The first test a bus or coach driver trainee will take is the PCV theory test. New drivers need to pass this test before they can begin the practical skills training that will prepare them for the final two tests of the four-test CPC regimen. It is by no means a university level final exam, but the PCV theory test is not easy either. It is for this reason that the HGV Training Centre offers preparatory classes, either independently or as part of our overall PCV training programme.
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The PCV theory test is a two-part test that can be booked and taken during a single session at your local testing facility. Drivers who prefer can book the two parts separately, but both parts need to be passed within two years of one another to remain valid. Furthermore, the driver can rebook either part of the test immediately upon failure. He or she need only wait three days before actually taking the failed section or sections again.
Multiple-Choice Section
The first part of the PCV theory test is the multiple-choice section. For this part, you will be seated in front of a computer screen where you will be presented with 100 multiple-choice questions relating to general highway safety and the basic concepts of driving large, commercial vehicles. You must answer 85 of the 100 questions correctly in order to pass this section.
The total time allotted for this section of the test is roughly one hour and 55 minutes. So make sure you are well rested and able to sit and concentrate for that of amount time. Here are some quick tips that have proven useful for taking any multiple-choice test; they should be equally helpful for the PCV theory test:
- Pay attention to the language of each question; you may be able to eliminate some of the wrong answers simply by understanding the terminology and phrases used.
- Eliminate answers you know to be wrong on a given question; you will then have fewer potentially correct answers to choose from.
- Conventional thinking says that answers including the words ‘all’ or ‘none’ are usually incorrect. Actually, that’s not true; they are correct more than half the time.
- Do not leave any questions unanswered. A random guess is still better than no answer at all.
It goes without saying that actual knowledge is far superior to any of the four tips listed above. The point in listing the tips was to help you make a reasonable guess on a question for which you are not positively sure of the answer. You can avoid having to use these tips by studying hard in preparing for the theory test.
Hazard Avoidance Section
The second part of the PCV theory test is the hazard avoidance section. This section has been updated to bring it in line with CPC requirements now in place. It involves watching a series of 19 videos in which there is a total of 20 developing hazards you are expected to identify.
As you watch each video, you are expected to recognise both potential and developing hazards. However, you are only scored on identifying the latter. The quicker you identify and click on it using the computer mouse, the better you score. You earn no points for a video in which you did not identify the developing hazard in question; you will also not receive any points if you simply click indiscriminately within a video, as this is determined to be random guessing rather than actual hazard perception.
This portion of the test has a maximum score of 100. You must score at least 67 to pass. You will know immediately upon completion of both parts of the theory test whether or not you have passed. If you have, you can then begin your practical skills training as well as making preparations for the second test you will be taking: the case studies test.
Important Tips for Passing the PCV Theory Test
As with any other test, there are things you can do beforehand to improve your chances of passing. As previously stated, knowledge is the best tool you can take into the testing session with you. Knowledge not only provides the answers you need to pass, but it also gives you the confidence to approach your test with the right kind of mindset.
Here are some tips offered by the instructors here at the HGV Training Centre. Utilising these tips will ensure you are more than ready to take the PCV theory test when that time comes:
- Study the Material – It is entirely possible for you to take the PCV theory test without first undergoing a preparation class. There are plenty of books you can buy, as well as online resources that will familiarise you with the material you will need to know. Be sure to study that material rigorously. The harder you study, the more knowledge you will gain.
- Take a Class – We believe that taking a preparation class is one of the most important things you can do to ensure passage. Our classes go beyond what you could learn from reading a book by applying the knowledge to real-world scenarios that help to make sense of the information.
- Take Practice Tests – Every new driver who signs up for our PCV training programme is provided free software that includes real test questions and numerous practice tests. Taking as many practice tests as you can increases your chances of passing the real thing. You can also take free practice tests online.
- Utilise Instructors – When you train with the HGV Training Centre, you have access to knowledgeable and experienced instructors whose job is to help you. Utilise their knowledge. Ask them plenty of questions; don’t stop asking until you have the answers you need.
- Be Well Rested – It is important for you to be alert and able to think clearly on the day of the test. Therefore, make sure you are well rested ahead of time. Get enough sleep the night before; do not stay up so late that you will be tired in the morning.
- Try to Relax – On the day of the test, do your best to relax. There is nothing you can do to change the past once you begin the exam process, so there is no point in getting anxious and worked up. Remain calm and trust your preparations. A calm and relaxed attitude will go a long way toward passing.
There is no guarantee that you will pass both sections of the PCV theory test on the first try. Should you fail one or both parts, it is not the end of the world. Rebook your tests right away, and then resume preparations for the second try. You can do this if you put your mind to it.
We Are Ready to Assist You
Many people who fail one or both parts of the PCV theory test do so after making the decision to prepare by themselves. If you are considering taking the test without first participating in a preparatory class, can we encourage you to rethink that decision? Preparatory classes are incredibly advantageous.
Our classes are so effective that we can proudly say we have a 92% first-time pass rate for the PCV theory test. For the small amount of money you will invest, you will gain all of the knowledge and confidence you need to succeed. Please take advantage of the service we offer – you will spend less time preparing and more time looking for work once you have completed your training and obtained your licence.
Our commercial driver training includes everything you need to obtain your licence as quickly as possible. From the moment you begin preparing for the PCV theory test to that day you land your first professional driving job, we are here to assist you at every step. We train both individual and company drivers throughout their careers. We offer initial licence training as well as ongoing CPC training needed to meet government regulations.
More Reading on PCV Licence Training
For your further reading please click on pages below to access our other articles:
- Intensive Bus Driver Training For Your PCV Licence
- Find the Best Coach Driver Training Courses Near You Today!
- Get the Best PCV Minibus Licence Training in Your Location
- The UK PCV Driving Licence Explained
- The Road to a Career as a PCV Driver Starts Here
- Low Cost – Top Quality – PCV Driver Training Courses
- The Driver’s Guide to Passing Your PCV Licence
- Top Tips on How to Pass the PCV Theory Test
- The UK’s Top PCV Training Schools at Your Fingertips
- How to Really Compare PCV Training Costs
- What’s the Difference between a PCV and a PSV Licence?
