Theory test preparation
Prepare for and pass your bus and coach theory test for all passenger-carrying vehicle (PCV) drivers.
The PCV theory test is in 2 parts and will form Part 1 of your initial Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence):
Multiple choice £26
Hazard perception £11
You do not have to take both parts of the test on the same day but you must take them within 2 years of each other to get your theory test certificate.
Part 1a: Multiple choice
- 100 multiple choice questions from 14 topics
- 1 hour 55 minutes to answer
- 85 out of 100 to pass
It’s vital to prepare for your theory test; it may be a while since you last refreshed your knowledge of the rules of the road.
How to prepare
eLearning
Learn online with your preferred device and track your learning progress.
- study the 14 key PCV topics
- practise questions focused on each topic
- test yourself with our official "test view" option
Our eLearning will measure your test readiness based on your progress, so you can be confident you're fully prepared on the day of your test.
Buy: Official DVSA Theory Test and Hazard Perception Kit for Drivers of Passenger Carrying Vehicles
Books
The questions in the PCV multiple choice theory test are based on content from 3 official books:
Buy: Official Highway Code
Buy: Official DVSA Guide to Driving Buses and Coaches eBook
Buy: Know Your Traffic Signs
There are lots of products available that contain practice questions, but it's really important that you do not just learn the answers without fully understanding the questions. The questions in the actual test will not be exactly the same as the practice ones.
Using the official publications will help you get the most out of your preparation. You can find these and more on our online shop.
Free test resources for the PCV theory
Try: Free practice theory test for bus and coach drivers
Extra learning tips
There are lots of tricks you can use to help you learn what you’ll need to know for your PCV theory test. Here are a few ideas.
- Link what you’re learning to your own experiences: for example, think about where you’ve seen an example of a road sign and use this to help you remember what the sign means.
- Use mnemonics: these are sayings or stories that help you remember something – for example, ‘Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain’ reminds you of the colours of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet).
- Practise the question formats: as well as knowing all the information, you’ll also need to know how the questions are asked in the test. Use the practice test (see above) and the self-assessment questions in 'The Official DVSA Theory Test for Drivers of Large Vehicles':
Buy: Official DVSA Theory Test for Drivers of Large Vehicles
- Plan your study: set yourself some timelines and targets. This will help you to see your progress and make sure you have not missed anything. Plan to do your studying somewhere you will not be disturbed and at a time when you’re fully awake.
- Get help: use friends, family, your instructor or your colleagues from work to ask questions and share driving experiences.
Part 1b: Hazard perception
About the test
- 19 clips (1 clip containing 2 developing hazards)
- 5 points (max) per developing hazard response
- 67 out of 100 to pass
This test measures your ability to spot developing hazards, something that might need you, as the driver, to take action.
For example: a car pulling in to the side of the road ahead of you is a developing hazard because you may need to slow down and manoeuvre around it or stop.
How to practise
This part of the test checks you can recognise and respond to hazards that could happen while you’re driving. Being out on the road with your instructor will help you prepare for this part.
eLearning subscription
Buy: Hazard perception eLearning
Free test resources
