Part 3
This is the practical on-road test where you need to demonstrate your ability to drive safely. The HGV driving test (part 3) is in two parts. Part 3a involves:
- an ‘S’ shaped reverse into a bay
- showing the uncoupling and re-coupling procedure if you’re taking a test with a trailer.
A DVSA driving examiner may conduct this; however if you are with a training body, they may also be licensed to carry out this element of the test. You must pass this before moving on to the next part.
A DVSA examiner will conduct the Part 3b on-road driving test. It consists of some vehicle safety questions and 1 hour of driving on the road. During this time your examiner will watch to 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 a section of ‘independent driving’ where you will follow either a sat nav or a series of traffic signs for up to 20 minutes.
To pass the test, you must make no serious or dangerous errors. You must also commit less than 13 ‘driving faults’; these are faults worthy of recording but which are not in themselves serious.
Part 4
During the final part of your CPC you will be questioned on whether your knowledge allows you to:
- load the vehicle following safety rules and to keep it secure
- stop trafficking in illegal immigrants
- assess emergency situations
- reduce physical risks to yourself or others
- do a walkaround vehicle safety check.
You can download a copy of the CPC syllabus here >>>
There are 5 topic areas each with a maximum of 20 points. You must score at least 15 points from each topic and an overall total of at least 80 to pass. You will be given your result right away. If you’re not successful, as with all other test you must wait 3 clear days before taking it again.
Book Your Tests
When you’re ready to book your tests, contact the DVSA:
customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 200 1122
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Click here to book online
Stay Qualified
Once you have passed all 4 parts you can then go ahead and drive a lorry, bus or coach. In order to maintain your CPC accreditation however; you must do a minimum of 35 hours of training every 5 years. This training has to be certified and recorded otherwise you will lose your entitlement to carry on working as a professional driver.
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