate the correct and safe procedures for uncoupling and re-coupling the trailer.

​

Key Tips for Your PCV Practical Test:

• Prioritize Safety Above All Else: Your primary focus should always be on driving safely and responsibly, demonstrating a professional attitude towards passenger safety and other road users.
• Communicate Clearly: Use your signals effectively and make eye contact with other road users where appropriate to show your intentions.
• Maintain Consistent Observation: Continuously scan your mirrors and surroundings to build a comprehensive picture of the traffic situation.
• Drive Smoothly: Avoid jerky movements with the steering, accelerator, and brakes. Smooth driving contributes to passenger comfort and safety.
• Listen Carefully to Instructions: Pay close attention to the examiner’s instructions and follow them accurately.
• Stay Calm and Focused: Try to remain calm and concentrate on your driving. If you make a mistake, don’t dwell on it; focus on driving safely for the remainder of the test.

​

By thoroughly preparing for both the theory and practical tests, understanding the specific requirements for PCV drivers, and adopting a safety-first approach, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining your bus or coach licence and embarking on a rewarding career in passenger transport.