Driver CPC Initial Qualification Parts 1 and 2
Driver CPC Part 1 Test: Theory
You can book the Part 1 Theory Test of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) as soon as you have received your provisional licence.
The test is made up of 2 parts; multiple choice and hazard perception. You have to book both parts separately, but you can take them on the same day. It does not matter which one you take first but you need to pass both within 2 years of each other to obtain your theory test certificate.
What to take to your test
You must take 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, take your paper licence and a valid passport.
Your test will be cancelled and you will lose your fee if you do not take the right documents.
Driver CPC tests and coronavirus (COVID-19)
You can choose whether to wear a face-covering for your test. If you are self-isolating because of COVID-19, you should not go to your test.
You can change your theory test appointment for free if you need to self-isolate on the day of your test.
- Revision and practice
You can use books and software to revise for the theory test and take practice tests.
Multiple-choice questions
The multiple-choice questions in the theory test are based on 3 books:
- The Highway Code
- Know your traffic signs
- The Official DVSA Guide to Driving Goods Vehicles or The Official DVSA Guide to Driving Buses and Coaches
Study these to learn the rules and skills you will be tested on. You can buy them from most high street and online bookshops.
Take a practice test
Take a practice theory test to check how much you have learnt. The questions are not used in the real test, but they are based on the same topics as the test.
Hazard perception test
To prepare for this test you can use the official guide to hazard perception. You can buy the guide in these formats:
You can also buy it as an interactive DVD from the high street and online bookshops.
How the test works
Multiple choice questions.
- You can take a practice test to find out how the test works.
- This part lasts for 1 hour and 55 minutes, and the pass mark is 85 out of 100.
Hazard perception questions.
- You can watch a video about how the hazard perception part works.
- You will watch 19 videos, and there are 20 developing hazards to spot.
- The pass mark is 67 out of 100.
- You cannot review your answers.
Your Test Result
You will be given a letter at the test centre with the results of the test/s you have just taken.
When you have passed both parts, your theory test certificate will be posted to you. You will need the certificate when you book your Driver CPC Part 3 Driving Test.
Your theory test certificate is valid for 2 years from when you passed the first part of the test.
You need to pass the Driver CPC Part 3 Driving Test within 2 years of passing the theory test, otherwise, you will have to pass the Part 1 Theory Test again.
If you fail the Theory Tests
You will get a results letter with feedback explaining why you have failed.
You can book another Theory Test straight away, but you cannot actually take it for another 3 clear working days.
Cancelled Tests
You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) cancels your test at short notice.
At the time of writing, theory tests have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic but you will be able to book a test from 9 May 2020. If you are a key worker, you can apply for an emergency theory test.
Driver CPC Part 2 Test: Case Studies
You can book the Part 2 Case Studies Test of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) as soon as you have got your provisional licence. You do not need to have passed the Driver CPC Part 1 Theory Test.
What to take to your test
You must take 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, take your paper licence and a valid passport.
Your test will be cancelled and you will lose your fee if you do not take the right documents.
How the test works
- The test is made up of 7 case studies that you work through on a computer.
- The case studies are short stories based on situations that you are likely to come across in your working life.
- You will be asked between 6 and 8 multiple-choice questions on each case study.
- The test lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the pass mark is 40 out of 50.
Your Test Result
You will receive a letter with the results at the test centre and you will need the test pass reference number when you book your Driver CPC Part 4 Practical Demonstration Test.
The pass letter is valid for 2 years.
You need to pass the Driver CPC Part 4 Practical Demonstration Test within 2 years, otherwise, you will have to pass the Part 2 Case Studies Test again.
If you fail the test
You will get a result letter with feedback explaining why you have failed.
You can book another Case Studies Test straight away, but you cannot take it for another 3 clear working days.
Cancelled Tests
You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) cancels your test at short notice.
At the time of writing, theory tests have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic but you will be able to book a test from 9 May 2020. If you are a key worker, you can apply for an emergency theory test.