About Your Driving Test
Initial Driver CPC
If you take your test after the Driver CPC start date 10th September 2009 (LGV) and you are not going to be driving for a living, you will only need to pass modules 1 & 3.
If, at a later date, you change your mind and want to drive for a living you will need to pass Modules 2 & 4.
'Grandfather rights' anyone who already has a C1 (7.5 tonne) licence under ‘grandfather rights' will only have to pass modules 1 & 3.
*DSA test fee
Module 1 (Computer Based) Multiple Choice questions *£35.00 & Hazard Perception Clips *£15.00 Module 1 is TWO separate tests the first is 100 Multiple choice (of which the pass mark will be 85) and the second 19 hazard perception clips with 20 score-able hazards (of which the pass mark will be 67 out of 100) the two tests will take a total of up to 2 ½ hours to complete, but can be taken separately and in either order. You can take both tests on the same day.
Module 2 (Computer Based) Case Studies *£30.00 To obtain you driver CPC you will need to pass module 2. This is a computer based test and uses case studies, based on real life scenarios you may encounter in your working life. It aims to test your knowledge and how you would put it into practice. The questions are written by experts from the industry, questions will be based around the case study and you will be asked to answer in a number of different ways such as multiple choice answers, clicking an area on a photograph/image or by typing in a short answer. Each test will be made up of 7 case studies, each one with 6-8 Questions, with a possible maximum score of 50 (of which the pass mark will be 38). The test will take 1 ½ hours to complete and can be taken at the same test centre as module 1.
Module 3 (Practical) Practical Test *£115.00 weekdays (*£141.00 weekends) Actual on-road driving time for all rigid categories will be a minimum of 1 hour. This will give examiners the opportunity to assess a candidate's driving in more varied traffic conditions and on a wider variety of roads.
Module 4 (Practical) Driver CPC demonstration test *£55.00 weekdays (*£63.00 weekends) In addition to passing module 3, to obtain your driver CPC you will also need to pass module 4 a new practical test focussing on vehicle safety which has been developed with the support and advice of the industry. In this ½ hour test you will be required to demonstrate your knowledge and ability in the following areas.
- Ability to load a vehicle with due regard for safety rules and proper vehicle use;
- Security of the vehicle and it's contents;
- Ability to prevent criminality and trafficking in illegal immigrants;
- Ability to assess a emergency situation;
- Ability to prevent physical risk;
- Demonstrate your ability through a physical walk round vehicle safety check;
LGV tests will also see the introduction of a new piece of equipment which will allow you to demonstrate your ability to secure loads.
The test consists of 5 topic areas which cover the driver CPC syllabus and in order to pass the candidate has to score 15 out of a possible 20 points in each topic area (75%) and an overall score of (80%).
As a new driver, you will need to pass the Initial Driver CPC theory and practical tests in addition to the licence acquisition theory and practical tests if you intend to drive professionally. Once you have passed these tests you will also need to undergo ongoing periodic training to keep your Driver CPC qualification.
NB: any drivers of lorries of 3.5 tons and upwards, and minibuses with 9 seats or more must obtain a Driver CPC.
The existing ‘Transport Manager's CPC' also known as the ‘Operator's CPC' is a separate qualification and anyone holding one who still drives professionally as part of their job will also need to hold a Driver CPC.
Can I take the modules in any order?
You must pass module 1(Multiple choice/ Hazard perception Theory) before you take module 3 (Practical Driving Test) and you must pass module 2 (case study Theory) before you take module 4 (Practical Driver CPC Demonstration). In other words, the theory test must be passed before the practical part.
However, modules 1 and 2 (theory) can be taken in either order, as can modules 3 and 4 (practical).
How will I prove I hold Driver CPC?
After you have passed all 4 modules you will be sent a Driver Qualification Card (DQC). There will be no charge for the card at the point of issue.
The DQC will be sent to the address on your driving licence. It is important that you keep your details up to date with DVLA. You must carry your DQC whilst driving and there will be penalties if you are found to be driving professionally without one. If your DQC has been lost, stolen or damaged, you must report it to the DSA within 7 days and apply for a replacement card. There will be a fee to replace and issue new cards.
To report your DQC card lost, stolen or damaged contact:
Email customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk (putting ‘ DQC Enquiry ' in the subject field) or telephone 0300 200 1122
Once you have reported it you will be able to drive for up to 15 days without a card while a replacement is sent to you.
NB: if your card has been lost or stolen you must inform your employer.
For modules 1 & 2 candidates normally revise for these themselves & book them when they are ready.
Certain literature is needed for this.
This can be done in two ways. Internet based learning such as www.drivingtheory4all.co.uk a subscription fee will apply, this can work out cheaper for some; the other option is by buying the books/CD Rom/DVD Rom.
The TSO (The Stationary Office) is an official supplier of the DSA publications. www.tsoshop.co.uk
However www.desktopdriving.co.uk often has special offers on the DSA publications and does a LGV CPC packs. The books are the same. You need to decide when ordering if you would like the CD Rom & Book or just the book or the CD Rom the drop down menu at the bottom will give you the option.
Also check out www.amazon.co.uk
Focus multimedia have now issued a DVD ROM which includes the multiple choice and the hazard perception and this is available from desktop driving. It contains exactly the same questions as the DSA disk but works out a lot cheaper (around £21.00)
The Official DSA Theory Test for Large Vehicles. Book £17.50 CD ROM £35.00
Hazard perception PC DVD Rom is the same for all vehicle categories.
A lot of candidates prefer to buy ‘Driving Test Success' hazard perception from the supermarkets as it is a lot cheaper than the DSA Disk and also easier to understand. It is by focus multimedia and can also be ordered on line.
PC DVD Rom (approx) £9.99 (DSA disk is £15.99)
Driver CPC The Official DSA for Professional Goods Vehicle Drivers Book £9.99
The Official Highway Code Book £2.50
Interactive CD ROM £9.99
Literature needed for modules 3 & 4 are all supplied.