Become a qualified heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or bus driver

Skip contents

Driver CPC part 3a test: off-road exercises

You must have passed the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) part 1 theory test before you can book the Driver CPC part 3a test.

Book your test

You can book your test with either:

  • an approved private test provider
  • the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

Find approved test providers near you. You can book directly with them.

If the organisation that runs your training is also your test provider, your assessor must not have been involved in your training.

Alternatively you can book a test with DVSA.

What to take to your test

You must bring:

The vehicle you bring must be in the driving licence category that you want to get a licence for. For example, if you want to get a licence for an articulated lorry (category CE), you must use an articulated lorry for the 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 last up to 30 minutes, and includes:

  • an ‘S’ shaped reverse into a bay
  • showing the uncoupling and recoupling procedure if you’re taking a test with a trailer

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

If you pass the test, you’ll get a test certificate. You’ll need to take the certificate to your Driver CPC part 3b (on-road driving) test.

You need to pass the Driver CPC part 3b test within 6 months of getting your certificate. If you do not, you’ll need to pass part 3a again.

If you fail you can book another test straight away, but you must leave at least 24 hours before you take the test again.

If you lose your test certificate

If you took your test through an approved test provider, ask them for a replacement. They can charge you up to £15.

If you took your test with DVSA, email the DVSA vocational test team to get a replacement. You’ll need a debit or credit card to pay the £15 fee.

Include the following in your email:

  • your full name
  • your driving licence number
  • the date you passed the test
  • a telephone number so DVSA can contact you to take your payment

DVSA vocational test team
[email protected]

Cancelled tests

You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if DVSA cancels your test at short notice.

If your approved test provider cancels your test at short notice, check their cancellation policy.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Related content