Bus and lorry drivers to face new theory test

Aspiring bus, coach and lorry drivers will have a new theory test to do from next month.

From 10 March, a number of additional theory questions will be introduced for all bus, coach and lorry drivers.

Driver & Vehicle Agency Chief Executive Brendan Magee explained: "These changes aim to further improve road safety and driving standards for bus, coach and lorry drivers.

"The changes represent a step change in our approach to delivering drivers to the standard needed by the road freight and passenger transport sectors".

Drivers will be tested on 100 questions and need to correctly answer 85 to pass the multiple choice part of the test.

Currently drivers get 60 questions and need to score 51 out of 60 to pass.

The number of hazard perception clips will also increase from 14 to 19 and the pass mark will increase from 50 out of 75, to 67 out of 100.

The other change, which is being made at the request of the industry, is to split the test into two parts.

This will allow candidates to take the multiple choice element separately from the hazard perception element - in either order.

This change aims to avoid potential recruits being put off entering the industry due to the length of the test as a single event.

To accommodate the changes, the cost of the theory test will increase from £32 to £50 (£35 for the multiple choice test and £15 for the hazard perception test) for those taking their test from the 10 March. Tests can be booked separately.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a qualification aimed at raising the standard of drivers entering the industry.
2. Driver CPC was implemented on 10 September 2008 for the bus and coach industry, and 10 September 2009 for the lorry industry.
3. For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office, tel 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.